Sailing in the British Virgin Islands

Friends who don’t sail ask me what the Caribbean is like and my answer is always the same:

“Imagine a picture on a postcard with white sandy beaches, clear blue skies and turquoise waters, well that’s the reality” and that is one of the factors that brings me back there year after year. And then there’s the sailing. The British Virgin Islands have some of the best sailing in the world. Apart from the sunshine, there are other factors that make it one of the top destinations for sailors every year. The islands are close together meaning that visitors can explore all the islands easily, stopping off for lunch on Cooper Island perhaps or taking a pit-stop to snorkel the Wreck of The Rhone.

The island chain that forms the British Virgin Islands means the waters are protected making for very pleasant sailing. Add to this the low tidal range and it makes for very easy cruising. The Trade Winds are constant in the BVI and of course we would not get very far without wind. There is a reason that the BVI is one of the most popular destinations for charter holidays. Sailing here is beautiful, accessible and above all great fun.

It is not all about sailing though and the fun does not stop once you have picked up a mooring for the night. The islands are friendly and cater well for visitors. Whether it is a trip to The Bitter End Yacht Club for some relaxing on the beach or a sunrise hike on Norman Island there is always something to do or somewhere to explore. The waters of the BVI are relatively shallow and an ideal place for marine life to grow. Snorkelling here is like being transported to a scene in Finding Nemo and the list of things to be spotted is huge. I still get excited every time I see a turtle. Whether I am following them to tag with one of our marine biology programs or just enjoying their company during a snorkel seeing one of these guys makes my day.

The islands themselves hold many treasures, The Baths on Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Sandy Cay and Jost Van Dyke are some of my favourite places to visit. The islands are diverse and whatever you are looking for you can probably find it here. Perhaps you want to relax in a hammock at Loblolly Bay on Anegada or maybe scrambling through the rocks at The Baths is more your cup of tea but wherever you find yourself it will be worth the visit.

Does this sound like your dream summer?  Check out our summer sailing camps for teens!