Sail with Terry

The Ideal Family Sailing Vacation

What does the ideal family sailing vacation mean to you? Close your eyes and think about it. Does it involve white, sandy beaches, lots of sunshine and time spent with your family? If so, then you may want to consider traveling to one of the most popular locations in the world: the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

To start your BVI family vacation off with a special flare, charter a yacht instead of taking a cruise. By chartering a yacht, you’ll have a more intimate setting that allows for uninterrupted interaction with your family ñ quality time that may be hard to experience elsewhere.

Here is a list of fun things for you and your family to do while on your vacation:

You could take a family hike, or bike ride along one of the many trails on the islands. While you walk or ride, you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty that each island possesses, which will leave you feeling refreshed and happy and ready for more adventure.

If your children are teenagers, then all of you could try your hands at windsurfing. It would be a great deal of fun for everyone.

You could go snorkeling off the coast of Salt Island where the wreck of the Royal Mail Ship Rhone is located.

Or you could explore the giant boulders, also known as the Baths, at Virgin Gorda. The boulders are surrounded by wooden walkways and ropes for added safety, while still allowing you to explore your surroundings and search out sea life caught in tidal pools.

No matter where your family sailing vacation takes you, you’ll be sure to have considerable amounts of fun while learning new and interesting facts about many of the British Virgin Islands’ must-see sites. Give it a try and see if you don’t agree!

Marina Cay: The Perfect Stop on Your Sailing Vacation

If you’re planning on a sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands, one of the best islands to visit is Marina Cay, an 8-acre island paradise that was once home to novelist Robb White and his wife Rodie.

The island of Marina Cay is an ideal family spot. Because of its shallow, calm waters, small children can play in safety while exploring the soft, white, sandy beaches and frolicking in the water, playing Marco Polo or looking for seashells.

If you have older children, you could learn how to snorkel together while experiencing the beauty of the coral reef and the colorful fish that inhabit it and the surrounding areas.

As for Mom and Dad, you can lounge on the beach while the children play, basking in the sun’s warm rays and reading one of Robb White’s books about the island. What better time to learn about the island’s history then while you’re visiting it on your sailing vacation?

Another way for your family to experience the beauty of the island is by kayak, which the local dive shop can provide. Then, after your kayaking adventure, you can stop in for a bite to eat at Pusser’s Porch Grille, which offers everything from burgers and steak, to chicken, pork and seafood. No matter what you choose, make sure to leave some room for one of their many scrumptious desserts. You don’t want to pass up key lime pie or cheesecake. Sounds delicious!

Finally, before you depart the island to continue on with your sailing vacation, make sure to stop in at Pusser’s Company Store to pick up some souvenirs to remember your trip. You might even pick up a few T-shirts for your loved ones back home who are sure to be envious when you tell them what a great time you had.

British Virgin Island Sailing Adventures

Adventures are a part of any good and memorable vacation, and when you visit the British Virgin Islands, there’s no shortage of sailing adventures and excursions for you and your family to enjoy, especially if you’re interested in the past.

The British Virgin Islands are teeming with history, a history that spans hundreds of years and includes famous names like Blackbeard the pirate and author Robert Louis Stevenson.

Norman Island is home to one the adventurous locations. This 2.5-mile long island located on the border of BVI and the U.S. Virgin Islands and is the home of The Caves, the reputed inspiration behind the much-loved Robert Louis Stevenson classic, “Treasure Island.”

The Caves are located at the base of the cliffs at Treasure Point at the southern end of The Bight on Norman Island. They are accessible to people in boats or those that want to snorkel, allowing families two ways to experience these beautiful, remote locations.

As soon as you enter their depths, it’s not hard to see why they are a source of inspiration or why pirates may have stored their treasure within them. Who knows, maybe some lucky, unsuspecting soul will find some long-forgotten treasure.

In your quest to create the perfect sailing adventures, one should also visit Soper’s Hole, another interesting location for fans of pirate lore. It is believed that in the 1700s, Blackbeard the pirate once lived on the spot where Pusser’s Landing is now located.

If your family is interested in sunken wrecks, and swimming through their coral-encrusted bodies, you could stop by the wreckage of the Royal Mail Steamship Rhone, which was featured in the 1977 film The Deep. The Rhone sank off the coast of Salt Island on October 29, 1867, when it was buffeted by a hurricane.

As you can see, sailing adventures abound in the BVI and are just waiting for you to take part.

A Sailing Trip Like No Other

If you’re looking for the perfect sailing trip, a trip that creates memories to last a lifetime, then the British Virgin Islands is the destination for you.

Picture this… you’re sitting on the deck of a yacht at sunset with your loved one seated beside you. you’re anchored just off the shoreline of one of the many islands located in the BVI. You can see people milling about at a local restaurant on the nearby shore, but around you, the air is quiet and peaceful, creating the perfect romantic setting.

As you and your girlfriend sit, holding each other’s hands and watching the sun’s setting rays reflect off the water, you gently slip a ring onto your her finger as you ask for her hand in marriage.

Sounds beautiful, right? Well, this could happen!

If you’re planning a trip to the British Virgin Islands, and you want to make sure your sailing trip is special, and ends with a “yes,” there are certain places that you’ll want to visit that will leave you both breathless and feeling like you’re in another world, created especially for the two of you.

One such place is the beach at Monkey Point on Guana Island. It’s the perfect location for a romantic picnic for two, complete with cheese, crackers, fruit, chocolate and wine.

Afterwords, you could lay out on the white, sandy beach, soaking up the sun’s rays. Or you could take a swim in the water.

On a different day, you could spend time hiking together on the many trails that are found on the islands and trails that allow you to see the local wildlife, like flamingos or brown boobies.

These are just a couple of ideas that would help make a perfect sailing trip and lead to the perfect ending to a perfect vacation.

BVI Vacation | The sailing season for Sailwithterry has started off with a bang!!

A wonderful  family from California  joined us on Mañana Maybe in time for an unforgettable New years celebration.    We were all invited to a party in the home of one of the residents on the island of Great Camono.

New Years Eve day we sailed to  Marina Cay and  easily picked up a mooring .  Cocktails at sunset and then a short boat ride to a private dock.   We then  boarded a  truck with benches and proceeded to go up and up and around a mountain on a one lane road.  At the   top we entered the home of our hosts and were speechless at the 360 degree views.

The party was  attended by guests from all over the  world, including a renowned harp player, a couple that had sailed around the world, and a lovely lady that was a fly fishing guide in the islands.  Just prior to midnight we gathered on the terrace for champagne , the count down and a beautiful view of the water, islands, and fireworks below .

A sleepy, happy group rode back to Manana Maybe and all agreed this was the most  awesome and memorable  evening ever.  Welcome 2010!

The remainder  of the trip was filled with great sailing winds, some still days where the water was like glass which made for extra clear  and colorful snorkeling,  an anchorage at Leverick Bay  for shopping, happy hour , a pig barbecue and live entertainment.  The next day we taxied to the Baths, a huge cave created by volcanic boulders.

The Baths are a must see in the BVI, even saw Kelly Ripa (Regis and Kelly fame) and her family.

Are YOU Next?

Don’t let the cold winter months get you in a funk.  Check out Sailwithterry, select the  plan that suits you and reserve your date today.

Choose your sailing itinerary:  do you want to  learn to sail,  dive, snorkel,  fish, hike, explore islands,  indulge in spa treatments,  visits island boutiques , check out local entertainment and restaurants, relax on a float and enjoy a beverage,… or do it all?

Seven days, seven islands and memories that last a lifetime.

Captain Terry

Charter a Sailing Yacht… Fulfil a Dream!

When you were a child, did you play with toy, wooden boats, dreaming of the day when you could charter a sailing yacht over wide, open seas, with the wind at your back and the ocean gently undulating beneath your feet? Did you dream of smelling the salty air and feeling the warm, bright sunlight beaming down on you as you watched dolphins frolic alongside as you sail? Well, your dream can now become reality!

All you have to do is charter a sailing yacht through SailWithTerry, and you can experience the joy and wonder of sailing around the British Virgin Islands, and taking in the beautiful scenery that the islands have to offer, all the while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Those interested in charting a yacht through SailWithTerry will quickly find it’s not a one-size fits all experience. SailWithTerry offers several different packages to cater to all different wants and needs.

Depending on your preference, you can choose from a fully or partially-staffed sailing excursion, or one that allows you to hone your seamanship skills and pretend, if only for a time, that you’re a bit like Captain Jack Sparrow, of Pirates of the Caribbean fame.

If you’d rather relax and just enjoy the sights around you, then you can choose to have a fully-staffed boat, replete with a chef who will cook for you. You can while away the hours, swimming, diving, snorkeling, reading, fishing, whatever your heart desires.

For those of you who love to cook and share your culinary talents with others, there’s even a package for you. Through an online form, you choose the food you want and Captain Terry will have it waiting for you when you step on board, ready for you to craft your culinary magic and create a feast for you and your fellow passengers.

When you charter a sailing yacht with SailWithTerry, you’re not only fulfilling a dream, you’re also making a promise to yourself that you’ll enjoy all that life has to offer. So, contact the Captain and get started on your adventure today!

A Sailing Holiday is the Best Way to Relax

Another typical work day ahead. Work is stressful. Drudgery abounds. Forget that! It’s time to break away from the routine and enjoy the sailing holiday you’ve always dreamed of!

Make a call to Captain Terry and your sailing holiday has started. you’re off to the glorious British Virgin Islands for the best tailor-made adventure you’ve ever had. Leave the computer and the cell phone at home. You don’t need them. The Mañana Maybe is where the adventure begins and stress ends. Because Captain Terry has a wealth of experience and intimate local knowledge, he creates the sailing holiday that’s perfect for you whether every activity is fully planned or you choose a more spontaneously casual approach.

You can learn all about seamanship. Check out the beautiful crystal clear waters and watch the dolphins swimming alongside while you cast a line to catch some fish. You can go swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving. Or just enjoy delicious meals on board prepared by Chef Ingrid or one of the guests. It’s up to you.

There are plenty of things to do in the BVI. A terrific range of dining venues to satisfy that voracious appetite that only clean, fresh air and a total feeling of relaxation can give you. Hike along ancient trails or stroll along the pristine, white sandy beaches. Spend a lazy afternoon improving your tan on the beach and make your colleagues back at work jealous.

And the nightlife is amazing! There are exciting beach bars and grills everywhere so you can eat, drink, dance and enjoy the atmosphere while you make some new friends. Enjoy a different party every night. Maybe even meet that special someone for a little romance. Party all night and watch the beautiful sunrise from the beach in the morning.

The only downside to a sailing holiday is leaving. But you can always go back for more adventure anytime. Visit once and you’ll definitely want to return… Captain Terry will make sure of that!

Four of the Best Snorkeling Locations in the British Virgin Islands

Finding the best snorkeling locations in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) will ensure an exciting sailing vacation for you and your family. The sea life of the region is awesome no matter where you go, but when you find the best place to view these amazing sights, your trip will become even more memorable.

Snorkeling is like swimming in that you don’t need any special clothing other than a bathing suit, but it does require a breathing device which Captain Terry will provide for you.

The British Virgin Islands offer many exotic locations you can snorkel, but here are the top four hot spots for this fun family activity:

1. Loblolly Bay

Loblolly Bay is a very popular site for snorkeling. The lush green landscape surrounds the most vibrant blue water you can find. You won’t have to go far to discover underwater caves, reefs, and schools of fish and shrimp. And the sandy sea floor there is unlike any other location!

2. The Baths

The Baths are very popular as well, which make this another popular location. Snorkelers will find awesome coral ledges and caves that words can’t even describe, unlike any others you may have seen elsewhere.

3. Green Cay

Green Cay is a wonderful place for snorkelers! It offers amazing views of sea life such as angelfish, minnows, snappers, and tarpon. You’ll also see white foaming surf under the water and colored sponges, making this an adventure to remember.

4. The Indians

The Indians offer many things to snorkelers as well. You can enjoy sea creatures, plant life, and other underwater wonders. And the colors are spectacular–above and below the water.

Snorkeling is an exciting, adventure sport that never gets old because you see something new and amazing every time you go. Whether itís a new location or the same place time and time again, once you take your first trip, you’ll be hooked.

The British Virgin Islands offer many locations to snorkel. The four listed here are some of the more popular but there are others and Captain Terry can help you decide which will work best for you.