Blog | Sailing Vacations, Caribbean Sailing Charters

Sailing Vacations – Gone To Come Back

Sept 1, 2011

The bayou boys, Jason, Jimmy and Andre are getting ready to sail the last leg of their week long sailing and diving Caribbean vacation with Captain Terry.

Anegada Cow & Rooster

Anchors away as we rise early to set sail for our final destination….the famous Sophers Hole at the West End of Tortola. As we slip out of the anchorage at Anegada all is quiet, a few sailors are sitting in their cockpits watching the sun rise over the sleepy island. As we look back at Anegada we realize that we are leaving a world so different from our lives. A simple life without a lot of technology, a few dirt roads, a few houses that pose as storefronts. No interstate, no supermarkets, no cell towers. You can feel the calm and hear the sound of nature.

Our sail to Sophers Hole is going to be an adrenaline rush. Winds are gusting from the North-East at 22 knots and there are rollers coming in from a storm in the North Atlantic. We have decided to forego a last dive and take advantage of the favorable winds. All hatches closed, heads closed, anything that might fall has been stored. We are getting excited and envision ourselves getting ready to brave the mighty seas!

As we approach the open water, I am at the helm , Jimmy is raising the mainsail as the wind is already starting to whip, Andre releases the ginny and Wow! This is like in the movies, we are heeling over, the rail is in the water and we are flying!!! Ride em Cowboy!!! Excited laughter can be heard as these Cajun boys are sailing toward Sophers Hole. A little different from the flat bottom boats in the bayou!

We are making great time so we decide to stop for lunch at Monkey Point. Sails are in, I glide us straight to a mooring ball, we grab our snorkel gear and jump into the cool, crystal clear water where the visibility is excellent. Immediately we spot a large group of tarpon, a school of blue tangs, some parrot fish , and for the first time we see a school of baby squid. What a great finale for our last under water experience.

Anegada Miles of Deserted Beaches

Back on the boat we quickly prepare sandwiches and continue our sail to Sophers Hole. The winds are still blowing steady and we make great time. The sky is bright blue, sun is shining, crystal clear blue water doted by lush green mountainous islands. This is paradise and we are getting a little nostalgic knowing that tomorrow we will be back in the real world of jobs, responsibilities, cell phones. I guess we will just have to work hard so that we can call Captain Terry and plan our sailing charter for next year.

Sophers Hole is a protected harbor and a port of entry for vessels arriving and departing the British waters. It is also a ferry stop between the British and United Stated Virgin islands. Tomorrow morning we will catch a ferry to St. Thomas and then a short ride to the airport.

Sophers Hole is a full service marina and abounds with activity; numerous restaurants, lots of shops, lots of people. We clean up and take the dingy in to explore. A stop at Pussers for one more Painkiller, then on to the shops for a few souvenirs, another stop at Pussers and then to dinner at the Jolly Roger. The Jolly Roger is a local favorite. Since we are “old salts” we just belly up to the bar. Captain Terry has joined us on our last night and of course he knows half the people there. Everyone is either coming or going and we have great stories and advice for everyone. We are still excited about our ‘high voltage sail” today and every time we tell the story the wind speed increases. (it’s a Cajun thing) . The good news is that when taking a sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands there are so many cays and coves that at any time we could have ducked in and immediately been in a calm anchorage. That is a comforting fact and is another good reason to bring along an experienced and knowledge captain.

We reminisce about our week of sailing and diving. Captain Terry has taught us the basics of sailing and shown us the best dive and secret snorkel spots. We have gained confidence in our own sailing abilities, knowing that the Captain always had our back. A friendship has been forged and we are all a little subdued as we realize that it will be a year before we join him again on another adventure sailing vacation. Gone to Come Back (You have to leave to come back)

Plan a customized sailing and diving Caribbean vacation on your private floating hotel. Check out sailwithterry.com for pictures and videos. For rates and schedules email sailterry@gmail.com or 941 2660296

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Sailing Vacations – Girls Night Out

August 30, 2011

There is nothing more special than longtime friends. Recently five high school friends decided to celebrate their friendship with a sailing vacation to the Caribbean Islands. We all met in St. Tomas, US Virgin Island, flying from Louisiana, Mississippi and Georgia……Holly

Sailing Vacations

We were best friends in school and these friendships have survived college, marriages, children, divorces, good times and sad times. Through thick and thin we have laughed and cried together. A week in the Caribbean taking a sailing vacation with snorkeling, dining, spas, drinking champagne and just enjoying each other’s company.

The first item on our list was to find the right boat and the right captain. We were looking for a sail boat with comfort and of course the captain had to be knowledgeable, friendly, professional and at times invisible. My job was to do the research. I googled Caribbean Sailing Vacations and found numerous sites that I explored. One site stood out from the rest: sailwithterry.com. The pictures and testimonials sounded just like the captain that would fit in with our plans. A phone call to Captain Terry and he assured me that he would be able to put the trip together based on our requirements.

Sailing Vacation Cabin

An email the next night showed a picture of a beautiful sailing catamaran complete with 4 suites including private heads (baths). The galley (kitchen) was spacious, inviting and well equipped. A dishwasher, modern appliance and panoramic windows. The outside deck area had comfortable chairs, tables and this area was quite large, great for star gazing and champagne nights. We decided that we would eat most of our meals on the various islands but wanted a kitchen for breakfast and lunches plus some of us do love to cook. Lorraine is from Louisiana and her gumbo is world famous.

Sailing Vacation Charter

Captain Terry was available for the week that we chose so we were on go. Money transferred, dates secured. Planes fly to St. Thomas from most major airports so tickets were easy to purchase.

Now we could just sit back, go on a diet, buy new resort clothes, find our pass ports and research all of the islands that Captain Terry has put on his suggested agenda. Being able to speak to a live voice gives us the comfort of having a Captain that would make sure that this sailing vacation was going to meet our expectations.

Since we opted not to have a chef we will be ordering our groceries and beverages form the local supermarket in Tortola, BVI. Let’s see, orange juice, champagne, more orange juice, more champagne. This is going to be fun. When the world is cold and icy, we will be sailing in the warm, blue Caribbean ocean working on our tans.

Stay tuned as the “girlfriends” arrive in St. Thomas.

Check out sailwithTerry.com and see the great pictures of sailing in the Caribbean. Plan your special get away before the winter blues set in. sailwithterry@gmail.com 942 266 0296

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Sailing Vacations – Treasures, Bone Fish & Lobsters

August 23, 2011

Hawksbill turtle

The anchorage at Anegada slowly awakens. Sailboats gently rocking in the crystal clear turquoise water, clinking music of the halyards bouncing off the masts, rhythmic sound of waves hitting the bow of the boat. The Bayou Boys: Jason, Jimmy and Andre are gearing up for another day in paradise.

I smell bacon and blueberry pancakes. Jimmy is busy in the galley. The coffee is ready so we gather on the deck for our el fresco breakfast. Today we will dive Horse Shoe Reef and see if we can find some of the lost treasure from the 300 plus shipwrecks. The sun is shining, the sky is blue so the visibility should be perfect.

As we clear the breakfast dishes I look over the side and wow! There are two hawksbill turtles just hanging around our boat. We jump off the boat, but they are fast swimmers and we are left behind. Oh well, maybe on our dive we might meet again.

Horse Shoe Reef is actually a protected area and diving is at a minimum in this area. Our dive boat is a dive/fishing boat and our fishing guide/dive master is careful not to disturb the coral. Coral in the Horse Shoe consist primarily of Elk horn coral and boulder coral. The winter waves pound this reef and only the hardiest of coral is visible. As we swim along the reef, we see the grave yard of boats that have wrecked over the years. There are only parts and pieces of wrecks but each has a story and we eagerly swim around searching for the treasures that were lost many years ago.

After a long swim on part of Horse Shoe Reef, we board our boat and move over to the flats off the south shore. This is a famous area for bone fishing and the bayou boys are ready to reel in the big ones. Our guide sets are gear and we are ready to engage. Before long Andre is shouting, then Jimmy and finally I get one on the line. Yes this is a fun sport, a little different than fishing in the bayou.

Evening approaches, we are back on our floating hotel, time to clean up for dinner. A shower on the rear deck of the boat, clean shorts and shirts, an ice cold beer and we jump in the dingy for a meal to remember.

Dinner in paradise

Dinner is on the beach. Huge barrel grills are smoking and loaded with Anegada lobsters. The lobsters are kept in cages along the dock and boy are they huge! Captain Terry has reserved a table at Potters on the Beach. Dinner guests from the sailboats are arriving and greetings and laughter abound. “Which boat are you on?” “ Where are you from?” Everyone is in a festive mood. Jimmy notices a table with several young ladies and soon we are enjoying drinks and great conversations. Captain Terry is holding down the table and soon beckons us as our dinner is served. Huge lobsters hanging beyond the plates. These are Caribbean lobsters and man, they come big!! Of course we dig in and wash it all down with some painkillers. The music is intensifying and I feel a dance coming on.

Diving, fishing, lobsters and dancing under the stars on the beach with a beautiful lady form Texas. Am I in heaven? Mama, send money, we are not coming home!

Caribbean Charters are offered by Captain Terry to numerous islands and on various size boats: sail and motorized. You can customize your sailing vacations with Captain Terry ranging from ultimate deluxe to hands on participation. Check out sailwithterry for more information and great pictures. Email:sailwithterry.com or phone 941-266-0296

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Sailing Vacations – Exploring Anegada

August 16, 2011

The Bayou boys – Jason, Jimmy and Andre continue the saga of their BVI adventure vacation. Sailing vacations with next destination – the “Drowned Island” – Anegada.

Sailing Vacations In The Virgin Islands

The morning is filled with anticipation as we prepare for a sail trip to Anegada.  Secure the heads, batten down the hatches, stow anything that will fall out.  The winds are brisk and gusty as we prepare to raise the sails.  Andre has hosted the main sail and I, Jason will pull out the ginny.  The wind is blowing and the sails are full and trimmed.  I think this is going to be our best sailing day yet!  We are heading due North and the winds are coming from the South.  That is what we call sailing down wind and our 46’ monohull is moving like a race horse out of the gate!   The winds clock to the East; we adjust the sails and wow! The boat heels over, the rail is in the water and it feels like we are flying.  No engine sound, just the wind in the sails ripping across the ocean at 9.5 knots.

We look out over the horizon and do not see any land.  Anegada is a flat island formed from coral with an elevation of only 28’.   Anegada is partially encircled by a huge horseshoe shaped reef, 18 miles long and extends 10 miles out just below the surface.  Throughout the years this has been the site of hundreds of shipwrecks.  Local lore tells of pirates inhabiting Anegada and placing false lights to cause ships laden with treasure to crash on the reefs. “I see it” excitedly calls Jimmy as he spots the “drowned Island”.   Captain Terry takes over the helm as we approach the narrow channel.  This is what old salts call “threading the needle” the channel is very narrow and as we look down we can see the sandy bottom through the crystal clear turquoise water.  The depth is 7.5 feet and we draw 7 feet! We simultaneously hold our breath anticipating a bump, but  our experienced captain maneuvers the channel with ease and soon we are picking our mooring for the night.

Now, we are going to rent a jeep and explore Anegada and end up at Loblolly Bay for an afternoon of snorkeling, walking on a deserted snow white beach, and enjoying some local drinks while lying in a hammock under the trees.

Our red open jeep is perfect for exploring.  This island feels like we have gone back in time by at least a century.  A salt pond on the right with pink flamingos in the distance, cows crossing in front of us on the road, a few goats and then a roundabout in the middle of nowhere!  There are few vehicles on the road and we pass through the settlement which has  Caribbean color houses, a small store, Laundromat and bakery.  Life moves very slowly.  No TV, no newspaper.   Just friendly waves from the locals.

Through the brush we see Loblolly Bay.  A beach bar, a few cabins and miles of snowy white beaches.  We get our snorkel gear and swim out to the reef.  The sky is clear so the coral appear even more brilliant.  We see elk coral, big brain and large boulder corals.  Schools of blue tang swim by as well as large parrot fish.  This is an easy snorkel with lots to see.  Tomorrow we will dive and explore the caves and perhaps find some hidden treasure from previous ship wrecks.

We swim back to the beach, open a cold beer and take a nap in the huge hammock under a canopy of trees.   Later, we find the bar at Loblolly, named the “Big Bamboo” and as we find out seats at the tiki bar we are greeted by two very pretty ladies, it seems the two (who are cousin’s) have sailed all the way from Norway.  Of course Jimmy, Andre and I are excited to hear the tales of adventure from these two courageous ladies, so we order another round of beer.

Captain Terry specializes in custom sailing adventures.  Captain Terry will find the right boat and the right islands for your vacation of a life time.  Check out the photos from many happy vacationers.   Email: sailwithterry@gmail.com or phone 941- 266- 0296

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Sailing Vacation – Cockroach Island and the Dogs

August 12, 2011

The Louisiana Bayou boys, Jason, Jimmy and Andre continue their adventure vacation. Living on a sail boat while exploring dive sites in the British Virgin Islands.

Sailing Vacation - Cockroach Island

We are up bright and early and enjoying the culinary skills of the assigned chef of the day, Jason. Bacon, sausage, French toast (lost bread in Cajun country), scrambled eggs, fresh pineapple, and coffee with chicory await us as we gather around the table in the cockpit. Jason has prepared a feast and we enjoy every last bite.

Today we will have a two tank dive. Our first stop, Cockroach Island, sounds exciting. Actually we will be diving the Visibles. We descend on a mooring line along side of a pinnacle. The current is running strong as we swim toward the shore line. Jimmy excitingly signals us as he spots a huge barracuda. We pass through the rocks and see beautiful sea fans, eagle rays and a huge sea turtle. At 80 feet we encounter a series of ledges and overhangs home to bigeyes, angelfish and snappers. When we swim toward the island we see a maze of tunnels, arches and huge boulders encrusted with sponges, corals and we see schools of trumpet fish and sergeant majors. Wow! This is dive is an adrenaline rush.

Back on our dive boat with USB divers we are all talking at once trying to describe the fish that we saw. We are joined today with a honeymoon couple from Texas, Michael and Sarah. They also agree that this was a great dive location and we are happy that Katy and Tony, our dive masters have chosen this location.

A nice lunch on the boat and soon we are heading for our afternoon dive…. The Dogs. Actually this is a group of islands known as: George Dog, Seal Dog, and Great Dog. We will be diving the most popular dive in the Virgin Gorda area, The Chimney at the western end of Great Dog. This is one of the favorite BVI sites that the legendary Jacques Yves Cousteau dove because of the unusual white sponges on the walls.

As we descend we enter the Fish Bowl which is home to yellowtails, sergeant majors, parrotfish and many other exotic varieties of fish. As we pass through the fish bowl exploring the ridges and canyons we pass through a large archway. We entered a narrow corridor and see two boulders touching, this is the Chimney. We beamed our dive light and saw brilliant colors and numerous creatures: spotted rock lobster, anemones and a kaleidoscope of colors and also the unusual white sponges.

Time to ascend to our dive boat and a short, speedy trip to our “floating hotel”. I think tonight we will have a quiet dinner under the canopy of the stars and we will dream about nature’s wonderland under the sea.

This is truly a great sailing vacation, we are able to dive, sail to new destinations and explore different islands by land and by water.

I think I heard Captain Terry say something about going to a Drowned Island tomorrow. Another adventure. We all agree that chartering your own sailboat with Captain Terry is the best vacation ever. We are already talking about making this an annual trip.

Check out: www. sailwithterry.com and see the underwater video. Captain Terry can organize your dream sailing vacation. Email: sailwithterry@gmail.com or 941 266 0296

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Sailing Vacations – Virgin Gorda

August 6, 2011

The diving/sailing vacation for the Bayou boys continues as they plan for a great sail to Virgin Gorda – fun, food, exploring.

Our floating hotel has indeed become home to us. The aroma of coffee gently nudges us awake. That first cup sitting on the deck, looking at the blue ocean meeting the blue sky . Gentle waves bounce off the hull, the soft music of the wind, all is quiet with the exception of a splash as the sea gulls fish for their breakfast. I feel so removed from the hectic world of school, finals, job interviews, phones, computers. We are not connected but yet are connected to nature. This sailing/diving vacation has intensified the bond that Jimmy, Andre and I have shared throughout our youth. These memories will last forever.

Today we sail to Virgin Gorda. Captain Terry is getting the boat ready for our journey. Checking all of the lines, the engine and the instruments. I take the helm while Jason releases the mooring ball. Andre is pulling up the mainsail and then we release the ginny. Winds are in our favor and we are moving out at 8 plus knots!!! No engine, just the full sails as we cut through the 3-4 foot waves.. Some rollers from a storm in the North Atlantic have moved in and a spray of ocean water wakes us up. Yipee!!! We are pirates of old fighting the master ocean.

Our destination is Leverick Bay, a full service resort and home of the famous beach big roast and the Mucko Jumbies. As we enter the anchorage, Andre hooks the mooring ball and we are set. A short dingy ride to the beach, a cool beverage at the tiki bar and then a picturesque cab ride to the world famous Baths. The Baths consist of huge boulders that are stacked like building blocks creating a cave . Sunlight shines through the openings and we wade through large pools of water. The Baths are phenomenal and we have our camera in action. The legend is that these gigantic boulders are the result of a meteor shower, probably when the dinosaurs were hanging out.

This evening we are going to party, first we pull up to the tiki bar at Leverick Bay and meet some of the local salts as well as boaters from all over the world. Some are live aboards that just sail the islands, having sold all of their worldly possessions and just enjoying the vagabond life. We introduce ourselves to a group of ladies that are on a “girls trip” and now the party is getting geared up.

The music starts up and Michael The Pirate is starting his entertainment. Michael Beams lives on a wicked looking sail boat and sings rowdy pirate songs. He sings and tells tales of the pirates that sailed Drake Channel long ago.

Dusk is approaching, the smell of barbeque is wafting down. Huge table are set up loaded with a huge array of food including a roasted pig. Great food, the band is playing, drinks are flowing and everyone is ready to dance and to party.

Expectation is in the air and as I look up I see a very tall person in bright colors coming around the pool. A drum roll, It is the Mucko Jumbies. Natives dresses in colorful costumes on huge stilts come down and dance with the guests. A conga line is formed and we dance between the stilts. Jimmy looks over at me and asks: Is it Mardi Gras? We dance until the wee hours with our new best friends from the “girls trip” and then reluctantly bid good night and dingy back to our boat.

Captain Terry has schedule a rendezvous dive to the Dogs for tomorrow. I can hardly go to sleep thinking of the all of the things that we will see tomorrow.

Check out:www sailwithterry.com for [pictures of the Mucko Jumbies and the Baths. Captain Terry will help you plan your perfect vacation. Diving, Sailing, Girls Trip, Honeymoon, Family reunions. Email: sailwithterry@gmail.com or 941 266 0296

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Sailing Vacations – Diving, Sailing Vacation

July 31, 2011

Sailing Vacations – Diving, Sailing Vacation

The Cajun boys, Jason, Jimmy and Andre continue their diving vacation on a 46’ live aboard enjoying the top diving sites in the British Virgin Islands.

Morning sun breaks over the distant mountain range and sprays its brilliant rays on the peaceful turquoise water of the Caribbean. Pelicans are diving for their breakfast as we see the swirls of baitfish. The aroma of coffee beckons and I am enjoying watching the morning unfold. Soon André sleepily comes up on deck, sees the baitfish and the next moment he has put on fins and mask and is checking out all of the underwater activity. Soon Andre resurfaces with a big smile, he has just seen a group of sting ray, a large turtle, a school of blue tang.

After breakfast a dive boat from UBS divers approaches and Katie, our dive master greets us with a smile and helps us on the boat. Captain Terry is going to join us so I know we will have an extra show.

Destination: Painted Walls is a series of Technicolor box canyons located at the end tip of Dead Chest Island. Swimming out to the sea, the visibility is over 100’. Angel fish, queen triggerfish and chub all surround us. Katie guides us to the first canon and then on to the main canon, soon we enter the sponge encrusted tunnel where the name is derived. The walls are encrusted with brilliant colored sponges: purple, orange, red, pinks, fluorescent yellow and oranges. The beauty is breathtaking and photos cannot do it justice. This is an image to be relived in our memory bank for years to come.

Soon our guide leads us to the mooring that is holding the dive boat and Captain Tony welcomes everyone aboard. We share the excitement of all of the beautiful fish and coral that we have seen. Captain Terry takes out his Tropical Fish Book and we excitingly identify the fish that we have seen. What a wonderful experience to share with my friends.

A nice leisure lunch and rest and we proceed to our next dive spot. Blonde Rock. Blonde Rock is a natural magnet attracting all kinds of marine life: turtles, schools of Jack, Cobia, barracuda and even an occasional shark. Twin fire coral encrusted peaks (the name blonde) rise from a plateau at 35-40 feet. There are several ledges sporting numerous schools of fish and we proceed to the amphitheater. Here we find glasseye snapper, graysby and large carbas. Captain Terry shines his light and we see a brilliant array of sponge , algae and coral.

We return to our sailboat, good byes to Katie, our pretty dive guide. We sit on the deck of the boat, enjoying an ice-cold local beer and relive the amazing dive sites that we have visited in one day. I am overwhelmed by the clarity of the water and the abundance of the marine life and brilliant colors.

We dingy ashore for a great dinner, good wine and meeting more fellow sailors. Tomorrow we will sail to Cooper Island and explore another dive site.

As Jimmy, André and I sit under the endless starlight sky, we agree that this sailing vacation is a dream come true and will be a memory that we will hold dearly for the rest of our lives. The camaraderie, the beautiful scenery and balmy weather, the amazing dive sites and of course the security that Captain Terry is showing us the best islands in the BVI and making sure that we do not get into trouble. Life is good.

Captain Terry offers custom sailing trips. Visit sailwithterry.com and check out the great pictures and video. Contact Captain Terry at sailwithterry@gmail or phone 941 266 0296 and plan your dream vacation.

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Sailing Vacation – Diving in the Caribbean

July 19, 2011

A combination sailing vacation and diving vacation is the ultimate vacation for enjoying two adventurous water vacations. Follow Jason and his friends as they explore the chain of dive sites in BVI.

A chartered sailboat and the expertise of Captain Terry promise a fun filled and exciting vacation for me and two buddies, Jimmy and Andre. We recently graduated from LSU and this is our reward before we hit the real world of jobs and responsibilities.

As Cajuns we have a love and respect for the water, and as Cajuns we are always looking for the next adventure. I think Captain Terry will have fun with the Bayou Boys.

Our floating hotel is a 50’ monohull with four berths, a spacious galley and salon. On our first day out Captain Terry teaches us the fundamentals of sailing, putting down an anchor and hooking a mooring ball. The winds are blowing, we hoist the sails and “Oh Baby”, the rail is in the water! Of course we are assured that we will not tip over because our keel weighs 6,000 lbs. The mainsail and ginny are both full and it feel as if we are flying. No engine sound, just the wind in our face and the sound of the water against the hull as we cut through the waves. Mon Chere, this is nice!

Today we are going to a have a dive boat pick us up from our anchorage at Peter Island and dive Truck Reef and Shark Point. In the 1950’s, in anticipation of a visit from Queen Elizabeth, there was “Clean for the Queen” campaign. The locals rounded up all of the old abandoned cars, loaded them on a barge and dumped them at the mouth of Great Harbour. This is a deep dive and intriguing for the steep drop off harboring massive black coral trees and several huge anchors. Large Tub sponges line the top of the wall.

Our next stop is Shark Point. The visibility is amazing due to the sites location in the open ocean. Follow the ridge and use this as a vantage point to view the schools of black durgon, horse-eyed jacks, and an occasional barracuda. We continue along a tunnel and come to a canyon and there are queen angelfish, whitespotted tile fish, groupers and butterfly fish. Swimming deeper along the ridge we run into a large jew fish and some nurse sharks. There is a maze of alleyways and caves that makes for exciting exploring.

Our dive boat returns us to our sailboat and we are all talking at once sharing the sights that we have discovered. Beautiful coral, so many fish we can’t count them and of course we all laugh at Andre as he met his first shark. We did not know the boy could swim that fast!

A ice cold beer, a shower off the back of the boat and we are ready to check out happy hour on Peter Island.

Tomorrow we will explore Painted Wall and Blonde Rock.

Captain Terry will customize your sailing charter according to your interests and wishes.

Check out the underwater pictures at sailwithwithterry.com and contact him for schedules and pricing at sailwithterry@gmail.com or 941 266 0296

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Sailing Vacations – Caribbean Diving Vacations

July 14, 2011

Who says that you cannot have it all?    If your passion is the beautiful aqua waters of the British Virgin Islands, then a week chartering a sailboat and going diving is the ultimate vacation.

Diving and Sailing Vacation

The British Virgin Islands are considered one of the hottest dive sites in the world.  There are over 70 established dive sites and numerous secret sites known only to the local divers and charter captains. Lush coral gardens, sloping reefs, sheer walls, wrecks, tunnels, ledges, and of course a gigantic array of sea life.

Charter a sail boat in Tortola and easily access your first nights anchorage, Norman Island.    A great dive spot on the way to Norman Island is Pelican Island.   This is a good starting point to get acclimated to the warm Caribbean water.  Pelican Island is an uninhabited island and is the site of Rainbow Canyon (25-60) feet deep. You will find large coral heads that are home to schools of parrot fish.  Dive down into one of the canyons and see spotted drums, sharpnose puffers, crinods and flame scallops.  Continuing along the reefs edge you will spot schools of creole wrasse and Spanish hogfish.   Often the waters are teeming with  thousands of bait fish which provide dinner for larger tarpons.

Another notable stop on your way to Norman Island is the Indians, one of the most popular dive sites in the BVI. Four jagged rocks protrude 50 feet above the ocean.    The top of the jagged rocks look somewhat like an Indian headdress, hence the name.  This dive takes about 50  minutes and as you swim along the  base of the cliffs you will see creole wrasses and bar jacks.  Rounding the southern point you will encounter a lot of fish including schoolmaster snapper, parrotfish and trunkfish.  Continuing along you will swim over brain and elk  coral and  enter the “fish bowl”.  A shallow area filled with  baitfish  that attract  many fish including jacks, snappers and also pelicans ding  bombing from above for their lunch.

Next you will come to an area where the bottom of the ocean rises and you will be amazed at all of the colorful damselfish and blue tang.  This is a great time to pull out the underwater camera and take pictures that will look as if you are swimming in an aquarium.   There is also a small cave for you to enter that is home to a school of glassy sweepers.

A swim back to your sailboat, a short ride to Norman Island anchorage and you are set for the night on your floating hotel.  No crowds, not long lines, just a nice evening on the deck of your charted sail boat.  Tomorrow we will visit more exciting dive locations.

Captain Terry offers sailing vacations with a private dive master or rendezvous dive boats at various locations.  Captain Terry is an experienced captain and diver and knows all of the famous dive locations and also some very secrets spots.

Check out sailiwthterry.com for great pictures of the Pelicans and Indians.

Email sailwithterry@gmail or phone 941 266 0296 for your customized sailing – diving vacation in the Caribbean.

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Sailing Vacations – All Good Things Must Come To End

July 8, 2011

The Adams Family sailing vacation is sadly coming to an end.  We have spent seven days exploring the British Virgin Islands. Sailing, diving, snorkeling, beach parties, spas, hiking…  So many things to do so little time. 

Our last day of sailing with Captain Terry on a 44’ Catamaran “Sea Breeze”, our home for the last seven days.  Everyone slowly  moves up to the deck  to enjoy the morning solitude.   Mast’s rocking in the anchorage, sea gulls fishing for breakfast.   The day is coming to life over a  serene  turquoise blue ocean. There is a quiet sadness as we know that we will be leaving this peaceful environment and return to our daily lives.

Captain Terry suggests that we enjoy our freshly baked Cinnabun rolls and then baton down the hatches.  The winds are coming out of the east and we will have an exciting sail to Sophers Hole, our finale destination in the BVI.

We all work as a team, each taking on a chore as if we have been sailing all of our lives.  John uses the windlass to pull up the anchor while I am at the wheel easing the boat forward so as not to strain the rode.  Sarah and Melody are preparing to raise the main sail.  Main sail up, and Emily is releasing the ginny.  Captain Terry  adjusts the sails and we are flying!   No engine noise, just the sound of the waves and the wind in our faces. What a great way to finish our last day on the water. The Adams family is single handily sailing this large cat at a speed of 8 knots, but if feels like 100 miles an hour.

In the evening we enter Sophers Hole which is the western end of Tortola. This Is a large bustling marina surrounded by  colorful Caribbean hillside homes.   Shops, restaurants, a full service marina, showers and spas  line the board walk.  After grabbing our mooring ball we dingy  to shore.    The children decide to shop for last minute souvenirs while Sarah and I enjoy  a cool rum punch at the famous Pussers Bar.

Later on the boat we pack our soft luggage bags and go ashore for dinner at the Jolly Roger.  Another el fresco restaurant frequented by the locals, offering great food, good company and live music.

One last evening on the deck of Sea Breeze  with Captain Terry  and we enthusiastically reminisce about our weeks’ adventure.  We have documented every moment on photos and are eager to post on face book and share with our friends.

We cannot thank Captain Terry enough for his patience, skill and knowledge of these islands and we feel that we have made a new lifetime friendship. We realize that choosing the right captain made all the difference in the success of our family vacation.  As a family we have bonded and created memories beyond our expectations.  John is asking Captain Terry where will we be sailing next year?  Perhaps to St. Martin or further down island.

An early morning ferry boat ride will bring us to St. Thomas.  A day shopping in the duty free shops, a night at   quaint mountainside hotel and then off to the airport.

Captain Terry offers sailing vacations  to various destinations in the Caribbean  as well as different styles and sizes of boats. Vacations are customized to your wishes and your budget.  Check out sailwithterry.com and view the amazing pictures and videos of previous satisfied customers. 

Contact Captain terry at sailwithterry@gmail.com     941-222-0295

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