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
