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Caribbean Sailing Vacation – Friends Sailing Vacation

April 11, 2012

Caribbean Sailing Vacation

Sorority sisters annual reunion will be aboard a magnificent luxury catamaran: “Mystique” . Three college roommates along with their spouses will be meeting in Road Town, Tortola, and British Virgin Islands for a week long private sailing vacation. The BVI is considered the sailing capital of the world offering over 60 islands and cays to visit.

Our memories go back many years and Sherry, Deanna and I, Holly, made a pact to meet each year at a different location so that we can stay connected in each other’s lives.

This year I have been selected to choose our method of fun. We share a love of warm weather, sunny skies and quiet beaches. Through the years we have also become “foodies”; we enjoy cooking interesting meals and trying wines from around the world.

A sailing charter on a catamaran with a private crew is the perfect get away. Mystique has luxury appointments offering private suites with queen size beds, spacious baths and of most important of all; a fully equipped kitchen and a sprawling galley and salon completely surrounded by windows to view the beautiful turquoise Caribbean water.

We have decided that each couple would choose a night to prepare a special gourmet meal along with the appropriate wines. The other nights we would be dining on the various island and checking out the local cuisine.

The BIV, although self-governed, has a strong British influence and numerous resorts offer internationally renowned chefs as well as fabulous spas offering European rejuvenating treatments.

Our first night on the water we sailed to Peter Island. This was a rather short sail, just to give us our sea legs and get us orientated for the water, all orchestrated by the competent team of our Captain and his first mate. We have decided to dine on shore at the famous Tradewinds restaurant.

Peter Island is a private 1800 acre resort offering five beautiful beaches, numerous secluded villas, manicured walking paths surrounded by colorful tropical vegetation. The Vilas are offered for rentals or one may reserve the entire island.

Our destination; the Tradewinds Restaurant at the resort where we begin with Cocktails on the terrace and then a gourmet meal in the dining room with a beautiful vista of the ocean. British formality prevails, no shorts or flip lops, men are required to wear slacks and shirts with collars (preferably sport coats) and ladies attire is casual elegance. The table settings are exquisite: elegant Germans china and crystal from Italy. This is a special night, Tradewinds is offering a Vintner’s wine pairing dinner. We sit down for a long leisurely gastronomic experience in the beautiful Caribbean. Wines and cognac from around the world will accompany numerous courses. It was a great experience and one that will stay in our memory book.

We have a week planned for a different destination each evening, a new experience each day. We plan to rendezvous with a dive boat and explore the famous RS Rone, dance all night at a Full Moon party on Trellis Bay, sail over to the Drowned island for a lobster fest, visit the world renowned Baths, snorkel the Dogs, the Indians and maybe find time to read a book. Or maybe we will indulge ourselves and enjoy a couples spa day with champagne, try our hand at bone fishing, party on Josh Van Dyke at world famous Foxy’s, hike and have a picnic on Green Cay, or find a secluded beach with no other human foot prints

Mystique is very spacious yacht and there are numerous places to find a deck chair, a hammock, or lie on the trampoline and watch the waves go by.

Tonight we will be anchoring at Manchioneel Bay off Cooper Island. Sherry and Paul are planning our dinner: Gingered scallops for appetizers and a sumptuous grilled rack of lamb. The evening starts with cocktails on the huge deck as we salute the sunset followed by dinner under a canopy of brightly lit stars. The sky is so bright we can name the constellations and planets. We have not seen each other since last year and there is a lot of catching up, a lot of reminiscing. Good friends, gales of laughter on a beautiful boat in the warm turquoise blue Caribbean.

A memorable vacation on your private yacht. No crowds, no time lines. Visit a different island each day and sleep on your floating hotel. SailwtihTerry has the expertise to find the perfect boat for your vacation and will match your itinerary and your budget. Captain Terry has sailed these waters for years and knows the best boats, the best crews, best parties and also the secluded anchorages.

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Caribbean Sailing Vacations – Ten Important Questions

March 16, 2012

Caribbean Sailing Vacations

Dreaming of an escape to blue skies, warm crystal clear turquoise water, sandy beaches on your own floating hotel? Ten important questions to help get you started and to make this dream Caribbean sailing vacation a reality.

1. Where is the best place to charter a sail boat or a motor yacht?
The Virgin Islands are a world famous destination. Warm year around weather, stable weather patterns, consistent year around trade winds. Rough seas are broken by a chain of islands so you have primarily gentle waves. Easy accessibly and a huge array of sailboats; monohulls, catamarans as well motor yachts in a wide range of sizes and amenities..

2. How do I decide what size and type of boat I need for a dream sailing charter?
A reputable, experienced charter boat broker will suggest the best type and size boat for your needs and your budget. The broker can explain the advantage and disadvantages of the different types of vessels and clarify the wide choice of services and amenities. Remember a smaller boat is not always the least expensive.

3. What about crew?
The size of the boat dictates the number of crew on the vessel. A crew can consist of just a captain only, a captain and a first mate (chef) or on a large vessel multiple crew members to carter to all of your needs.

4. Do I have to have any sailing knowledge if I charter a sailboat?
Depending on the type of charter (Captain only or full crew), your participation will be minimal or optional. Captain only charters requires some assistance in hoisting sails, anchoring or catching a mooring line. If there is a first mate (chef) your participation will be totally voluntary. You can sail as little or as much as you wish.

5. Will I be stuck on a boat for the duration of my vacation?
No. No No. The best thing about the Virgin Islands is that there are over 60 islands and cays. Some islands are private, some are uninhabited and many offer resort amenities open to the public. Enjoy European spas, world renown restaurants, beach bars, live entertainment, quaint boutiques, windsurfing, kite surfing , sun bathing on secluded white beaches, kayaking, hiking, beach bar hopping and exploring remote islands. You can have as much water based or land based activity as you desire. Enjoy a laid back sailing vacation reading and relaxing or a high activity vacation or a blend of both. It is your trip, your agenda.

6. What do I pack on a sailing vacation?
Very little. A soft sided duffle bag works best. Shorts, t shirts, flip flops are the standard uniform in the islands. Attire is casual. The temperature cools a little at night so bring a long sleeve shirt. Slacks for men and sun dresses for ladies is required in the upscale restaurants. There are boutiques for buying sun tan lotion, sun glasses and lots of t shirts. Bring your favorite reading material and your IPod if you want to listen to your music. The currency is American dollars.

7. What do we do about food?
A crewed charter will offer a gourmet chef. The chef will prepare meals according to your specifications. Special diets, gourmet meals, wine pairings, ethnic meals. You decide what to eat and when to eat. The food is safe to eat in the Virgin Islands

8. Are there any good dive sites?
Some of the best diving in the Caribbean is in the BVI. You can schedule a rendezvous with a dive boat and do a resort dive. If you are certified there are numerous dives sites to explore; caves, ship wrecks, walls, cathedrals, and amazing coral and sea life. The dive boat will come to your boat, pick you up and return you back at the end of your dive. Some of the charter boats offer dive tanks,equipment and dive masters on the boat so you can sail on to your dive site. The BVI has many outstanding snorkel locations. Often you can just jump off your boat with your snorkel gear and join a school of blue damsels or swim with a hawk turtle. The water is warm and crystal clear so visibility is excellent.

9. What is the best time of the year to take a sailing charter in the islands?
That depends on you. The high time is December thru April. Christmas and Thanksgiving are very popular and New Year’s is amazing. The huge mega yachts from the Mediterranean come over to the British Virgin Islands and every marina and anchorage is a non-stop party. May and June things are slowing down, prices are dropping. July through October is the slowest time. This is hurricane season many of the charter boat captains as well as restaurants take time off. However, it is also a very quiet and peaceful time in the islands. Often you will be the only boat in an anchorage and of course the prices are very competitive.

10. How do I choose a charter boat broker?
A charter boat broker is crucial in making sure that your dream vacation is not going to be a vacation nightmare. Choose someone that you can talk with personally. Someone that will listen to your agenda and match the right captain and crew with you. Someone who has sailed the islands personally and is well acquainted with the boats, the crew members as well as the islands. A good charter boat broker will find you the best deal with your agenda and itinerary in mind.

Sailwithterry,LLC. Captain Terry has actively sailed the Virgin Islands and is well acquainted with the various boats and crew. Whether you are looking for a mega yacht with a complete crew or a captain only charter, Captain Terry can organize your dream vacation. Check out www.sailwithterry and note the testimonials from guest from all over the world.

Phone 941 266 0296 sailwithterry@gmail.com

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Caribbean Sailing Vacation – Fantasy Sailing Vacations | Chapter 8

March 12, 2012

Seal Dog, Mosquito Island, Neckar Island, Prickly Pear, the Dogs, Cock Roach Island in the British Virgin Islands? What is this all about? Fantasy Sailing Vacation.

Caribbean Sailing Vacation

Morning approaches and Captain Jeffery and his first mate, Heidi, are preparing our exit from North Sound. Lines released, engines started and we glide out of the mooring field before the world wakes up. Hugo and I are enjoying a leisure morning with breakfast in bed. It is our last day and our last night and we are sad to be leaving this Caribbean paradise. Every day blue skies, sun shine, crystal clear warm water and a new adventure around every corner. A gentle breeze and the sails are hoisted. We finally surface from our deluxe cabin and are briefed on the next destination. Green Cay: a small 14 acre uninhabited island covered with native flora and a beautiful white sandy beach.

Our 44’ catamaran, “Mardi Gras” is cutting through the waves as we see numerous islands dotting the turquoise ocean. Jeffery points out an out cropping of rocks, known as the Dogs. A short stop, we grab our snorkel gear and set out to see some of the most amazing coral and sea life in the ocean. There is so much to see and each snorkel site offers a different view. So many tropical fish varieties we can’t wait to get back on the boat to look at our chart and identify the species.

Soon we our under sail again and Jeffery points out the different islands; Neckar Island is privately owned by the famous creator of Virgin Air,…Richard Branson, then comes Prickly Pear, Mosquito , Cockroach island and finally we see Green Cay. A short snorkel to the sandy beach and then we venture on a hike around the island. The local vegetation is interesting and different from anything we have ever seen. Upon our return Jeffery and Heidi have set up a picnic lunch on the beach and we enjoy a leisure rest.

Resting was good, our next destination is Jost Van Dyke, a small island of about 225 inhabitants and it appears that time has stood still. Jeffery threads the needle as we come in to the narrow channel at White Bay. This is home to the famous Soggy Dollar bar and we know where the name came from. There are no dinghy docks so we jump over and swim to the bar and are greeted by large group of cruisers from Spain. The BVI is a favorite vacation destination for the international set and of course the common language is English and everyone understands the meaning of fun. White Bay has a beautiful white sandy beach and is dotted with numerous quaint beach bars, each have a differing ambiance and bringing a new meaning to the words “pub crawl”. Great hamburgers, pain killers, tequila shooters, rum runners. There is music and dancing and as the sun is setting the tempo increases. More boats are coming in and the party is jumping. A fitting last night of my fantasy vacation.

It is hard to believe that just over seven days ago we were freezing in sleet and dreary, overcast weather. This has truly been the best vacation ever. No crowds, no agenda, beautiful weather, great crew, quiet times, party time, gourmet meals in a spectacular setting. The natives are friendly and speak English.

Hugo and I have decided that we will make this an annual event. Hugo made one call to Sail With Terry LTD and the trip was arranged. Captain Terry was able to find us the perfect boat and crew for our romantic fantasy vacation. Next year will ask Captain Terry to plan an adventure sailing charter so that we can sail, dive, paddle board and kite sail. Perhaps we will invite some friends and charter a huge boat.

Love, from the islands

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A Caribbean Sailing Trip is All about the Integration of Fun Activities

Jan 27, 2012

Caribbean Sailing

A common misperception about a Caribbean Sailing Vacation is that you spend all your time on a sailboat and that you are sailing out of the sight of land. Nothing could be further from reality on a typical sailing trip when SailigWithTerry. The BVI has 60 islands and cays very close to each other providing short or long sails and lots of fun activity options.

Diving/Snorkeling – On a Caribbean sailing vacation one favorite activity when SailingWithTerry is enjoying the many spectacular diving and snorkeling destinations. The BVI is an underwater paradise with over 100 dive/snorkel sites for undersea exploration and offers azure clear waters, abundant sea life, stunning coral gardens, canyons, tunnels, caverns, grottos, and shipwrecks.

In customizing your sailing trip we can include as much diving and snorkeling as you wish. We can start the day off diving/snorkeling, we can have multiple stops during the day and we always end up at an anchorage where we can do more diving/snorkeling.

Sailing – Oh Yes, On your sailing vacation we will do as much sailing as you want. It was a simple decision to choose to operate SailWithTerry in the BVI the BVI is a sailor’s paradise. The crystal clear waters, peaceful anchorages, constant trade winds and deserted coves provide the environment for a special sailing vacation. Winds generally blow at 10-25 knots, and are sometimes stronger in the winter months Whether you are an accomplished sailor, or a land-lubber with no experience at all Captain Terry will help you to set sail on an sailing adventure you’ll never forget.

On your sailing vacation you will enjoy incredible variety – the BVI is a cruising area that is approximately 32 miles long and 15 miles wide. A sailing vacation gives you the freedom to create your own agenda around the sixty islands and cays that form the beautiful BVI.

Fishing – On your sailing trip Captain Terry will schedule rendezvous fishing trips as part of the customized sailing agenda. The BVI is home to the famous North Drop above Tortola, which claims the highest number of Blue Marlin strikes per day of anywhere in the World. Schools of Wahoo, Dolphin Fish, Tuna, Sailfish, White Marlin and Kingfish hungrily feed around the Islands. Anegada is one of my favorite islands for diving and snorkeling and is known for some of the finest shallow water and deep-sea fishing in the world. For those interested in fly-fishing, Anegada’s waters offer a wide variety of game fish. Fishermen can spend hours in water eight inches to two feet deep casting into schools of silver bonefish.

Hiking Mountains & Walking Deserted Beaches
While you are on your sailing trip there are many opportunities for walking deserted beaches and great hiking in the BVIs. Some of the National Parks boast rock outcrops and deep gully’s that expose the rich earth of these volcanic islands. If something a bit more relaxed is what you have in mind then there are a number of small deserted islands resembling Botanic Gardens. They offer peaceful walks through tropical vegetation and pathways covered with colorful vines, as well as a miniature forest and beautiful vistas.

Jost Van Dyke, Norman, Virgin Gorda – North Sound are a few of other islands that have a number of unspoiled trails and hills with breathtaking views and mind-blowing panoramas.

Kayaking & Relaxing– Each afternoon we enter a new cove for a peaceful anchorage, but your choice of activities continues. A popular late afternoon activity is to take some snorkeling gear jump in the kayak and go exploring. Another popular choice is to grab a noodle, and a beer then jump off the stern of Mañana Maybe it’s time to relax.

The Party Scene

The Party Scene – On yes, as you enjoy your Caribbean sailing trip you have a wide range of famous and infamous beach bars and party boats. A wide variety of entertainment is offered in the majority of these charming party locations. Your challenge if you want to accept it, is to decide which of the many fun and crazy places you will party at, all with the friendly inviting atmosphere you would expect. To name a few Jolly Rogers, Pirates, Willy-T’s, Emiles, Myett’s, Quito’s, Fat Virgin’s Café, Rock Café, Saba Rock, The Pub Beach Bar, Cow Wreck, Flash of Beauty, Big Bamboo and Foxy’s…..this is the tip of the iceberg. Get a perzonalized charter plan

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Caribbean Sailing Vacation – Festival Sailing Vacation

January 18, 2012

If you are looking for something unique to put on your bucket list this year why not think a of chartering a sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands during - The BVI Spring Regatta.

Caribbean Sailing Vacation

The BVI Spring Regatta is a renowned Caribbean Regatta that draws a huge local and international crowd. There is something for everyone during the weeklong event. Whether you come to race, cruise or just party you will meet sailors from all over the world.

The event starts on Tortola, BVI at the Nanny Cay Marina on March 26, 2012 and then proceeds to the Bitter End. Each day there is a party somewhere and each day you will see hundreds of sailboats on Drake Channel getting ready for the race to bring home the Glory. On March 28^th- 29^th eight teams will race IC24’s to attain worldwide ranking . March 30^th- April 1 enjoy world class sailing as boats jockey for positions and watch the thrilling near misses, light bumps, big bumps and sometimes when a team pushes the limit there might even be a capsize as they battle for wind and power.

The easiest way for you to garner the best seat in the house is to sit on your own sail boat charter. You have a ring side seat while you sip you cocktails, then go on shore for the evening parties and meet the courageous sailors and listen to the their great stories and adventures and finally in the wee hours of the morning you can dingy back to your floating hotel.

Grab a group of friends, charter a spacious catamaran or mono hull, provision with a lot of beverages, snacks and eat your meals at the different venues. Nanny Cay Marina offers different restaurants as well as booths with food and beverages.

The friendly and knowledge staff at SailwithTerry can assist you in finding the best charter and prices in the BVI. Captain Terry has sailed the islands for years and can give you insight to making this the best sailing vacation ever. Sailwithterry.com email: sailwithterry@gmail.com Phone: 941 266 0296

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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 – 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 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.

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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Caribbean Sailing Vacation – Fireballs, Dancing, Full Moon

June 22 2011

Caribbean Sailing Vacation – Fireballs, Dancing, Full Moon

The Adams family is safely moored abroad their 44’ catamaran, “Sea Breeze” at a large anchorage, Trellis Bay, BVI. It is a clear, balmy evening and the party is getting ready to start.  The Adams family is preparing to experience their first Full Moon Party in The British Virgin Islands.

Hundreds of sailboats rocking in the bay, the sun is setting on the horizon.  Music, laughter, greetings float throughout the anchorage.  Everyone is enjoying a sunset happy hour and preparing to board their dinghies for a fun evening of food, fun, and music.

Emily and Melody have donned newly purchased shorts and local T shirts.  John is ready to go ashore in search of food and so we all board our trusty dingy with Captain Terry at the throttle.   The dingy dock is overly crowded as we squeeze in for a slot. How will we ever figure out which one is ours?

Once on shore we hear the distant sound of the steel drums and smell the aroma of a BBQ complete with local spice.  The BBQ buffet is large and loaded with chicken, pork, stewed goat, and seafood plus vegetable and of course dessert.  Large picnic tables are set up and we join a honey moon couple from Texas who are sailing with their captain on a 38’ sailboat.

The crowd thickens as evening approaches.  In the far distance we see the full moon rising.  There are two bands playing, dancing every where.  As nightfall approaches, the moon rises and casts a spotlight on the party.   The crescendo of the band rises to a high pitch; in the distance we see some colorful costumes.  Can it be?  Is it?  Yes, the Mocko Jumbies have arrived and are dancing to the Caribbean music.  How do they manage to walk on those thin sticks in all of this sand? They must be 10 – 12 feet in the air.  Amazing.

Smoke fills the air and the large, artfully sculpted fireballs are lite on the beach to welcome our guest of honor; a huge, brilliant full moon.  Dancing, greetings to old and new friends, the music is going full blast.  Moon worshippers are wading into the water to pay homage to the moon.  A beautiful warm night, island music, family, friends and a few rum punches and painkillers and the world feels peaceful and surreal.

A dingy ride back to our floating hotel under the supervision of Captain Terry and we are all ready to go to our cabin and dream of a fantastic night. This Full Moon party was awesome!  Sleep comes readily as the wind picks up and gently rocks the boat.

Tomorrow we will experience yet another sailing adventure:  A resort dive and a visit to “Old Bubbly”.

View the picture gallery at sailwithterry.com.   Contact Captain Terry and reserve your date for a Full Moon Party in the BVI.  sailwithterry@gmail.com 941 266 0296 for schedules and pricing.

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Caribbean Sailing Vacation – Dancing with the Moon 

June 21 2011

The Adams family Caribbean sailing vacation adventures continue as they set sail for Trellis Bay and a night of festivities celebrating the Full Moon.

Our sailing vacation continues with all hands on deck as the mooring lines are released, sails go up and we are on our way to our next anchorage.

Captain Terry has briefed us on our next sailing adventure … Destination Trellis Bay, Beef Island. Trellis Bay is connected to the main island of Tortola by a small bridge and is located at the northeastern end of the island.

Our goal is to arrive early as this anchorage is the popular place to be for Full Moon parties. Well someone forgot to tell the wind guru and we are facing southerly winds which make it ideal if you are sailing to Jost Van Dyke but not to Trellis Bay.  Captain Terry gives us a review course on tacking and we are ready to engage.

Everyone has a position to man.  John and I take the first round with Sarah at the helm.  Position, check lines, ready to come about, releases.  Speed is the essence of a successful  “coming about” .  Basically we are bringing the foresail to the other side of the boat to catch some wind. “ Tacking” as this called is the  method a sailboat uses to get to a destination when the winds are blowing from the direction you want to go.  Yes, you zig zag back and forth and yes it does take a while.

The Adams family has stepped up to the job and the next time that we tack, Emily and Melody are going to handle the sheets while John turns the boat away into the wind.  This is all about team work and timing and the girls are intent on beating the boys.  Great job but the boys are still ahead by 5 seconds!

The competition is fierce but the bragging rights go the boys as we approach Trellis Bay.  Sailboats of all sizes and styles are jockeying for a mooring ball.  The balls appear to be set a little closer than in previous anchorages and I am again thankful for the steady hand and experience of our Captain Terry .  The atmosphere is festive as the anticipation for the full moon party intensifies.  Dinghies are running to shore and greetings can be heard from the boats.  Music carries over the water and we sit back as sail boats stream in through the channel threading their way through the moored boats looking for an opening and a mooring ball or a place to drop an anchor.  I think this is going to be a fun night!

Lunch time and we jump into the dingy and head for Trellis Bay.  The buildings are quaint and primitive; little shops, bars, internet café, restaurants.  We find a table outside at the Better Cup of Coffee and enjoy a local beverage, ginger beer for children and icy cold Caribe for adults.  The bread is homemade and the sandwiches are delicious.

After lunch a stroll around the island, my eyes catch the sight of a huge hammock strung between two shade trees and I make a bee line for my siesta.    Sarah and the children explore the island and visit the large local art gallery.  There are beautiful works created by local artists.  Pottery, baskets, sculptors, paintings and of course the huge intricately sculpted metal balls that are being filled with wood for the full moon party.

John spots a sail board and has signed up for paddle board lessons.  Emily and Melody continue their quest for t shirts and Sarah joins me in the hammock.  A little snooze in the warm, balmy breeze, visions of a new adventure.  A full moon party!  Another hard day in the islands!

Check out sailwithterry.com and see the pictures of the Full Moon parties.  Email Captain Terry:   sailiwthterry@gmail.com and schedule your Caribbean sailing vacation for the next full moon party.   941 266 0296

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