Whether you are new to sailing or a salty dog, the BVI offers a sailor’s delight. We took advantage of early off-season prices (first part of July) and booked a two-week adventure for the price of 10 days, all aboard a 37-foot catamaran. Be sure to have someone go over the entire boat with you, especially if you are not used to sailing a larger boat. We discovered Spinlocks held down the sail and therefore we could not hoist it until we unlocked these. I was unfamiliar with Spinlocks due to it being a option not on my smaller boat.

Once underway, sailing was great! Whether it was tacking up the Sir Francis Drake Channel to the Baths, or motor-sailing to the Indians, it was an experience worth repeating. The Baths are a gorgeous rock formations and a great sand beach that allows for snorkeling, hiking, exploring or just laying around enjoying the sun. Bring a wet bag to keep your stuff dry when moving from your dingy mooring to the beach. You can find these at most outdoor stores. Also, get there early. There are only a few public moorings for your boat.

The Indians was one of the best snorkeling spots we encountered. Having spent our first night at Peter Island, the Indians were an easy motor sail. We arrived as the sun was coming up, had a great breakfast and prepared for a morning of snorkeling. The waters are clear and roughly 20 feet deep and the fish are plentiful.

As we Rounded the eastern side of Tortola we experienced a smooth fast sail traveling at 18 knots. Porpoises were jumping along our starboard bow as we traversed the north side of Tortola to round its western side and head back to Road Town. The trip is worth doing over and over again. There are too many sites to view, things to see and two-weeks, although the perfect time to spend on a boat away from home, is not enough time to do it all, nor to do it at a BVI pace. (Note: BVI time is SLOW. When eating out, do not be surprised to wait at your table for an hour before your food comes, and that is after waiting 20-30 minutes for a waiter – i.e., be prepared to order when the waiter shows up the first time, or at least order several rounds of drinks to keep you occupied until they come back 20-30 minutes later). Take your time and don’t try to do it all in one trip. You’ll want to come back.