BVI Daysailing, Then and Now
By Claudia Colli
My first BVI daysail opened my eyes to a whole new world both on the water’s surface and the marine world just below. I think my experience echoes that of many BVI visitors, who go out on one of the BVI’s many spectacular daysail excursions, whether for the first time, or on repeat outings.
I was a newly minted journalist working for a locally based magazine called the Virgin Islander, and getting out on the water for the day was a highlight of my new Caribbean lifestyle. The boat was owned by a flamboyant couple who understood the hospitality trade and how to give wannabe sailors like me, a fun time. I took my cousin from Long Island with me, and she is about as wary of water as you can get, but still had the time of her life.
The 75’ catamaran was designed and built by the legendary, Peter Spronk from St. Martin in 1977, and was considered ahead of her time. She spent her early years on the Caribbean catamaran racing circuit where she blew past the competition. In the early ‘80s she launched a new career as a day sail boat on Tortola. A racing hull made her largely unsuitable for living aboard, so taking charter guests for a daysail was another thing entirely, and for this she excelled.
That day was also one of my earliest experiences snorkeling. We had sailed across from Road Harbour to Norman Island, where we were to snorkel the famous Norman Island treasure caves. (Reputedly the setting for Robert Louis Stevenson’s famed pirate novel, Treasure Island.) These caves, carved by erosion and wave action out of the island’s rocky shore, offer a treasure trove of fish life; colorful coral sponges cling to the cave’s inner walls making it look more like an avantgarde painting than a geologic wonder.
Before diving in for our first snorkel, our hostess, showed me and the other guests how to rinse our masks and then spit into the lens so that it wouldn’t fog up. It was also recommended that we wet our hair and make sure that no strands get caught in the mask to assure a tight and waterproof fit. Who would have thought that two such simple maneuvers would do the trick? But it did and with my newly adjusted mask and snorkel, a new realm was about to open up to me.
This was my first ocean going daysail, a trip that for me, like many other newbies to sailing, would be a trip of a lifetime, and would make me a lifelong lover of sailing in the BVI.
I was blown away by the fish life that live in and around the Norman Island Caves. Sergeant majors and jack surrounded our boat and it was quite a thrill to swim among them when we dove in. We had lunch and rum punches on board, then our captain, pulled up anchor and we sailed a short way to Benures Bay, also on Norman Island, where he set down the anchor in its calm waters.
Here we saw a turtle, skimming just below the water, and occasionally resurfacing for a breath of the BVI’s fresh Caribbean air. Once again, we donned our masks and fins where a real treat lay in store. A school of tarpons zipped around below the gentle waves in search of lunching on one of the bait fish that were also schooling in the area. I will admit that seeing so many big fish initially took my breath away, but I soon was mesmerized by the beauty of the scene.
The boat that I sailed on that day is no longer in the BVI, but there are still many daysail boats operating out of the Territory and I have been on many of them. It seems that with each excursion I make, the magic is still there. It’s a cliché but to be out on deck with the sun high up above, the sails taut and filled with wind, and the water lapping at the hulls is an exhilarating once in a lifetime thrill that one can experience again and again.
Daysailing is a great way to explore the BVI’s outer island gems. Jost Van Dyke, Sandy Cay, Norman Island and Virgin Gorda are among many fascinating and fun day sail destinations. Itineraries may also include snorkel spots in sheltered anchorages like Great or Little Harbour on Peter Island or Benures Bay. Some boats take groups, and here you will get to meet many like-minded and fun people, or if you have a large group of your own, you can hire a boat for a private charter.
Up for a day on the water? Here are a few of the locally based daysail boats that would be happy to show you a great day.
Anne Bonny Day Charters
Anne Bonny is a 1972 Hudson 50’ sailing ketch. A blue water cruiser, she is also comfortable sailing in the BVI’s sheltered waters. Family owned and operated, Anne Bonny boat charters has an experienced and knowledgeable crew. She offers a shared group charter to variety of the BVI’s favorite spots including Jost Van Dyke and the Willy T. They also offer 6 hour and 8 hour private excursions. For more information on Anne Bonny go to:
Aristocat Daysails
Aristocat offers two catamarans built specifically for daysails. With the BVI being one of the world’s sailing capitals, their matching sailing catamarans are the fun way to experience the islands. On the powerboat side, “Lickety Split” a 26-foot powerboat is light and fast. It’s unique design allows it to beach and dock in places other boats can’t, allowing more freedom.Starting in late December, the company will also offer a 37-foot Axopar Suntop powerboat.
Kuralu Charters
Kuralu Charters offers the choice of two boats, Kuralu Too, a 36’ Aventura power catamaran, which leaves from Manuel Reef on Tortola and Day Dream a 43’ Leopard catamaran based in Road Town. Gary Cottreau, a Nova Scotia native and his wife Clare have been operating Kuralu Charters since 2008. Captain Mike, has a 100-ton Masters Captain’s license and 20 years experience behind the helm. Itineraries and more information can be found at
Salt Shaker
Once owned by Jimmy Buffet, this 33-foot L&H Walk-around is available for island hopping and off-shore excursions. The boat is also available for fishing, or as a water taxi. The company’s other boat, Pepper Pot, is a 39’ Midnight Express Fisherman, and can accommodate 11 guests. The boats’ captain and crew come from multi-generational families of seafarers. Additional info at https://www.saltshakerbvi.com
Rebel Yell Power Cat & Soul Rebel Sailing Cat
Prefer a power cat or a sailing catamaran, Rebel Yell and Soul Rebel are available for a fun day on the water. Rebel Yell is a power cat with beaching ability and a speed of 20kts. While aboard Soul Rebel you can experience discover why the BVI is the sailing capital of the world. The company offers scheduled tours and customized private day charters for a family day a, birthday party, wedding or another event. Learn more at
