What makes for the perfect sailing holiday? Exhilarating trade winds, beautiful scenery, warm weather and of course, excellent restaurants and bars to enjoy when you come ashore. All of these can be found in abundance in the British Virgin Islands, one of the world’s best destinations for a sailing holiday, no matter what your level of experience happens to be. The 60 or so islands and islets, whose green forested peaks rise from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, provide plenty of interest for the sailing boats, catamarans and motor yachts that dart between them.
The Sir Francis Drake Channel – which forms a passageway between the largest island, Tortola, and many of its smaller companions – is a popular destination for cruises, with myriad bays, coves and marinas that offer swimming, sunbathing and beach bars to explore. It is always a good time of year to visit the British Virgin Islands: come for hot weather between January and July and cooler but still balmy temperatures in the wetter season. The ever-present trade winds are at their strongest between November and May, so if the idea of a more exciting experience appeals, then why not plan your visit for these months?
One of the great joys of this corner of the Caribbean is that there is something for every kind of sailor, and every kind of traveller. There is an enticing variety of charters on offer: novice sailors can simply book a cabin on a crewed catamaran and take to the seas in style (Dream Yacht Worldwide provides some great options for this kind of trip), while more experienced sailors can book a ‘bareboat’ experience with companies including The Moorings or Sunsail. For serious luxury, try a chartered voyage with the likes of Dream Caribbean Blue, and let a skipper take charge of the journey while a private chef creates delicious bespoke meals.
On the islands themselves, there is a wealth of options when it comes to entertainment. There are peaceful anchorages to suit the low-key sailor, a range of sophisticated hotels and restaurants for the discerning traveller and plenty of lively party resorts for those looking for fun nights out. Head to the legendary Soggy Dollar bar on Jost Van Dyke island for one of their rum Painkiller cocktails, or moor up at the tiny islet Saba Rock, where the most stylish yachties make a stop for exclusive fine dining and a trip to the spa. For dramatic coastal landscapes and memorable snorkelling, seek out the massive rock formations at The Baths National Park on Virgin Gorda, where a labyrinth of caverns leads you from the beach to secret rock pools and grottoes. It is easy to take in all the hotspots and unmissable sights, since the islands are close enough to each other to make island hopping easy and enjoyable.
Unlike some of the world’s other great sailing destinations, the British Virgin Islands are refreshingly accessible. UK-based travellers can reach Tortola by flying via Antigua with British Airways and, once there, an array of marinas are just a short hop away. Whether it is your first sailing holiday or the latest in a lifetime’s worth of nautical adventures, a voyage around these islands is sure to make for a truly memorable holiday.
For more information about travelling to the British Virgin Islands, visit bvitourism.com
