A BVI Sailing Vacation With Kids
There is always something special about shared family time. A few years ago, my husband and I decided to take our niece (then 8) and nephew (then 10) on a seven day sailing vacation to the British Virgin Islands. Living in Florida, we wanted to provide them with an experience other than Disney. Although I was excited to share a sailing vacation experience with them, I had three main concerns.
First, would they be bored without their television, GameBoys and Playstations? Second, would the normal sibling spats escalate being in a relatively confined space 24/7? And finally, how would they handle different foods when they primarily subsisted on pizza and buttered noodles? I did not need to worry.
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Melody at Virgin Island Sailing, Ltd. ( www.visailing.com) made the arrangements through the Moorings to charter a 47’ Catamaran for our sailing vacation. The squeals of delight from Tori and Kacey when we met them at the Redhook, St. Thomas ferry dock, with our dingy, were quickly surpassed by the exclamation, “SWEET!” as we pulled up alongside the anchored Cat. This was the first time they had ever been on a catamaran. After a quick tour of the boat and a head lesson, we all retired early so that we could begin our BVI sailing vacation first thing in the morning. |
When I went to check on the kids, Tori inquired, “How can you sleep on this thing?” But, I assured Tori that the gentle rocking of the Cat would soon have both children soundly snoring. We cleared the kids through customs in West End, Tortola, and then began island hopping through the BVI.
“I’m bored” was simply not a factor on this trip and my initial concern was a non-issue. Prior to leaving on our sailing vacation, I made journals for Tori and Kacey filled with maps and photos of the BVI.
Each morning we would discuss various topics including the history of the BVI, the culture, music and language. The kids had an opportunity to write down their thoughts and the journals later proved to be wonderful keepsakes for Show and Tell.
The kids loved exploring pirate caves on Norman Island, jumping off the Willie T at the Bight, and snorkeling for hours around the Indians. |
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They enjoyed the “main drag” on Jost Van Dyke. They decorated and hung a pair of underwear at Foxy’s; Tori had her hair braided and beaded at the beauty shop; Kacey was introduced to Ting ( a carbonated grapefruit drink) at Abe’s By The Sea; and played with Annie’s new puppy.
Both kids became fast friends with Anna’s children and are still pen pals. The crossing to Marina Cay was occupied by learning to man the helm, plotting a course on a chart, and playing hide and seek on the Cat.
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The Baths on Virgin Gorda was one of their favorite spots. Climbing through, up and around the boulders without adult supervision was a highlight of their sailing vacation.
I thought Tori and Kacey might appreciate the Bitter End, mainly because I figured they would need a fix at the outdoor big screen television. To the contrary, they wanted to leave because the resort was, “too fancy” and “not islandy enough.” (I think that meant they had to wear shoes and shorts to go into eat, rather than be in swimsuits and barefoot!)
They delighted in playing in the sand at the Beach Club of Cooper Island, chasing goats on Peter Island and swimming with the sea turtles in Great Harbour. |
Days were spent snorkeling, swimming, jumping on the trampoline of the Cat, cannon-balling off the aft, telling pirate stories and making up pirate names for each of us. Playing boule and singing with the donkey at Dick’s Last Resort, searching for iguanas, and exploring various coves while learning to steer a dingy were also a great hit.
They learned how to raise a sail and participated in the daily chores of living aboard. Both kids were provided with disposable water cameras and Caribbean fish guides so they could identify what they saw while snorkeling. By nightfall, they were exhausted and often barely made it through dinner.
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My second concern regarding sibling fighting was also a non-issue. We were pleasantly surprised to see how well Tori and Kacey got along. The only argument in seven days was a brief spat having something to do with “backwash” in a shared can of Ting.
Overall, the sailing vacation seemed to bring them closer together. My last concern regarding taking the children on a sailing vacation had to do with what would Tori and Kacey eat since their main diet was pizza and buttered noodles. Since this was my vacation too, other than breakfast, I did not cook aboard.
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Fortunately, almost everywhere we went had BBQ chicken or ribs, which the kids ate. They tried and liked rice and beans, fried plantains, and a variety of new fruits like mangoes.
We were shocked because they even actually ate triggerfish sandwiches at Foxy’s. Tori did get her buttered noodles on Cooper Island, while Kacey unfortunately developed a taste for fresh Anegada lobster (sorry, Sis!).
Both kids slurped nightly virgin Pina Coladas or Daiquiris – better than any state side slurpee. They thought it was pretty cool to mix their own drink concoctions at Sidney’s Peace & Love. Neither child starved. With all the activity and fresh air, they had good appetites at meal time.
Tori and Kacey were very sorry to see their sailing vacation end. My husband and I have spent many vacations with them, but this was definitely the best. The “BVI” has become as much a normal part of their vocabulary as “pepperoni pizza” and “iPods.”
Recently, my nephew had to write a paper for his sixth grade language arts class about his idea of the most perfect vacation. He did not need to fantasize – he already knew. A sailing vacation on a 47’ Catamaran in the BVI, of course! Since then, we have had several more opportunities to take a BVI sailing vacation with the family.
Luckily for all of us, we are going back again this summer.
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Written By Donna Wolfson
Photographs By Donna Wolfson
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rhodesconst@charter.net says:
"We have been to bvi 2 times with the kids, via moorings power catamaran. Austin was only 1 year old and loved it. Mark 5. now they are 3 and 7 and we are going again in Jan. They are verrry excited about it. Kathy"
hindley@frontiernet.net says:
"I too was nervous after booking a one week bareboat charter for myself, my wife and three children. The kids were 5,4 and a few months old at the time. We had all of the pre vacation jitters as many others, but once we checked in at Sunsail and got on the boat the kids were already having a great time. They never said they were bored or that they wanted to watch TV. We had a great time for the entire week, and the kids were already asking when we can go back as soon as we left the boat. Needless to to say, I'm looking forward to next years three week charter with the family!! If you're not sure about bringing the kids ... BRING THEM!!!"
ritwinmom says:
"My husband and I, are considering a trip- We have twin 5yr old. Should we wait till they get about 7-8y? Or is there a BVI- anyone would recommend. And we could do 2-3 daily trips from a central beach hotel? "
Donna says:
"As long as the kids can swim, it is a great place to vacation! This last trip, we
saw tons of young children having a ball. We even saw a 4 year old snorkeling
and loving it! She cried when it was time to get out of the water. Because so
much is water oriented, it is best to wait until they can swim or at least feel very
comfortable with the water. That way they can explore the treasure caves (and
look for lost pirate gold) off Norman, climb all over the Baths, spend hours
jumping off the back of and swimming around the boat, splash in the tidal pools
off Jost Van Dyke, etc. If you take your twins, be sure to download a copy of
the Buccaneer Bible for each of them. It is located in our children's corner and
is a great free activity book written just for kids! "
moondon65@yahoo.com says:
"Your trip sounds wonerful. I will be sailing with my husband and our four children this February. Starting in Tortolla. How did you find the waters of the B.V.I.? I hear they are calm and womderful . Is this true? Thank you for any information you may have for me."
sailgirl@visailing.com says:
"Hi: I wanted to respond to your questions regarding the BVI Sailing
with
Kids article. The waters in the BVI are great! They are very
warm-averaging
79-82F year long! They are calm, clear and very blue.
Sometimes in the winter
you may find a slight swell in some of the
north anchorages, however, most of
the anchorages are very calm and
comfortable. Make sure to pack a light jacket
or sweater--the trade
winds this time of year can cool off the evenings. If you
plan to do
any snorkeling or diving--see my article on the best dive spots.
Also,
you mentioned that you have 4 kids going with you. If they are
school age, I
would suggest you download our Buccaneers' Bible. You
will find it under the
"about us" page---click on the "BVI experience"
and it will be on the right
hand side. It is a great activities book
for kids---helps explain the islands, tells
them how to live aboard,
and includes a fish guide. It al so makes a great
keepsake for show
and tell when they get back! I am so jealous you are going
now---my
family goes again in June! If you have any more questions, please do
not hesitate to contact us. Have a great time!!!:) Donna Wolfson "
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