With tales of pirates, discovery of 3 chests of buried treasure, and perhaps the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s, Treasure Island, legend plays a large part of the history of Norman Island. One of the southern islands of the BVI chain, Norman Island lies close to the international boundary line separating the BVI from the USVI. Located just 7 miles south of Tortola, it is a traditional first day easy sail for those on a catamaran charter. Norman Island is only 2 ½ miles long with a central ridge that rises to Norman Hill 427’ above sea level. No one lives here except a handful of goats that forage on the steep slopes. And yet, for those seeking a sense of adventure, Norman Island does indeed offer a treasure of unspoiled beauty in its rugged shoreline and several safe bays, as well as a memorable underwater world in its caves and offshore reefs. Set sail aboard your catamaran charter and come uncover the treasure of Norman Island.

The Bight

One of the most popular anchorages in the BVI, as well as one of the most spacious in the region is the Bight. The topographical meaning of the word, “bight” is an indentation in a coast so wide that it may be sailed out of on one tack in any wind. Although the wind tends to funnel down through the hills, giving the impression that the weather is heavier than it is, the Bight is a well-protected, sheltered anchorage. There are many mooring buoys in place to be picked up for the night. Once you are settled in, it is time to explore with your dinghy.

Most people on a catamaran charter end up at Treasure Point and the Caves at the lower tip of the Bight for snorkeling. You can tie up your dinghy on the line strung between two small round floats. Lending to the legend of buried treasure, the Caves (which drop off to 40’ near their entrance) are only 4’ deep. Typically explored by snorkeling, the variety of tropical fish, brightly colored coral and sponge encrusted walls make this a fascinating place to visit. The southernmost cave has a rounded rock bottom on which to stand, underneath a natural skylight.

“And thereupon we entered the cave. It was a large, airy place with a little spring and a pool of clear water, overhung with ferns. The floor was sand.” (Robert Louis Stevenson, “Treasure Island”).

This is a good place to take photos from the inside, but watch for the surge. The middle cave is deeply indented into the rock face. The northernmost cave stretches back about 70 feet. It gets very dark, so make sure to bring an underwater flashlight or you will miss the deep veins of color on the walls above the waterline. Underwater, it is like a night dive, with coral tentacles reaching out to feed. At the end of the cave is a small room. Look for secret markings on the cave walls and the buried treasure could be yours!

After cave exploring, you may be hungry, and the Bight offers your choice of two restaurants. The first is the William Thornton Floating Bar and Restaurant. Affectionately called the “Willie T”, this replica of a 93’ top-sailed schooner is named after BVI native, William Thornton II, the designer of the US Capital. Established in June 1985, this one of a kind “bistro on the briny” can probably take credit for some of the popularity of the Bight, because of the stories of many wild nights of partying aboard. With a casual ambiance, there is always a big lunch crowd and things really start jumping in the afternoon. Usually there are dozens of dinghies and day sailboats tied off her dock on the portside of the ship and owner and bartender, Ewan and Zeus usually raft the Wet Willy supply boat on the starboard side. Prior to 2006, when an accident put an end to the “official” practice, folks of all ages would enjoy jumping off the poop deck atop the bar area. Many of the young ladies took up the offer of a free “Willie T” t-shirt if they jumped naked, which would always draw a crowd of enthusiastic supporters. Today, it still gets pretty rowdy with ski shots and body shots heating up the bar later in the day. If you are looking for something a little more tame and family oriented, head to Pirate’s Bar and Restaurant on the southeastern corner of the Bight, where you will find a nice beach with picnic tables and a dinghy dock for your convenience. They offer great food for lunch and dinner, and the best Bushwhacker in the BVI. Good snorkeling is available over the sea grass or on the reef at the south end of the beach.

While ashore, take a hike on the dirt track from the beach by Pirates to the top of Norman Hill, a/k/a Spy Glass Hill. This hill was used by pirates to keep a lookout for treasure galleons. You will have a spectacular 360° panoramic view of the Sir Frances Drake Channel and surrounding areas. Be sure to wear shoes because the vegetation is rough and scratchy.

Other Anchorages

For yachtsmen on a catamaran charter, Norman Island offers several other safe and beautiful bays. As you approach the Bight, Kelly’s Cove is situated under Water Point to the north. It is a small, secluded anchorage set against a rugged hillside that offers excellent snorkeling and is a dinghy ride away from the Caves. There are 3 overnight moorings in this area, as well as a few National Parks Trust daytime only moorings for snorkeling and diving. Another anchorage, provided there is not much sea running, is about 350 yards south of Treasure Point on the south side of the Bight. You can anchor in about 30-40 feet of water, but make sure the anchor is well set in sand and not coral. Further to the south of Treasure Point is Privateer Bay. Anchoring can be problematic if the weather conditions are not favorable. The sea bottom drops off rapidly and patches of dead coral and rock can make setting the anchor difficult. It is, however, a great day anchorage for snorkeling access to the Caves.

On the North Coast of Norman Island, there are two additional anchorages that are quiet nice provided the wind conditions are right. They are well-protected when the wind is from the south, but they should be avoided when the winds move to the north-especially during the winter months. Although both tranquil and out of the mainstream of catamaran traffic, there is limited anchoring room. The larger and more protected bay is Benures Bay. Anchor off the northeastern pebble beach in about 20’ of water. The bottom is sand, so the holding is excellent. There is great snorkeling at the western end of the bay. If you go ashore, there is a nice hike over the hill to Money Bay for a good snorkel or dive. Soldier Bay can only accommodate 1-2 vessels. It is an ideal anchorage in the summer months when the wind is light and the trade winds are blowing from the southeast. Holding is good and the snorkeling is excellent.

On the other side of the island from the Bight, there is a whole different world of unspoiled, rugged beauty in a secluded setting of cliffs and surf. Tucked away on the south shore of Norman Island, on the eastern end of the second bay to the west of the headland, those on a catamaran charter will find idyllic little Money Bay that can be used as an overnight anchorage or a daytime stop. Care needs to be taken in getting into Money Bay. Since you are on a leeward shore, the sea conditions will reflect that they have traveled unbroken over 100 miles. In addition, although there is plenty of depth in the anchorage, there is a reef that extends from the entrance of the bay to the beach. Once inside, there is a sandy bottom to set anchor, but you will probably want to use a stern anchor or second anchor as well to keep your bow to the wind for a more comfortable stay.

Diving and Snorkeling

In addition to those already mentioned, the Norman Island area has a variety of diving and snorkeling sites. After the Caves, the most popular BVI snorkeling and dive site is The Indians – the four rock pinnacles off nearby Pelican Island that are reminiscent of an Indian headdress. They rise and descend roughly the same 50’ above and below the water. You can pick up one of the day-only moorings and take an underwater tour of The Indians in about 50 minutes. Most people swim in off their charter from the moorings, but you can also get closer by tying your dinghy to the floating line. If swimming in, inexperienced snorkelers should be mindful of strong winds that can kick up waves and generate surface currents. You can be exhausted before you even get into The Indians. The best time to tour The Indians is when the sun is shining brightly in order to appreciate the incredible colors of fish, coral and sponges. As you swim over the base of a cliff, you will see various corals (such as elk horn, brain and star), sponge-laden ledges, sea fans and gorgonians. Trumpet fish, black durgons and blue chromis are plentiful. At the end of a steep-walled canyon is an active cleaning station for creole wrasse, bar jacks and others. There is an area of large coral heads with trunkfish and mosaic-like parrotfish. Up over a ledge lined with elk horn and brain coral, you will enter the famous “fish bowl” where you will see swirling clouds of bait fish pursued by jacks and snappers, as well as schools of damselfish and blue tang. A narrow tunnel about 15’ deep and 12’ long leads out into a smaller bowl. Sun anemones with shrimp cover the rocky walls. A small cave is filled with a fascinating school of glassy sweeper whose shimmering bodies are incredibly picturesque against colorful sponges. If you are on a catamaran charter, you do not know what you are missing if you have not experienced The Indians!

On the lee tip of Pelican Island, you will find Rainbow Canyons. This is a great site for novice divers, as well as a fine snorkeling spot in the shallow areas. Explore the spur and groove reefs by following the sand canyons.

Just east of Benures Bay is Spy Glass – named after the pirate lookout. This dive site is one of the best mini-walls in the BVI. Dropping from 20’ to 60’, the wall is covered with purple tube sponges and little holes filled with small fish. You will also see large coral heals in the shallows and eagle rays swimming in the blue water.

Located in front of the northern tip of the Bight is Ringdove Rock. This sea mount is not a snorkeling site. You will need to use a dive flag as the location is in a traffic lane to the Bight. Around its gorgonian-covered base, explore the honeycombed coral heads for moray eels and lobsters. The sand canyons are like a sea garden. The rock walls are a good place to see sergeant majors guarding their purple egg masses.

A short way past the Caves is Sandy’s Ledge in Privateer Bay – just 150’ off the beach. The top of the ledge is in 6 feet of water. In this snorkel and dive spot, look for long lure frogfish, eagle rays and turtles, and miniature coral heads with tiny fish inside.

Past Sandy’s Ledge at Norman Island’s southwestern tip, is the continuation of the rocky point into the sea. The radiating ridges that lead out to a maze of narrow canyons is know as Angelfish Reef. Abundant fish, including the shy Queen Angelfish, along with the French variety, thrive here. This is a good site for divers or advanced snorkelers.

On rugged Norman Island, a sense of adventure still hangs in the air. Uninhabited and largely untamed, this island is only accessible by boat, and yet those on a catamaran charter sail here every day to uncover its treasures- both obvious and hidden. Contact www.visailing.com to discover for yourself why Norman Island has drawn adventurers, explorers and yes, even pirates for hundreds of years.

Summer is upon us once again. What a great time to take a family vacation or just get away. The Caribbean has so much beauty to offer, and as it tends to be a slower charter season, you can find yourselves able to enjoy anchorages where you may be the only yacht in the anchorage. What a way to really get away from it all!

This month we are featuring two more of the islands that are within the British Virgin Islands cruising area. The first one is Norman Island where there are many tales of pirates hiding their treasures and the model for the book, “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson. Norman Island has many things to offer, including some wonderful snorkeling spots. Of course, there is the home of “The Caves”, where you can actually snorkel and explore what is confirmed to be a hiding spot for pirate treasure. Just off of Norman Island is a fascinating rock formation known as “The Indians.” This is a wonderful shallow diving site that is just as good for snorkeling. There are a few different anchorages that you can choose from. My favorite is called Benures Bay. It is a beautiful, quiet anchorage where you can just roll off your yacht and explore the reefs that are teaming with many different varieties of marine life.

The second island that we are featuring is called Cooper Island. Not only does it provide a great destination after exploring the R.M.S. Rhone (either diving or snorkeling) but it is also a great spot to get an early start for exploring the Baths on Virgin Gorda. Cooper Island is also one of the best places to be to see the sunset. There is a great dive shop on the island for those divers who want to dive Wreck Alley, which provides some of the least crowded, easily accessible wrecks in the BVI. If you are not a diver, then Cistern Point is a great snorkeling spot for both children and adults.

As summer is upon us, I am featuring some great yachts that are available for a summer charter. It is not too late to plan a summer vacation. Whether it is a family getaway or just friends wanting to enjoy each other’s company, the best way to see the BVI is on your own private yacht that is all inclusive with your own private Captain and Chef.

The first yacht that I would like to introduce to you is Priorities, a 57’ catamaran that is pristine. She has 3 cabins that have queen beds and one cabin that has 2 twins. Each cabin has its own bathroom and shower and they can accommodate from 2-8 guests. Captain/Chef Rich and 1st mate Lisa have done many extensive upgrades to Priorities, including but not limited to recently having all new corain counter tops installed and adding a new mini bar in the cockpit for guest convenience. Rich and Lisa have more than 30 years’ combined sailing experience. They spent years trying to make room for sailing in their busy professional lives in Providence, Rhode Island. One New England winter too many convinced them to make the passion that they have for sailing their “priority”. Capt/Chef Rich is a graduate of Johnson & Wales with a Culinary Arts and Food Service Management degree. He owned and operated a very successful restaurant in Providence that was consistently rated the “Best Italian Restaurant” in Providence. Rich has brought his passion for cooking to Priorities, where you will be wowed at every meal! Lisa is an accomplished florist and art/design holder, and has over 20 years experience with event and party planning. Lisa is your activities director and will take you snorkeling in the best spots that the BVI has to offer. You will see Lisa’s attention to detail and pride throughout Priorities. Reggie is Priorities mascot. He is an unobtrusive and lovable golden retriever. Rich and Lisa are working on training him to fetch cocktails. Click to learn more about a Priorities Yacht Charter.

The next yacht I would like to feature is Shenemere, which is a 50’ monohull that has 3 double cabins with ensuite bathroom and showers. She can accommodate 2-6 guests. Shenemere is always in excellent condition and is nicely appointed. Captain Dave and his wife, Chef Ida will care for your every need and guide you through the water wonderland of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. This Canadian couple has been entertaining and delighting guests aboard sail and powerboats since 1985. Capt. Dave looks forward to showing you some of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean and taking you safely and comfortably from one lovely cove to the next. As a ASA Sail Instructor, he has taught many people to sail and will gladly teach you. Ida loves the water, boating, sailing and people. She also has logged many miles aboard, as together they have traveled on a previous yacht from Canada down through the US and Caribbean. Dave and Ida both enjoy swimming and snorkeling. They will be delighted to introduce you to the wonders of the underwater world in the beautiful, clear waters of the BVI. They will also gladly show you a good time on the kayak and other water toys they have on board. Click to learn more about a Shenemere Yacht Charter.

The last boat that I would like to tell you about is Catatonic, a 44’ catamaran. Catatonic offers a master suite in the entire starboard hull with a queen bed, private bathroom facilities with a walk in shower, sitting area and lots of storage. In the port side of the yacht, there is one queen with private bathroom and shower, and another queen that shares a bathroom with the crew that is accessible in the passage way. This is a great yacht for families. Your crew, Captain John and Chef Alexis, love to share their knowledge of the many hidden anchorages and wonderful snorkeling and diving spots with all of their guests. John comes from a little town in Alabama and brings his southern hospitality to the Caribbean. In addition to his sailing skills, John brings his many years of hospitality service and his expertise with blender drinks. Ask for it- he can make it! John is also a PADI SCUBA instructor. Catatonic offers diving for all levels of divers. Chef Alexis learned to cook at a young age in her parents’ restaurant in Mississippi. Her family sold the restaurant and relocated to the Caribbean when Alexis was 18. She has experience sailing through the South Pacific and Asia. Alexis cannot wait to share not only her love of great food but also her favorite part of the world- the Caribbean. Catatonic has great news—they are going green!!! They have on order solar panels that will decrease her carbon footprint. This will enable them to recharge their batteries, cutting down on the amount of time the generator is run, thus decreasing fuel consumption. They are also adding a High Tech water filtration system that will help eliminate plastic water bottle waste and make Catatonic environmentally friendly. Click to learn more about a Catatonic Yacht Charter.

These are just 3 of the wonderful yachts that are available all summer in the British Virgin Islands. I have several more great yachts for you to choose from. Many of the yachts are offering some really nice summer discounts. Email or call me with your interest and I will happily match you up with the perfect yacht and crew for your group.

Till next time, Smooth Sailing and Fair Winds!
Gail Hartman, Crewed Yacht Charter Specialist
gail@visailing.com

If you’re thinking about chartering some time between now and mid December – don’t delay! Almost every yacht is being offered with a discount! You can take advantage of 10 nights for the price of 7 or 10% - 25% off 7 night charters. An unforgettable yacht charter this year in the BVI is probably less expensive than you think! Here’s just a sampling of yachts, but of course there are many more. Click on each photo for more information.

Some of these deals are just incredible – and there are many, many more! Even if the economy has put a squeeze on your wallet, the truth is that it’s better to be in the BVI on a value priced yacht that any where else! You and your family deserve a vacation, and with great prices on yachts, less expensive air fare into St. Thomas and affordable provisioning options – what are you waiting for?

Call me to discuss your tentative plans. I’ll create a personalized web page just for you with specific availability of yachts to consider within your budget. There's no obligation to get a quote!

See our website for the new Bareboat Specials Calendar. You no longer have to sort through a cumbersome list of year-round specials to find the offers that apply to your charter dates. This user-friendly tool gives you the ability to view special discounts for each week of the year! You can easily scroll week by week or month by month to find the best deal for your charter. Saving money has never been so easy!

To view our Specials Calendar, go to: http://www.viyachts.com/calendar

Summer Specials! 10 Days for the price of 7 on seven of our favorite yachts!

All Crewed Yacht Specials!

We look forward to assisting you coordinate the best value for your vacation!

The secret of a happy life is not buried in a treasure chest, but in the memories you create aboard a BVI boat charter.

Go to our website at www.visailing.com to book your bareboat or crewed charter.

We need videos of your BVI boat charters! Submit them to webmaster@visailing.com!

Aaarg! There are stories, songs and movies about them, yet no matter how they are romanticized; the pirates of the Caribbean were real. Today, there is plenty of adventure to be found in the islands, but if you are on a BVI boat charter, the pirate legends live on and you can be a part of the history.

Columbus discovered and named the BVI in 1493 on his second voyage to the Americas. The Spanish claimed the island as their own, but did nothing to enforce their claims (other than a small fort on Virgin Gorda), and never settled in the territory. Instead, the BVI became part of the Spanish Empire, centered on the Caribbean shores of the Americas, known as the Spanish Main. Precious metals and other riches flowed from inland mines and Indian empires to sea coast towns and then on through the Caribbean by galleons under sail to Spain. Spanish treasure ships were soon followed by Spanish, Dutch, English and French merchant ships supplying their colonies in the West Indies. Pirates went where the prizes were and this wealth attracted pirates from all nations and walks of life. Once useful to the English, French and Dutch in attacking the Spanish Empire and each other, the Golden Age of Pirates (1680-1725) flourished, wreaking havoc on maritime commerce and terrorizing travelers. The BVI played a role in this historical drama. Pirates were attracted to the islands as their hidden coves and complex reef system made them the ideal spot for ravaging passing ships transporting riches from the new world back to Europe.

Buccaneers vs. Privateers

If you are on a BVI boat charter, you may hear reference to pirates, buccaneers and privateers. Although they all shivered many a timber, there were subtle differences in the terms. Although now used as a synonym for pirate, the term buccaneer had a unique meaning. The buccaneers were pirates who attacked French and Spanish shipping in the West Indies during the 17th and 18th centuries. While pirates were exclusively limited to the sea, buccaneers plundered both on the shores and on high seas. About 1630, some Frenchmen who were driven away from the island of St. Kitts went to Hispaniola – the area shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. They lived by hunting wild cattle and poaching pigs, and then selling the hides to Dutch traders. The local Arawak Indians taught them to smoke the meat on wooden frames (called “boucans”) so that it could be saved for a later date. The term buccaneer comes from the word “boucanier.” In 1635, Spain’s King Philip IV declared the Hispaniola settlement too close to Spain’s trading routes and ordered the buccaneers and their families removed. Many of the men were killed and their families were shipped off to the dungeons of the Inquisition. Those men that survived turned to a life of piracy, seeking particular revenge on anything and anyone associated with Spanish trade.

Closely associated with the buccaneers were the privateers, looting pirates who worked under the sanctioning letter of their government. The cost of maintaining a fleet to defend the colonies was beyond the treasury of national governments of the 16th and 17th centuries. Private vessels would be commissioned into a “navy” with a letter of marques, paid with a substantial share of whatever they could capture from enemy ships and settlements, the rest going to the crown. These ships would operate independently or as a fleet, and if successful, the rewards could be great. England, in particular, viewed privateering as a low budget way to wage war on their Spanish rival. Frequently, however, the line between buccaneer, privateer and pirate was quite blurred.

Pirates of the BVI

Several pirates made the BVI their base of operations. Among the more famous were the following:

Joost Van Dyke: It is not known exactly when Dutch privateer Joost Van Dyke arrived in the BVI, but by 1615, there were Spanish records of his settlement in the Territory. He organized the first permanent settlement in Sopers Hole, West End, Tortola. By 1625, the Dutch West India Company named him, “Patron of Tortola.” He moved most of the settlement to Road Town. Unfortunately for the settlement, he made enemies with the Spanish after supplying some military support to the Dutch Admiral who managed to sack San Juan, Puerto Rico. Seeking revenge, the Spanish lay waste to Road Town. Joost Van Dyke managed to escape from Tortola and hid on the island which would later bear his name, Jost Van Dyke.

Black Sam Bellamy: Seeking his fortune, first as a treasure hunter, later as a pirate, so as to marry a New England maiden, Black Sam Bellamy captured 50 prizes in a year’s time, many while based at his namesake, Bellamy Cay (home of the Last Resort restaurant) in Trellis Bay. He made a dashing figure in a long, deep-cuffed velvet coat, knee breeches, silk stockings, silver-buckled shoes, long dark hair tied with a black satin bow, a sword slung on his left hip and 4 pistols in his sash. After capturing his richest prize, The Whydah, he died in a shipwreck on the way home at the age of 29.

Blackbeard: One of the most infamous buccaneers in Virgin Island history was Edward Teach (aka Edward Thatch), better known as Blackbeard due to a waist-length beard which he wore braided and tied with ribbons. He strapped numerous pistols across his chest, but he relied on his hat to bring real terror to those unfortunate victims he attacked. Blackbeard tucked hemp fuses beneath his hat, which he would light when in combat. His face would be wreathed in fire and a cloud of smoke as he approached, making his victims claim he was an apparition from Hell. From 1714-1718, Blackbeard and his murderous crew made the West End of Tortola their base of operations. He met his end at the hands of a British fleet specifically sent out to capture him. The island opposite West End, Tortola is named Little Thatch, after Edward Teach/Thatch.

Sir Frances Drake: Privateer and sea captain extraordinaire, Drake was a self-made man detested by the old nobility. He eventually rose to the rank of British Admiral and defeated the Spanish Armada. He began his career in 1573 off Nombres de Dios (Panama’s Caribbean port at the time) when he plundered a “silver train” of mules headed for Spain’s treasure fleet. “El Draque”, as the Spanish called him, raided many Spanish ships, bringing home the loot to his Queen. Later, when England was no longer at war with Spain, Drake returned home with the bounty from a raid, but was disowned and forced to go into hiding for two years. Only after his triumphant circumnavigation of the globe did he return home a hero and gain his knighthood. He was buried at sea in a lead coffin off Nombres de Dios.

BVI Pirate Sites

If you are lucky enough to be on a BVI boat charter, you can easily explore some of the old pirate haunts.

Norman Island: Nicknamed Treasure Island because it was the inspiration for Robert Lewis Stevenson’s novel of the same name, Norman Island is reputed to have been a favorite hangout of pirates while legends of buried treasure still persist. The Caves are a popular snorkel spot where the walls are rumored to have secret markings leading the way to hidden treasure. Spy Glass Hill, located by following a dirt track from the beach by Pirates restaurant to the top of Norman Hill offers a spectacular 360° panoramic view of the Sir Frances Drake Channel and surrounding areas. This hill was used by pirates to keep a lookout for treasure galleons.

Dead Chest: Ever heard the ditty, “15 men on a Dead Man’s Chest- yo ho ho and a bottle of rum”? The island of Dead Chest really does exist between Peter and Salt Islands. Marooning was a common pirate punishment. After an attempted mutiny, Blackbeard is said to have marooned 15 men on Dead Chest with only a single bottle of grog. The fight which ensued left no survivors.

St. Michael’s Church: If touring Tortola by land, follow Ridge Road as it dips to the North Beach Coast. About half way down to Windy Hill, you can find the overgrown stone walls and other ruins of the 18th century St. Michael’s Church. This church was reputedly headed by a pirate priest, who used this vantage point to spy passing ships loaded with treasure. Today, all you will see are BVI boat charters.

Soper’s Hole: Located on the West End of Tortola, Soper’s Hole was just one of many remote bays that pirates used to careen their ships. It was important to keep their hulls clean so that they would be able to sail fast in order to catch their prey. Joost Van Dyke first settled here, and Blackbeard and his mob also used Soper’s Hole as their base of operations. Soper’s Hole provided both an excellent haven for this band of thieves and an advantageous spot from which to keep watch along the Sir Frances Drake Channel for any ships ripe for plunder. They could lay in wait for unsuspecting trade ships to approach and then pounce!

Anegada Passage and the Sir Frances Drake Channel: Anegada Passage was the entrance to the Caribbean and the protected waters of the Channel. In the Golden Age of Pirates, the Sir Frances Drake Channel was called, “Freebooters Gangway.” A freebooter was a slang term for a pirate. The Channel attracted both merchant men and pirates alike.

The North Sound: Virgin Gorda’s North Sound lies astride the Anegada Passage and the Sir Francis Drake Channel. This is the area where Sir Frances Drake assembled his ships before attacking Puerto Rico. It also is the site for two former pirate escape routes. Pirate escape routes were used to lure pursuers onto intervening reef shallows. Once was the Eustatia Sound located at the front of the North Sound. Today, only local knowledge affords escape exits through gaps in the treacherous reefs that make even the most experienced BVI boat charterers quake with fear in their bare feet! An alternate but little used entrance/exit to the North Sound is behind Saba Rock’s reef in an s-shaped transit through an opening between the islands around the back of Eustatia Island and out a little used gap in Eustatia Reef at Prickley Pear’s Opuntia Point. Although a charterer on a BVI boat should never attempt it, today, this is a fun, adventurous dinghy route for those wishing to snorkel or beach comb around the area.

The great era of pirates in the Caribbean extends from around 1560 up until the end of the Golden Age of Piracy in 1725. The BVI played an important part in the history of the real pirates of the Caribbean and it is waiting for you to come live the legend yourself, matey!

DENNERY FISH FESTIVAL- St. Lucia: July 1
Dennery holds a fish bonanza every year. All the fish the Atlantic has to offer is laid out for sale and locals feverishly compete in sailing, swimming, rowing and tug-o-war competitions.

14th ANNUAL FISHERMAN’S DAY- Bequia: July 5
A lively and fiercely contested demonstration of the local’s abundant skills at harvesting the waters that surround the island. Dine on a fresher than fresh BBQ of fish, enjoy prizes and have a chance to buy as much fresh fish as you want.

VINCY MAS- St. Vincent: July 6-7
This is St. Vincent’s Carnival. It is a feast for the eyes and ears with Calypso contests, Soca Monarchs, beauty pageants, Mardi Gras, Mas on the Move, Jump Ups, steel band competitions, King and Queen contests, and the parade of costumed bands.

3rd ANNUAL A. H. RIISE BILLFISH TOURNAMENT- Virgin Gorda: July 8-11
This all-release blue marlin tournament is hosted by the Bitter End Yacht Club. Features theme dinners, cooking classes, and parties. All proceeds go to the A. H. Riise Community Fund.

CARIBBEAN COMEDY FESTIVAL – St. Martin: July 8-14
Held annually, the CCF promises several days of laughs, music and beach parties. The event kicks off with Music Concert Night featuring HipHop and Reggae artists, local musicians and dancers. Saturday and Sunday night features popular standup comedians from the US and international DJs spin the tunes for festive after-parties. Other activities include beach events, boat trips and golf sessions through the week.

PREMIER’S CUP INTERNATIONAL YOUTH REGATTA –BVI: July 11-12
Sponsored by the Royal British Virgin Island Yacht Club, this race gives the youngsters a chance to demonstrate their sailing skills.

ANNUAL CUDJOE HEAD CELEBRATION-Monsterrat: July 11-18
A colorful street festival, sporting competitions, music and masquerade performances.

CARNIVAL- St. Lucia: July 20-21
Throngs of people jam the streets in colorful costumes to parade to the latest soca and calypso hits. Party with calypso competitions, beauty pageants, steel band competitions and soca jams. This carnival is complete and unadulterated fun!

CARNIVAL – Antigua: July 23- August 4
This is a colorful and spectacular street party with exciting steel band and calypso competitions, the Parade of Costumed Bands, the Miss Antigua Pageant, and the Caribbean Queen Competition. There are also food fairs and cultural shows.

35th CULTURAMA FESTIVAL – Nevis/ St. Kitts: July 24-August 4
This is a showcase of cultural heritage. International night features top reggae and soca performers, a Mr. Kool Contest, Mr. and Ms. Talented Youth Pageant, Senior Calypso Contest, Ms. Culture Talent Shoe, Cultural Food Fair, Jouvert Morning Jam Session, and a cultural parade.

CROP OVER FESTIVAL – Barbados: July 25-August 3
This is Barbados’ s version of Carnival. Fun is sure to be had with the Crowning of the festival King and Queen, cart parades, food fairs, Pic-o-de-Crop Calypso Monarch competitions, Jump-Ups, and costumed band competitions.

44th CARRIACOU REGATTA FESTIVAL- Carriacou: July 26-August 3
This festival began in 1965 as a local boat race using traditional fishing work boats to continue the indigenous art of boat building. It is now a keen competition among sailors from many neighboring islands in boats that range from 14 feet to 35 feet. Now, everything from serious yacht racing to beachside donkey races, greasy pole climbs and netball competitions highlight this annual regatta festival. On shore activities include road races, a Miss Wet T-shirt contest, Miss Aquaval Queen Show and other cultural activities.

CARNIVAL – Canouan: July 30-August 1
This party is a colorful mixture of the Ms. Caribbean Fest, soca, parades and street jams.

55th ANNUAL EMANCIPATION FESTIVAL – BVI: July 31-August 6
This annual festival is also known as August Festival and is the territory’s premier cultural showcase with an array of activities, including the freedom march; emancipation service; calypso monarch competition; boat races; Rise and Shine tramps; August Monday’s Parade and much more!

BREADFRUIT FESTIVAL & EMANCIPATION CELEBRATION- St. Vincent: Month of August
The Breadfruit Festival is a tasty celebration of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’s 25 species of breadfruit and their historical importance. The Emancipation Celebration commemorates the abolition of slavery in St. Vincent and features cultural performances, lectures, and exhibitions in memory of the African ancestors who survived the middle passage.

ANNUAL MARKET VENDOR’S FEAST – St. Lucia: Month of August
Castries’ market vendors celebrate their feast day with a religious service followed by a festival of food where you can sample local dishes. Also includes singing and dancing.

EMANCIPATION CELEBRATION – St. Lucia: August 1

RAINBOW CITY FESTIVAL – Grenada: August 2-14
This festival takes place in Grenville, the largest town of St. Andrews Parish. It is marked by a plethora of arts and crafts against a backdrop of music, cultural performances, street dancing and drinking.

EMANCIPATION DAY AND CARNIVAL WEEK – Grenada: August 3-11
Another chance to party! This carnival has a King and Queen Competition; Soca Monarch Finals; Panorama Steel Band competitions; fancy Mas Band Competitions; Jump-Ups; parades and street parties.

FESTIVAL OF THE WOMEN COOKS – Guadeloupe: August 8
This is a culinary nirvana that features a dive hour banquet to which all are invited. Decked in Creole dress and carrying baskets of traditional foods, women parade through the streets of Pointe a Pitre to the catherdral where they are blessed by the Bishop. Then there is a parade followed by the banquet and dancing.

ROSE FESTIVAL – St. Lucia: August 30
This festival honors the regal flower with great pomp and ceremony including a royal kingdom complete with a King, Queen, dignitaries and loyal subjects. Every Saturday during the month, people will meet for all night parties, singing and dancing while they work on elaborate costumes. On August 30, people will go to church for a special service, then parade through the streets to the main hall for the Grande Fete. This is complete with singing, drum beats, guitars, maracas, dancing and an all night party.