Anegada is the British Virgin Island’s only coral atoll. It sits serene and apart, yet it is located only about 20 miles to the northeast of Tortola and 14 miles north of Virgin Gorda – an easy and pleasant sail for those on a Tortola yacht charter. The sparsely populated island is ringed by a swathe of white sand, and is almost completely surrounded by the Horseshoe Reef. This reef is one of the world’s largest and is responsible for over 300 shipwrecks. Aptly named by Columbus, Anegada (the “drowned land”) is only 28 feet about sea level at its highest point. For many years, Anegada was off limits for Tortola yacht charters. Fortunately today, however, many charter bases like the Moorings actually provide a cheat sheet to get there and explore this alluring speck of paradise. Even with the tip sheet, the approach to Anegada is spectacular yet a bit daunting for those on a Tortola charter due to the vast 18 mile horseshoe-shaped reef that surrounds the island. The Anegada “Harbour” is simply a narrow, shallow opening in the coral reef in its southwestern side between the Anegada Reef Hotel at Setting Point and Pomato Point. Once you arrive on Anegada, it is just as spectacular as the approach. A true desert island paradise measuring only 11 by 3 miles, it is quiet and incredibly laid back with only a handful of small beach bars and restaurants. Although a Tortola charter should be relaxing in and of itself, if you cannot chill out here – you probably never will!

Anegada can easily be toured in a day. After paying for your mooring ball at Anegada Reef Hotel, the best way to see the island is to rent a jeep. D.W.’s popular old blue Samari jeep is particularly fun for a group. Be prepared, however, for the sun as there is little shade on Anegada. After having a cold drink at one of a handful of establishments at Setting Point, head west on the South Shore Road paralleling the Anegada Harbour. Continue on to Pomato Point where the beaches begin. Since Anegada is an island of coral sand, its beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. They offer miles of beautiful, uninterrupted beach. Although the beaches are major attractions for surfer and kite boarding enthusiasts, they are so deserted that chances are you will not see another set of footprints in the sand. You can, however, always find a bit of shade at a beach bar. While at Pomato Point, stop in the small museum at the Pomato Point restaurant. Most of the collection of treasures in this small one-room museum comes from shipwrecks that floundered on Horseshoe reef. In the collection you can find an old map showing the location of over 200 wrecks, as well as canon and musket balls, ship timbers and copper rivets, many apothecary jars, gin/rum bottles, ink pots, a silver teapot and coins from many nations. Continue along the south shore and around Anegada’s West End Point, making a half circle around Flamingo Pond. Much of the island’s interior is made up of salt ponds, the largest of which is Flamingo Pond. The salt ponds are home for wading birds like the Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, stilts and terns. In addition, the salt ponds are the perfect habitat for roseate flamingos. Once thousands inhabited the BVI, however, the young could be easily rounded up and herded to boats for food. In 1992, the decision was made to reintroduce flamingos to the lagoon. The project has proved a success as wild flamingos have joined them to rear young.

wrecks of ships carrying them to be ground up into bone meal for fertilizer. The turnoff takes you across a series of wave-like sand dunes. If you are in a jeep, it is great fun! Grab a drink at the Cow Wreck Beach Bar and Grill and take a cool catnap in the hammocks under the trees.Because the currents go towards the shore, Cow Wreck Beach is an especially good snorkeling spot for kids. Cow Wreck Beach is one of the famous beaches of Anegada located on the north Atlantic side. Guarded by a straight line of reefs just offshore, the beaches make sweeping curves on to shore to form protected lagoons. Land peninsulas, names “points”, jut out to separate scenic bays and bights. They are perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, secluded picnics, snorkeling or sea kayaking. In addition, the north side of Anegada has the most important BVI nesting beaches for green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles. After returning to the North Road, continue driving around the island. You will find a very scenic route on a smooth drive that winds between beaches and the salt pond. At the next left, next to a large sea grape tree, you will find the road to Cow Wreck Bay and Bones Bight, where it is possible to occasionally see the highly endangered Anegada rock iguana. Growing to six feet long, this harmless and very rare iguana uses the crater-like coral rock with its holes to make a home.

At this point, the road basically disappears as you pass by a low mudflat area before entering the Anegada outback area. Marked by chalky white mud puddles, the “road” is extremely bumpy and hard. The vegetation is very different from the sand-hugging succulents of the dunes around Cow Wreck, the wild orchids, Loblolly trees and wide sage of Bones Bight, the whistling pines of the southern coast or the cactus on the rocky eastern coast. At first glance, the outback appears like scrubland, but there are actually many interesting plants that have adapted to the dry conditions, including wild frangipani trees, turpentine trees (locally called, “limbo gumbo”) and bromeliads. The area is also dotted with termite mounds. This desolate area is of great interest to botanists and zoologists concerned with maintaining this delicate ecosystem.

Keep driving to reach Loblolly Bay, a picture postcard Caribbean paradise. Order lunch at the Big Bamboo restaurant with its large and colorful, open-air dining pavilion. While lunch is cooking, enjoy Loblolly Bay Beach. Comprised of miles of secluded pristine beach, Loblolly Bay Beach is ranked as one of the world’s best beaches. With a 50’ walkout into the Atlantic Ocean, you will probably have the entire beach to yourself as the breeze rustles in the palm and sea grape trees. Framed by canopies of sea grape trees, the shore gently sweeps along a sandy crescent covered with a variety of low succulent plant life- especially patches of beautiful bay lavender. Many people like to snorkel on the reef’s outer edge. To the left of the Big Bamboo (in the dark reef area in the middle of the lagoon) there are 3 small caves and a wreck. Further out, the reef is teeming with a diverse ecosystem of conch, lobster, corals, reef dwelling fish and big game fish. Use caution when snorkeling, especially if there is a northern swell, since rip-like currents are possible. Even if you do not snorkel, it is a great place to frolic in the surf! If you are not “beached-out”, the nearby Flash of Beauty is also a great secluded beach.

After leaving Loblolly Bay, take the concrete road to the left to reach The Settlement. Although some Anegadians have spread out and built homes in other locations, this is the village of Anegada where most of the island’s 200 inhabitants live. Primarily a fishing village, you will find a tiny post office, a couple of bakeries, a police/government administration building, 2 grocery stores, a general store, a medical clinic with a nurse on duty (the doctor is on the island only once a week), several interesting little homes and the rock iguana Head Start Rehabilitation Program nursery. The remains of stone wall enclosures are widespread in The Settlement. In previous generations, when agriculture was important, these enclosed fields were planted with banana, sweet potatoes, corn and other crops. Grazing goats, cattle and donkeys trained not to climb over the low 4’ walls still return to pens in The Settlement at night along radiating animal paths that border the stone walls.

As you take the road back toward Setting Point, be sure to note the vast inland side of Horseshoe Reef. There are ancient islands made of conch shells, mangrove islands filled with nesting frigate birds, and extensive mudflats that are great for shallow water fishing. Anegada is known for its world-class bonefishing. If you still have some energy left after your jeep tour, there are some other things to do. Anegada does not have much in the way of organized water sports. You can, however, book both deep sea and bonefishing trips, or try sea kayaking among the islands inside Horseshoe Reef. The Anegada Reef Hotel can help you make arrangements. You can shop for handcrafted pottery and locally made jams and chutneys in Nutmeg Point, or you can simply while away the time until dinner.

Dinner on Anegada is a special and unique treat. Most restaurants catch their own seafood and will be happy to tell you where and how it was caught. The local specialty – the spiny but huge Anegada lobster – (reputed to be the best in the Caribbean) is delicious and worth ordering at least once. You must make reservations for dinner because it is caught and prepared fresh for you. The most popular spot for dinner is the Anegada Reef Hotel, where hotel guests dine alongside Tortola yacht charterers for cocktails and a candlelit dinner of beach-grilled fish, chicken, steak and lobster. Dinner servings are huge and come with several delicious sides. You can wear shorts and you definitely do not need shoes!

There is so much to see and do in the British Virgin Islands while on a Tortola charter, that it is easy to overlook the flat island of Anegada. It would, however, be a big mistake if you did. Not only does this coral atoll have incredibly friendly locals, but it is teeming with wildlife, endless miles of beaches, mazes of reef, and world class bonefishing. The rest of the world will seem a million miles away as you surrender to the undisturbed charm of the “Drowned Island.”

Welcome to this issue of Charter Chatter. As spring warms our days and summer is just ahead, it is time to plan your summer vacation. Due to the economy, many of the yachts are offering wonderful stimulus pricing. Therefore, this is a great time to charter your own personalized vacation with your own Captain and Chef.

The Virgin Islands are considered one of the best sailing destinations in the world. With its aqua blue water, abundance of marine life, many calm anchorages to explore and the line of sight sailing, it is ideal for families or a group of friends to get together for a fun-filled relaxing time away from the everyday hustle and bustle of everyone’s life. What better way to rejuvenate and make those bonds stronger than on a Tortola yacht charter?! There are many islands that make up both the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, but I would like to focus on two of them this issue.

Virgin Gorda is a mountainous volcanic-formed island. It is the third largest in the BVI island chain that has many beaches to explore and enjoy. If you do not want to spend your time at one of the beautiful beaches, there are many other activities to choose from. The Baths is a must-see experience. With its impressive boulders not found anywhere else in the entire chain, The Baths are the most photographed spot in the entire BVI chain. You can also explore the Copper Mine that is standing guard against the blue Atlantic. The Copper Mine is part of the National Park that is throughout the BVI. (Click to learn about the history of the Copper Mine) Virgin Gorda also offers a range of exclusive resorts that pride themselves in understated elegance. Whether you want to treat yourself to a wonderful massage at Little Dix Resort, explore the many activities at The Bitter End Yacht Club, or have dinner at The Rock, which is a restaurant that is formed around gigantic boulders on Saba Rock, there are many things to see on Virgin Gorda. It is a place you will want to linger!

If you would like to explore these islands yourself, I would like to feature a few of the yachts that are offering great deals!

Liberte is a 72’ monohull. The superb accommodations and splendid cuisine are just part of the overall sailing experience. Within each of the four fully- equipped guest cabins (two have queen berths; two have double berths), the feeling is one of luxurious comfort – your home away from home. The large lounging deck has a shaded cockpit. A well-equipped galley, complete with icemaker, complements the spacious salon and dining area. For your added comfort, there is air conditioning, TV, VCR, stereo CD, and a well stocked CD/Video library. Liberte sails with a crew of 3 to ensure that all of your needs are met. Captain Gordon started sailing at the age of 12 in an old wooden sloop which he bought for ten dollars in Cape Town, South Africa. He has sailed in excess of 100,000 nautical miles, has completed 8 major ocean crossings and has worked, chartered and sailed the Islands of the Caribbean for 10 years from Trinidad in the south to the BVI in the North. Liberte now employs the very finest Chefs to prepare the very finest cuisine, with each charter matched to a Chef who will best serve their valuable guests. Most of the Chefs have been in the industry for more than 10 years. According to what you have completed on your preference form, the menu will vary to suite your tastes. Liberte finds that this method of high-level catering is extremely well-accepted and is much more flexible than staid set-food presentations. Your first Mate Jacques has been drawn to the water since a toddler. Whether above or below the waterline, Jacques is at home. He is an accomplished diver. He has worked as a dive master and holds PADI qualifications. He is eager to please and enthusiastic about all things to do with sailing and the sea. He can also just as easily serve up a cocktail on deck as guide you to the best snorkeling spot. His love for the sea is contagious and his hospitable nature reassuring. Click to learn about a Liberte Yacht Charter.

Another great yacht is Amaryllis, a 45’ catamaran. She has 3 equal-size queen cabins. Each stateroom is decorated so beautifully that you will find it quite easy to relax and enjoy the beautiful sites of the Caribbean. Captain Bruce and Chef Laura are both very dedicated to ensure that you go home with many memories to share while taking care of your every need. Captain Bruce bought a schooner, got his USCG captain’s license and began his career as a charter boat captain in 1979. Like any smart captain, he married his cook and in 1987, he and Laura moved ashore to start a family on St. John. They bought their first catamaran in 1990 and began taking guests out for day sails while raising two children. In 1996, they traded that boat for a cruising catamaran. Which they sailed in the Mediterranean, then across the Atlantic to Florida. After a 7 year hiatus in the US to get the kids through school, Bruce and Laura have returned to the VI to resume what they do best – introducing guests to the joys of sailing in the Caribbean. You will find Bruce a gracious host, ready to share his extensive knowledge of sailing and Virgin Island lore. He knows the best anchorages, the best places to snorkel and makes the best rum punch! Chef Laura developed a passion for fine food and sailing while catering private parties aboard a classic sailing yacht in New York Harbor. A versatile cook, she enjoys creating dishes from fresh ingredients using a wide variety of spices. She is happy to accommodate any special requests or dietary restrictions. Click to learn about a Amaryllis Yacht Charter.

The third yacht is Phaedrus. She is a 50’ monohull that is a sleek charter yacht that embraces luxury on an intimate scale. Phaedrus specializes in 2 guest charters and is a wonderful yacht for a honeymoon or if you want to have a wonderful sailing vacation with that someone special. The guest cabin is forward with an ensuite shower and head. There is a queen size berth along with a sitting area. Charles Swaim and Leslie Jones are the owner-operators and have been living aboard for 15 years. Together, they have sailed over 50,000 sea miles. Charles’ early interest in cooking and an opportunity to apprentice to an excellent continental chef set into motion a lifelong love of cooking and cuisine. A gypsy at hear, Charles holds a US Coast Guard 100 ton masters license. Leslie shares the operation of Phaedrus. She loves animals, nature and the sea, and would be delighted to share what she has learned about the wildlife of the Caribbean. Lila is the third crewmember. A tabby cat adopted from the St. Thomas Humane Society, she has almost as many sea miles as Charles and Leslie. She is a “people” cat, and will entertain you by chasing pelicans or curling up next to you. She was the inspiration for a child’s book that was published in the spring of 2004 about a cat that lives on a boat. Click to learn about a Phaedrus Yacht Charter.

All three of these yachts are running specials. There are many more yachts that are also offering special deals. You can view some of them by going to: http://www.visailing.com/yachts-charter-specials.shtml

I am getting quite a few inquiries for the 2009-2010 holiday season. Now is a great time to book, since many of the yachts have not increased their rates yet. You can lock in at the lower rate before the next rate change comes. Please feel free to call or email me and I will be happy to put my expertise to work for you finding you the perfect yacht and crew for your next sailing adventure.

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

The two islands featured in this edition of Charter Chatter- Virgin Gorda and Anegada – are two of the most well-known islands in the British Virgin Islands.

Virgin Gorda, named the “Fat Virgin” by Columbus, offers a range of opportunities to bareboaters, including day anchorages, night anchorages, yacht clubs, resorts and shopping. A must-see during any charter is the renowned day anchorage – The Baths. There are several National Park mooring buoys for public use and a few dinghy mooring buoys at The Baths; anchoring is not allowed. The closest overnight anchorages are Trellis Bay or Marina Cay on the northeast side of Tortola, Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda, or Cooper Island. The Baths offers superb snorkeling and plenty of exploring, so much that you will probably spend a good portion of your day there. Another area of Virgin Gorda to visit is Spanish Town where the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor is located. There you will find a full service marina with several restaurants and shops, and internet service. You can reserve a slip in advance or stay overnight on one of the few mooring buoys on the outskirts of the marina. Finally, the largest anchorage in the BVI is located on Virgin Gorda – called the North Sound. Although large, this anchorage is extremely well protected by the surrounding smaller islands (Mosquito Island and Prickly Pear Island) and reefs. North Sound is divided into several areas: Leverick Bay, Gun Creek, Vixen Point, Bitter End, Saba Rock and Biras Creek. Each area has 30 or so mooring buoys for public use with a fee of $25-$30/night. Other options are to anchor or rent a slip in a marina. An added bonus at both Leverick Bay and Saba Rock is free water and a bag of ice with the rental of an overnight mooring ball. A great sight not to miss at night is the numerous Tarpon swimming around the underwater lights at Saba Rock. Within North Sound, all of your needs and wants are easily met! There are water sports, restaurants, full service marinas, resorts/hotels, shopping and even a spa. This is easily an area where bareboaters can hang out for a couple of days.

The next island is Anegada – the most unique island in the BVI with the highest evaluation at just 28 feet above sea level. Because of her shallow anchorage and surrounding reefs, she was once known to bareboaters as the “forbidden island.” Over the past several years, however, the restrictions on visiting Anegada have been lifted and bareboaters can now visit Anegada freely. The previously tricky entrance is now clearly marked with four buoys so that first-time explorers do not have to be accompanied by a local skipper. Bareboaters still need their resume approved and instructions on making the passage are specifically given during the usual chart briefing. Making the crossing to Anegada is weather-dependent, so in the case of heavy winds or stormy weather, the charter company will advise you to take the trip to Anegada on another day. Arrival to Anegada is suggested mid-day when there is sufficient sunlight to see the reefs and bottom – leaving North Sound between 8 and 9:30 a.m. is ideal. You need to steer a course of 010 degrees magnetic until you identify Pomato and Setting Points and locate the red buoy. Even so, the first indicator you are approaching Anegada are the palm and pine trees. When in line with the eastern tip of Jost Van Dyke, you will turn to 050 degrees and steer between the 2 sets of red and green buoys. Once inside the anchorage, there are 20 mooring balls in various depths for public use with the fee of $25/night, or you can anchor in 8-10 feet of water. Most bareboat monohulls draw 5-7 feet and most bareboat catamarans draw 4-5 feet. If your yacht draws more than 7 feet, you have the option to anchor off the commercial dock in 10-15 feet of water.

We would like to briefly share with you information on some new yachts entering the BVI fleet. These yachts are finally meeting a great existing need for mid-sized 2-cabin bareboat yachts. The first yacht is the 2008 model Saga 409 monohull. This is a very spacious and comfortable charter yacht with two cabins and one head, making this a perfect yacht for a couple or small family. Versatile cruising, easy to handle and fast, this yacht is a great addition to the Tortola fleet. Click to learn about a Saga 409 Yacht Charter.

The second yacht is a 2009 model Jeanneau 42DS monohull. The main salon, with its raised coach roof and large windows, provides an abundance of ventilation and sunlight, making this yacht bright, airy and comfortable at all times. The spacious master suite with centerline berth has a private head and shower. Forward, a second cabin with an additional head and shower allows other guests to enjoy this yacht as well. This new addition to the Tortola fleet has AC and a generator. Click to learn about a Jeanneau 42DS Yacht Charter.

The third yacht is a 2007 model Mahe 36. This catamaran is very popular with small families and couples as the two cabin/two head layout allows perfect privacy. Easy to handle and maneuver, this yacht is a little gem available for charter in both St. Thomas and Tortola. Click to learn about a Mahe 36 Yacht Charter.

Finally, we are very excited about the 2006 model Broadblue 385 catamaran, available in Tortola. The salon is light and airy and gives the impression of being larger than it actually is. There is a U-shaped dining area and a good sized galley. Two queen-size berths with en-suite heads offer up to four people comfort and privacy. The cockpit is large with plenty of seating and there is good visibility of both bows from the helm seat position. This yacht also has the added bonus of shore power AC when you decide on a night in a marina. Click to learn about a Broadblue 385 Yacht Charter.

There is just not enough room in one newsletter to go over all the bareboating opportunities offered in the BVI, let alone just Anegada and Virgin Gorda. So please call to discuss further and to ask questions you may have. As bareboaters ourselves with several visits to the BVI, we are more than happy to share our local knowledge and personal experience with you!

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

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

Take your own voyage of discovery aboard a Tortola Yacht Charter!

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

We need videos of your Tortola yacht charter vacation! Submit them to webmaster@visailing.com!

Editor’s Note: The following is taken from the Moorings chart briefing! Be sure to use your Virgin Island cruising guide for additional information. There is a reason there are over 300 wrecks around Horseshoe Reef!

1. From the Bitter End to Anegada, the course to steer is 010.
2. The distance is 12 miles from North Sound to Anegada’s outer red marker. Under normal weather conditions (wind E 15-18, seas 4-5 feet) the cruising time will be about 2 ½ -3 hours. The seas may be lumpy, but will smooth out as you come into the lee of Horseshoe Reef.
3. Your first sight of Anegada will be the tops of two trees in the anchorage towards which you are heading. They will appear as grey smudges on the horizon off your bow. Do not change your course from 010.
4. The next landmark is the white roofs of Neptune’s Treasure. It is a very prominent building.
5. Holding your course of 010 should put you on a bearing for the buff-colored house. Once you have identified the house, you can steer for it, keeping it just on your starboard bow.
6. The outer red and green markers should appear in front of the house. They are usually easy to pick out against the background of the beach.
7. Depths will be 65-70’, gradually shoaling to 30’ and 16’ at the entrance. The channel averages 9-12’. The anchorage is 5-9’.
8. Honor all marks, making a turn around the green marker. Toward the mooring field, steer for the mooring field, not the dock to starboard.
9. Neptune’s Treasure is the blue complex. Their dinghy dock is on the port side of the dock, as is the dinghy dock for the Anegada Reef Hotel. Pay for the mooring ball at the Anegada Reef Hotel.
   

NATIONAL WORKERS DAY – St. Vincent & The Grenadines: May 1
This public holiday is marked by parades, food festivals and music.

LABOUR DAY – Grenada: May 1
The first of May is celebrated with parades and parties organized in honor of Grenada’s workers.

ST. LUCIA 18th ANNUAL JAZZ FESTIVAL – St. Lucia: May 1-10
This is the island’s most prestigious and successful event bringing together jazz, soul and world rhythms from some of the greatest artists in the music industry. Attracts music lovers from all over the world.

MAROON BIG DRUM FESTIVAL – Union Island: May 4th
The annual festival is one of the most important cultural events on the island. It is held every year 3 days before or after the full moon. The festival marks the start of planting season. It is marked by much pomp and celebration. It also heralds the opening of the big drum ring and the Nation Dance, which consists of six different dances performed to the beat of six different drum rhythms, along with traditional folk songs.

17th ANNUAL GOSPEL FEST – Barbados: May 17-25
World class productions featuring top local, regional and international gospel talent. Includes dance, drama, music and fun.

WRECK WEEK – BVI: May 17-24
Aimed at encouraging more people to discover the magic of the underwater world, the week includes a treasure hunt, PADI Project AWARE Reef, Beach Clean-up Day and wreck diving certification courses. The event is open to all divers of all ages, and concludes with a big party on Cooper Island that includes a pumpkin carving contest and beach BBQ.

AROUND GUADELOUPE RACE – Guadeloupe: May 20-24
In a friendly atmosphere, this regatta is between Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe, Marie Galante and Les Saintes. The event is marked with great racing and a full party schedule.

CANOUAN REGATTA – Canouan: May 28-June 1
A festival of boat races, sports and games, calypso competitions, street jump-ups and a beauty pageant.

BVI MUSIC FESTIVAL – Tortola: May 29-31
Held in Cane Garden Bay where the sound of music meets the sounds of nature. Enjoy world renowned artists at this beach front venue.

TRANSCANAL RACE- Martinique: May 30-31
This regatta sails from Martinique to St. Lucia and back.

3rd ANNUAL ROMANTIC RHYTHMS – Antigua: June 5-7
Two main concerts and a variety of special events are planned with performers from around the Caribbean and South America. Music will include calypso, soca, steel drum, zouk and reggae.

ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL – St. Kitts: June 26-28
This is one of the Caribbean’s most popular musical events. Listen to international musicians alongside a great line-up of new and emerging local bands and performers.

VINCY MAS – St. Vincent & The Grenadines: June 26-July 7
This is the 32nd anniversary of the post Lent Carnival. Includes elaborate costumes, jump-ups, music competitions and a beauty pageant.

HIGHLAND SPRING HIHO – BVI: June 28-July 5
Sponsored by the HIHO clothing company, this is a week of windsurfing competitions throughout the BVI. Race courses cover 150 miles. Competitors travel to different sites aboard catamarans. This is a colorful event!

FISHERMAN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION –Grenada: June 29
Commemorates the feast day of St. Peter and Paul. Known locally as Fisherman’s Birthday Celebration, the event begins with church services and the blessing of the fishing boats and nets, followed by boat races, fishing displays and late evening parties.