Cover: CocoMaya’s upstairs lounge. Photo by Dan O’Connor.
Editor's Letter J u n e
Chief Editor Dan O'Connor Contributors Brian Duff Lain Leoniak Steve Fox Stephen L. France Traci O’Dea Art Director Nick Cunha Graphic Designer Akiya Brewley Web Developer aLookingGlass Advertising Owen Waters Stephen Leslie France Distribution Coordinator Debi Cashen (USVI) Francoise Frank (BVI) Distribution Cool Air (BVI) Speedy Services (USVI) Publisher aLookingGlass Ltd. Road Town, Tortola British VIrgin Islands Colin Rathbun, CEO Nick Cunha, COO
2 0 1 2
Dan O'Connor
Summertime,
and the living’s easy. It’s that time of the year when things slow down—even more so than usual. Cruise ships visit sparingly and tourist traffic generally drips in. Beaches empty, and the warm breeze whispers gently. There’s a lot to look forward to in the season deemed slow by tourism speak. Who can’t appreciate lazy days with friends to explore all that is wonderful about these islands, as if their treasures were offered solely for one’s own enjoyment? And just when it seems the season has slowed to an REM sleep, there’s BVI carnival—a time when sleep is not an option. During these summer months, why not enjoy a daytrip to Virgin Gorda, the island of natural splendors and breathtaking beauty—and upscale bars and restaurants. For this issue, I had the pleasure of skipping work on a fine Friday to visit the island of boulders and baths. Cohort Traci O’Dea and I first zipped over to YCCS, Virgin Gorda where we met Keith Mutch, their newbie general manager who showed us around the marina and clubhouse. The GM shared his newbie follies with us over fine spirits and delectable dining. From YCCS, we were whisked over to Spanish Town, where we met Aaron Seddon and Kim Takeuchi of Baraka Point Estate. He opened the doors to the Baraka crew’s newest creation, CocoMaya, a uniquely hip and sophisticated yet laid back beach bar and restaurant. There, we were treated to an amazing array of sushi and tapas platters, which we shared among a small group of friends. Afterward, we sunk our toes in the sand and lounged beachside, where our eyes twinkled in the memorable firelight. In tune with year’s past, this issue remains largely wet in theme. Sailing dad and coach Brian Duff reported from the busy waters of Sir Frances Drake Channel, where the BVI Dinghy Championship saw its most participants to date. The fleet of mostly young sailors fought low wind conditions to triumph to the finish point. On Salt Island, Traci faked injury for Virgin Islands Search and Rescue volunteers, who held back chuckles as they tended to her during a rescue exercise. There’s something about seeing a friend vulnerably strapped into a stretcher that evokes a sinister smirk— knowing full well that she was just fine, of course. This issue also visits the north shore of Tortola, where I caught up with Long Bay’s Winston Molyneaux—better known as Nature Boy—who took me on a tour of his island shack bar and intricate trail systems. The animated beach bum is always a hoot to chat with, especially when hearing the tale of how his shack came to be. Enjoy your read, and remember to never take yourself too seriously.
Slow down. It’s summer.