Virgin Islands Property & Yacht | August 2019 | BVI Beautifully Safe

VIRGIN ISLANDS

PROPERTY&YACHT

T H E LI FE S T Y L E G U I D E TO PA R A D I S E

TRAVEL

BOAT INSURANCE

HURRICANE PREP

RELAXATION I N THE CAY MANS

WH AT I S E N O U G H ?

M A K I N G S U R E YO UR P R O P E R TY I S COVERED

y l l u f i t u a e f Be a S

Doors and windows that safeguard homes from Mother Nature

AU G U ST 201 9 B V I P R O P E R T Y YA C H T. C O M

You don’t need a lot of experts. Just the right ones.

The more complex banking gets, the more clients appreciate our clear, direct style.

We make sure that everything goes quickly and smoothly for you. Thanks to our fast response times and direct contacts with key decision-makers. Ensuring that communication channels are rapid and reliable. That, too, is what we call performance.

VP Bank (BVI) Ltd · VP Bank House · 156 Main Street · PO Box 2341 Road Town · Tortola VG1110 · British Virgin Islands T +1 284 494 11 00 · F +1 284 494 11 44 · info.bvi@vpbank.com VP Bank Group is based in Liechtenstein and has offices in Vaduz, Zurich, Luxembourg, Tortola/BVI, Singapore, Hong Kong and Moscow.

JASMINE VILLA Long Bay US$2,500,000

PONDA VISTA Belmont US$1,895,000

BELOVED VILLA Virgin Gorda US$2,250,000

FAR PAVILION Long Bay US$975,000

The Art of Living Living in the British Virgin Islands means having an intimate relationship with the ocean and our tropical climate; they permeate our daily activities. Beach day or forest hike? North shore surfing or South shore marina? Tortola or Virgin Gorda? The choices are many and varied.

Choosing to eat out could take you to one of numerous restaurants on several different islands with countless beaches and hidden coves, all an easy boat ride away ‐ power boat or sailing yacht ‐ you choose!

INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS, LOCAL INSIGHTS BVISIR.COM

Each office is independently owned and operated

TORTOLA OFFICE +1 284 340 5555 (Maritha Keil) PO Box 188, Road Town +1 284 494 5700

maritha@bvisir.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

Forewarned, forearmed; to be prepared is half the victory.”

— Miguel de Cervantes

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on the cover

DON QUIXOTE AUTHOR MIGUEL DE CERVANTES knew in the 16th century that preparedness was paramount to victory.

Hurricane season indeed can feel like a battle, so setting up for success is necessary for any island dweller in order to endure the season with peace of mind.

Our cover piece features Caribbean-based Air Master Windows and Doors. With their reputation for success in protecting homes and businesses during massive storms, their products are designed to be both beautiful and functional.

OBM International explores how good design can preserve Caribbean architectural charm while still preparing for strong storms, while a piece on home insurance clears up some confusion about properly insuring a property and why that protection is needed. After a home is designed well and insured, taking every other precaution to protect a home or rental villa is outlined by Smiths Gore in Villas & Views.

Properties on land aren’t the only ones affected by hurricane season. Properly insuring boats and yachts is also an important part of hurricane season preparedness.

While being prepared for an unpredictable season of weather can be daunting, preparing for a much-needed getaway is a joy. Explore the Cayman islands in our travel piece; you’ll be packing your bags in no time.

Here’s to enjoying every season in the Caribbean: being prepared for the worst and relishing the best of what island life has to offer.

Enjoy the issue,

Our cover features the strong and beautiful impact resistant series of products from Air Master Windows & Doors.

4 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

Sara Sherman

bvipropertyyacht.com

OUR TEAM / CREDITS

contributors Conor King Devitt

Conor King Devitt is a freelance journalist currently based in Seattle, WA. From 2016-2018, he worked as a reporter and assistant editor for the BVI Beacon newspaper, covering politics, financial services, and the territory’s hurricane recovery efforts.

Morgana Tilling

Morgana is a key member of Smiths Gore’s team, running a portfolio of exclusive villa rental properties. With years of experience in luxury hospitality, she works to ensure clients experience the very best of the BVI.

Marvin E. Flax

Marvin is the Managing Director of OBM International, leading the global master planning, architecture, and design firm in its Tortola office. Creative by nature, Marvin uses the beauty of the BVI for inspiration.

aLookingGlass Team Erin Paviour-Smith Chief Executive Officer

Erin has been Sales Director at VIPY for the last 5-years. She liked the job so much that she purchased the Company in mid-2019. She has a real passion and love for VIPY and helping clients achieve their marketing goals. Originally from New Zealand, Erin has made the BVI her permanent home, and recently became a Mum to twin boys.

FOUNDING PUBLISHER Colin Rathbun EDITOR Sara Sherman

sara.m.sherman@gmail.com

DESIGN & LAYOUT Nick Cunha

nick.cunha@creativertical.com

WEB DEVELOPER Maros Pristas

maros@alookingglass.com

DISTRIBUTION Francoise Frank

francoise@alookingglass.com

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Erin Paviour-Smith erin@alookingglass.com

6 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

VIRGIN ISLANDS PROPERTY & YACHT is published eleven times a year (February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November & December/January).

© 2019 aLookingGlass Ltd. All pieces reproduced in this issue are under prior copyright by the creators or by the contractual arrangements with their clients. Nothing shown may be reproduced in any form without obtaining the permission of the creators and any other person or company who may have copyright ownership.

The publisher of VI Property & Yacht, assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the content placed in its publications. For the avoidance of doubt, aLookingGlass gives no warranty or guarantee in regards to any information placed in its publications.

PLEASE DIRECT ALL ENQUIRIES TO: EMAIL: info@alookingglass.com PHONE: 284 344 2172 MAIL: alookingGlass Limited PO Box 3895 Sea Cow’s Bay, Tortola British Virgin Islands VG1110 alookingglass.com bvipropertyyacht.com

bvipropertyyacht.com

CTL HOME CENTER

IS YOUR PARTNER IN THE REBUILD CTL Home Center is committed to the BVI’s post-hurricane rebuilding needs, offering lower prices and free consultations.

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Get accurate estimates for building requirements from our experts. We provide onsite visits and personal consultations.

E-mail your queries to info@ctlbvi.com or message us via facebook.com/ctlbvi

CTL Home Center is passing on tax-exempt savings to the whole community on building materials, lumber, plumbing and electrical supplies, household furniture, appliances and cleaning products.

Post-Hurricane Hours: Mon–Sat 8.00am to 4.00pm Sunday 9.00am to 2.00pm

CTL Home Center is Your Home Of Savings!

The Best Products at the Lowest Prices Period!

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contents AUGUST 2019

18

10 40 10

EXCLUSIVE COVER FEATURE: BEAUTIFULLY SAFE

Air Master Doors and Windows have been keeping homes and properties safe for more than 40 years

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THE PREPARED VILLA Tips for making rental villas as hurricaneready as possible

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BOAT PREP FOR THE BIG ONE

Keeping boats and yachts safe (and covered by insurance) during hurricane season

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POST HURRICANE CARIBBEAN CHARM Preserving Caribbean architectural charm while designing with hurricanes in mind

8 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

PROTECTING YOUR HOME

Making sure your home is protected for hurricane season

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CLASSY, COOL, CAYMAN

A trio of charming islands blending old and new Caribbean style

bvipropertyyacht.com

Casey Bay Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda Fully Restored Post Irma

Once in a while...very, very occasionally...we are asked to list a home for sale in the British Virgin Islands and everything about it is just about perfect. The proximity to a beautiful, very private sandy beach, breath taking views, breeze, design, layout, materials, quality of execution and finish, accommodation layout and furnishings and, of course, price. Casey Bay, perched just above the most private of beaches within the Rosewood Little Dix Bay Estate on Virgin Gorda, is such a home. The design takes into account the Rockafeller ethos of giving guests a beautiful place in balance with nature. The owners of Casey Bay, with the assistance of Berglund Architects certainly achieved this. And all with full access to the beach, restaurants and all other facilities at Little Dix Bay.

X

Asking Price $8m $6m

tel. 1 (284) 340 3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

E XC L U S I V E C OV E R F E AT U R E / D E S I G N

y l l u f i t u a e f Be a S Protecting homes from mother nature’s worst for more than four decades

BY SARA SHERMAN P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U R T E SY O F A I R M AST E R W I N D OWS A N D D O O R S

10 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

AUGUST 2 0 1 9 | 11

E XC L U S I V E C OV E R F E AT U R E / D E S I G N

CARIBBEAN LIFE IS FULL OF BEAUTIFUL BEACHES plenty of sun and a laid-back vibe that lasts almost the entire year. When hurricane season arrives, however, tensions tend to rise enough to put people on edge, especially in light of the storms of recent years.place to move forward like never before.

Protecting homes and property from a hurricane’s destruction can seem an almost impossible task. Mother Nature does what she will, and there’s no stopping her, right? For more than 40 years, Air Master Windows and Doors has been the largest window and door manufacturer in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. They not only understand the needs of the region’s homes but live in the same communities they serve. Air Master Windows and Doors are not only beautiful, but help resist Mother Nature when she comes calling.

12 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

Impact Resistant Product Series Certified for more than 20 years, Air Master Windows and Doors is the first manufacturer in the Caribbean with a series of products that can withstand hurricane force winds and impacts. With the most rigorous building codes in the United States (particularly windows and doors), the state of Florida’s standards are hard to meet and therefore provide the best level of protection during hurricanes.

All of Air Master Windows and Doors impact resistant series are built to meet Florida’s specifications and are independently tested to meet these guidelines. The building codes set in place after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 are provided to homeowners in order to minimize property damage during a hurricane and promote the installation of products that resist tropical weather events.

In order to achieve these high building code standards, a lengthy process is used to construct and test each and every one of Air Master’s impact resistant series products.

This series of doors and windows is architecturally designed to protect homes and buildings in the event of impacts and hurricane winds up to 170 miles per hour.

Specifications Any and all products that are to be certified as hurricane-resistant are sent to an independent laboratory and all construction specifications are provided to the professional staff.

The laboratory facility then tests the

TOP AND RIGHT: Large windows mean more susceptibility to damage. The impact resistant series is created and tested to withstand hurricane-force winds

bvipropertyyacht.com

“Hurricane Maria was daunting and scary for us. We prepared the way most people prepared, but we didn’t do anything to the exterior of our house. We had bought the impact resistant products when we remodelled the house and it was the least of our concerns during the hurricane.

Between the purchase decision time, the planning time, and the time we really needed the windows to come into play, everything with Air Master Windows and Doors has been first class.”

PAU L A CO R A P I , A I R M A ST E R W I N D OW S A N D D O O R S C U STO M

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AUGUST 2 0 1 9 | 13

Air Master Windows and Doors provide elegant solutions for keeping homes safe and sound during hurricane season

RIGHT: Proper window and door installation is also key to creating a hurricane-prepared home?

14 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

bvipropertyyacht.com

E XC L U S I V E C OV E R F E AT U R E / D E S I G N

product rigorously, using positive and negative wind pressures of up to 170 miles per hour and sending projectiles at different points of the product at up to 34 miles per hour.

Unites are then tested at pressures from 115 miles per hour to more than 180 miles per hour. Testing results are later sent to Air Master’s engineering consultants, who then provide all details and materials for certification to the Miami Dade County and/or to the Florida Building Commission for final evaluation and validation.

Installation Designing an island home that is not only beautiful but safe and secure starts from the inside out. There are many elements to consider to ensure both aesthetically beautiful design as well as architecturally sound windows and doors.

bvipropertyyacht.com

Ensuring that products are actually certified to be hurricaneforce wind resistant is another item to pay attention to. Homeowners should ask to see a document called a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) that approves a product as certified to protect against hurricanes.

The bigger installation picture also comes into play here. Many of the damages that hurricanes Irma and Maria inf licted on homes were due to poorly installed windows and doors. Correct installation is critical to ensuring that wind, water and projectiles are properly guarded against.

“The glass alone is not impact resistant. The entire window or door system is what makes it so powerful against hurricane-force winds. The aluminium gauge, glass, structural silicone and professional

installation is what makes Air Master Windows and Doors the Caribbean’s leader in manufacturing the highest quality doors and windows,” said Natalia Megwinoff, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations for Air Master Windows and Doors.

Quality installation, combined with the highest possible quality product means Air Master Windows and Doors have an excellent reputation for protecting homes and property.

Hurricanes Irma and María strongly impacted Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The homes and businesses that had installed impact resistant series products were safe. Beach and oceanfront properties such as the Dorado Ritz Reserve or Dorado Beach East in Puerto Rico did not suffer damage to windows and doors.

“Right after the devastating hurricane, we started receiving

AUGUST 2 0 1 9 | 15

This home was kept safe from Hurricanes Irma and Maria, thanks to the impact resistant series of products from Air Master Windows and Doors

testimonials from our clients expressing their awe for the performance of our certified series and their appreciation for the high-quality products,� said Megwinoff.

A B eautifully Safe Future After 45 years of producing top-quality windows and doors for the Caribbean and beyond, Air Master Windows and Doors is committed to creating a safer future for the people of the region.

With a 250,000 square foot facility and more than 700 employees, Air Master Windows and Doors is

16 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

providing beautiful, safe products for homes and businesses that are made even more prepared for the 2019 hurricane season.

Air Master Windows and Doors distributes its products to The Home Depot and has a sales force dedicated to the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean â– For more information about Air Master Windows and Doors, visit airmasterpr.com

bvipropertyyacht.com

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LAND / DESIGN

Post-Hurricane

Caribbean Charm

Preserving the best of what Caribbean architecture has to offer while preparing for unprecedented hurricane seasons B Y M A R V I N F L A X , O B M I N T E R N AT I O N A L P H O T O G R A P H Y C O U R T E S Y O F O B M I N T E R N AT I O N A L

18 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

bvipropertyyacht.com

WHETHER YOU’VE VISITED the Caribbean in person or viewed images of the region online while surfing the web, the Caribbean is a place that leaves a lasting impression. A big part of Caribbean culture, which makes it so memorable, is its unique architecture. Preserving the historic architectural styles that have shaped the region has required homeowners as well as hospitality designers and developers to become more creative in the aftermath of devastating hurricanes. While it’s no easy task, experts are considering the following elements when designing and rebuilding homes, hotels and resorts in the region in order to retain the legendary Caribbean charm.

The Caribbean’s high winds, heat, rain, and intense humidity profoundly impact the architecture of the region. Heavy rainfalls lead to the sensible choice of gable roofs.

Cool Caribbean breezes have led many to adopt large open verandas to take advantage of trade winds. However, in times of extreme weather, the overhangs may capture the wind, causing damage to the connecting roof structures.

OBMI has a team of architects assessing damage to roofs containing these large overhangs and is looking into potential design alternatives which would prevent substantial roof damage caused by them.

Concepts currently being reviewed include designs which incorporate a natural breaking point between the overhang and the roof structures, allowing the sacrificial overhang to be lost in the event of severe weather, in this way minimizing or eliminating damage to the primary roof structure.

A design concept that OBMI has utilized for years, is the use of a continuous concrete

OPPOSITE: Architectural design is changing as people design homes and businesses to withstand hurricanes RIGHT: From designing ceilings to promote optimal airflow to decreasing overhangs to minimize hurricane damage risk, the classic Caribbean look is always present?

LAND / LIGHTING

20 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

bvipropertyyacht.com

gutter that hides the eave and fascia. It shields what is considered to be the weakest point of a roof, and by design, the wind is naturally and elegantly directed above it.

Speaking at the 2018 Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit, Mark Durilat, CEO of Grace Bay Resorts, noted that hoteliers and investors must acknowledge the reality that traveller, investor, and homebuyer expectations for the region sometimes mean building in locations and in ways that are more susceptible to hurricane damage. To meet these expectations means to build closer to the water than recommended and having buildings that may have a certain island charm that doesn’t necessarily follow hurricane-resistant standards.

“In some cases, hoteliers have to be prepared to basically have throwaway buildings as so to keep that charm,” said Durilat. “Like with palapa roofs. Sometimes you have to decide if it blows away it blows away, because that’s what the customer comes for.”

With an eye toward future sustainability, hurricane-resistant standards are now commonplace for new-build homes, hotels and resorts. To retain the allure of the Caribbean felt by both visitors and those looking to build a home here, designers, homeowners and investors must work together to preserve and strengthen Caribbean architecture for years to come with solutions that are both sensible and creative ■ A version of this piece originally ran on the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Blog.

LEFT: Outdoor design plays a factor

in creating hurricane-safe spaces while staying true to island living

Focused On Designing Your Dream Home Listening and responsive design are just some of the ways OBMI is focused on designing your dream home.

ARCHITECTURE MASTER PLANNING & DESIGN OBMI.COM

bvipropertyyacht.com

AUGUST 2 0 1 9 | 21

LAND / VILLAS AND VIEWS

THE PREPARED VILLA

Property owners need to ensure their rentals are as ready for hurricane season as their own homes

BY MORGANA TILLING, SMITHS GORE

AS WE ARE IN THE THIRD MONTH OF HURRICANE SEASON, making sure all preparations for potential storms that may cause damage to property is paramount In many cases, rental villa owners choose to close their properties throughout the peak hurricane months of September and October.

By doing this, it eliminates the risk of possible harm to any renters that may be staying in a rental villa throughout a storm.

In advance of a possible hurricane, it is advisable to carry out as many precautionary tasks as possible. Smiths Gore has compiled this list of actions that should be implemented as soon as possible to reduce the risk of loss or damage from a severe storm.

Firstly, it is vital to have the right insurance in place well in advance of the arrival of hurricane season. Whatever precautions can be taken to prevent damage, there are also times when the destruction of property is unavoidable or preventable.

Comprehensive insurance, including loss of business coverage, is advisable whenever your property is part of a rental program. It is always worth having a conversation with your insurance company to ensure that your coverage is adequate to cover the potential loss of a property. Many properties proved to be under-insured following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017. There can be grave financial implications due to a lack of or insufficient property insurance.

The most crucial factor to be considered when renting your property is the safety of your guests. If it is highly likely that a severe storm will affect your location, your guests should be warned and given the option to leave the Territory before the storm’s arrival. This decision may well have to be made several days in advance of the Hurricane arriving in your area, especially as both air and seaports will likely close before severe weather comes. Once your guests have vacated your property, you must take all necessary precautions to protect the Villa.

Preparing a home or rental property for hurricane season is vital to staying safe and reducing the risk of property damage

Hurricane shutters need to installed to protect your windows and doors. There are several different types of hurricane shutters on the market. The easiest and quickest to install are the permanently installed roll away shutters that can be activated by hand or electronically very quickly. A cheaper alternative may be custom made plywood sheets that you have fabricated in advance and that bolt to the walls. Whatever means you have for shuttering the villa, they should be installed quickly, to protect the most vulnerable parts of your house, namely anything with glass in it. It is advisable not to make the house airtight. At least one window or opening on a sheltered side of the villa should be left open so that there isn’t a pressure build-up inside the house. During a hurricane, the barometric pressure outside will drop considerably, and if the air pressure inside the villa cannot adjust then damage can be caused.

J U LY 2 0 1 9 | 23

LAND / VILLAS AND VIEWS

provide lighting and water if the system fails. It may also be necessary to provide power to any swimming pool pumps or filters until the mains electricity returns.

A realistic assessment of the outside grounds, plants and in particular the trees in the gardens outside the house is necessary. In the event of high winds and possible lightning strikes, any overhanging branches may cause severe damage to roofs or windows, and you should consider removing them in advance.

If the dwelling is unoccupied during the storm, it would be prudent to switch off all electrical appliances and unplug them where possible, including water heaters and computers. The swimming pools pumps should be isolated for the duration of the storm to prevent the clogging of filters from vegetation and debris. Equally, propane gas tanks should be switched off, and if the

24 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

containers themselves are vulnerable, they should be placed somewhere safe or at the very least secured to something substantial.

Finally, if there is a risk of flooding inside the villa, then any valuable or irreplaceable objects should be moved to a higher floor or at least raised off the ground floor where they might get wet.

The rule of thumb is that prevention in all its forms is much better than a cure. Here’s hoping for a calm hurricane season ■ABOVE Outdoor areas need to be

prepped for hurricane season as well.

Remove or secure furniture and clearing landscape debris will minimize potential projectiles

bvipropertyyacht.com

Vacation Villas Let our experienced team find you the perfect villa for your getaway to the beautiful British Virgin Islands. Our varied portfolio can accommodate couples to large groups, all with breathtaking views and stunning surroundings. Get in touch today to start planning your vacation of a lifetime!

TINGALAYO West End, Tortola

Rates from $11,500/week 6 Bedrooms, 7 Bathroom, Pool, Jacuzzi, Sleeps 12

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ALFRESCO Long Bay, Tortola

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Rates from $17,500/week

4 bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms, Pool, Sleeps 8

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Rates from $7,500/week

4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathroom, Pool, Sleeps 8

TORTOLA Britannic Hall

4

VIRGIN GORDA Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour

www.villavacationsbvi.com

4

LAND / INSURANCE

PROTECTING YOUR HOME As a homeowner, there are several things you can do to make sure your future is secure, regardless of how big the storms are.

BY CONOR KING DEVITT

26 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

bvipropertyyacht.com

IN THE MONTHS FOLLOWING the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in late 2017, many home and villa owners in the British Virgin Islands found themselves caught up in a serious bureaucratic challenge that only exacerbated the already-considerable difficulties of living on a storm-torn island Amidst a crippled infrastructure and spotty telecom services, homeowners were forced to navigate and unwind a complex web of insurance policies, deductibles, claim submissions and valuations, all in an effort to secure damage settlements they had long assumed their monthly premiums would ensure. For some, the painstaking, multimonth process paid off, and they eventually received payments that served as adequate compensation for the often-severe levels of damage done to their properties. Many, however, realized too late that they were underprepared or underinsured, and that

Irma’s financial impact on their lives would go unmitigated.

The difference between these two outcomes is all about the preparation, according to experts in the field. Simon Cross, a BVI insurance associate at Hyperion Risk Solutions, a Caribbean insurance brokerage, notes that doing your homework is key.

“If you haven’t already, get to know your policy terms, conditions, and exclusions,” he said, “Discuss any potential queries or concerns with your insurance professional, who should be able to clearly explain everything contained therein. It’s better to resolve issues before a loss rather than after, when it will probably be too late.”

That also means knowing what to do in the event of a claim, including who to contact and whether there are any time parameters for submission, the insurance associate adds.

LAND / INSURANCE

“Get to know your policy terms, conditions, and exclusions. Discuss any potential queries or concerns with your insurance professional, who should be able to clearly explain everything contained therein. It’s better to resolve issues before a loss rather than after, when it will probably be too late.”

S I M O N C RO S S , H Y P E R I O N R I S K S O L U T I O N S

“It’s recommended that you try to take pictures of the immediate damage sustained,” said Cross. “You’ll then need to supply this to your insurers and report a claim as soon as possible. While this may be tricky in the immediate aftermath, your policy should allow ample time to submit a claim.”

And if you don’t have insurance yet, Cross says it’s imperative that you choose a quality provider.

“Is your coverage provided by a reputable insurer with a financial security rating of ‘A’ or stronger?” he asks. “With rates relatively consistent throughout the BVI, it makes sense

28 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

to obtain cover from the strongest available insurers.”

PREPARING FOR STORM SEASON

Home and villa owners should take the time before hurricane season begins to make sure they’re prepared from an insurance perspective.

“Ensure you have a recent property reinstatement valuation from a qualified surveyor and that your sums insured reflect the total rebuild cost estimate,” Cross explains. “This is key to ensuring you can fully rebuild your property in the event of a total loss and in avoidance of the condition of

average, whereby you receive only a proportion of your claim settlement in the event of a loss.”

Condition of average refers to an insurance clause that insurers can use if your property’s total declared reinstatement insurance value is less than the actual cost of rebuilding your property. For example, if a hurricane does $300,000 worth of damage to a villa that you had insured for $500,000, but that villa’s actual value was then determined to be $1 million, your claim could be reduced by the same proportion it had been underinsured by. So, instead of cashing in on a $300,000 claim,

bvipropertyyacht.com

you’d only get 50 per cent of that, or $150,000.

That type of clause may not just apply to the structure of your home, either. Cross suggests creating an inventory of your personal property, which can help you determine if you’ve purchased enough insurance to protect it. It can also help accelerate your claims process if you suffer damage during a storm.

“In the event you need to evacuate, be sure your home inventory is among the important documents you take with you,” the insurance associate said, “Ensure that your contents sum insured is also accurate to the actual content value at risk. Like buildings, contents can also be subjected to the condition of average, so be aware.”

Cross recommends that landlords consider loss of rent insurance and homeowners consider an additional

living expenses cover. He also points to the serious looting issues that occurred after Irma in 2017 as proof that homeowners should get accompanying burglary insurance.

“As many businesses found, the looting was treated as a separate event and as such, unless burglary coverage was in force, the theft of the business stock and contents was not covered under the hurricane coverage,” Cross explained.

HOME PROTECTION 101

Figuring out insurance options prior to hurricane season is important, but so is doing the simple pre-storm prep that can dramatically reduce the potential damage to your property.

Some steps that can be taken a day or two before a storm is predicted to make landfall include cutting down loose branches on the trees

and shrubs surrounding your home, removing loose items from around your property, and sealing outdoor wall openings – including electrical outlets, garden hose bibs, and pipe entrances – with a high-quality urethane-based caulk.

Other precautions take a bit more planning, including installing storm shutters on your windows/glass doors and hurricane-proofing your doors with at least three hinges and a deadbolt lock that is at least one-inch long. Sheets of plywood can serve as substitutes to cover your windows and glass doors if you don’t have storm shutters.

All in all, preparing a home for hurricane season takes time. The more prepared you can be, the easier it will be to recover from a storm, should you need to do so ■

ELITE PROPERTY INSURANCE Having served the BVI and other Caribbean jurisdictions for over a decade, Hyperion provides some of the region’s most prestigious properties with bespoke solutions secured through only the highest rated licensed insurers (A - Excellent or greater with A.M. Best).

With a focus on value over volume, our clients enjoy the benefit of an expedited and personalised claims service in the wake of an adverse event.

Speak to a member of our professional team to ensure that your property receives the best protection with the best possible terms.

Email property@hyperion-risk.com, or call +1(284)340-0100 for more information. bvipropertyyacht.com www.hyperion-risk.com

2 0 1 9 | Service.

29 Value.AUGUST Security.

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COLONIAL INSURANCE (BVI) LIMITED Palm Grove House, P.O. Box 2377, Road Town, Tortola VG1110 Tel. 494-8450 Valley,Virgin Gorda,VG1150 Tel. 495-6403 www.cgigroup.com A member of Colonial Group International Ltd. insurance, health, pensions, life

Colonial Insurance (BVI) Limited is rated A-(Excellent) by AM Best.

Kailua, Hawaii BeachsideLighting.com Rosie Nichols, USVI & BVI Rep. (340) 642-8981 Local installations include: Cooper Island, Peter Island, Saba Rock, Oil Nut Bay, and residences on St. Thomas, St. John, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda.

BRING GREAT DESIGN HOME

Arawak Interiors offers home interior design advice, custom designs and sourcing from Asia, Mexico and USA. We also offer an extensive range of furniture, fixtures and fittings to choose from at our interior store and warehouse located in Road Town.

Arawak Interiors manages all the shipping and logistics to deliver to your door anywhere in the BVI. Overseeing projects for Private villas, Private Islands, Resorts & Restaurants.

To discuss your Project, contact Roy Keegan: Office: 284 494 5240 Cell: 284 541 7483 roy@arawakvi.com Arawak Interiors, Road Reef Plaza #9, Road Town

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AUGUST 2 0 1 9 | 31

SEA / STYLE

BOAT PREP FOR THE

BIG ONE While there is no foolproof way to protect a boat in the Caribbean, there are steps you can take to ensure you’ll be able to access adequate insurance should a storm strike.

BY CONOR KING DEVITT

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“Most boaters assume that the cost of raising or moving a damaged boat to a safe location – salvage coverage – is included in their insurance policy.”

B OAT OW N E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F T H E U N I T E D STAT E S ( B OAT U S )

HURRICANE SEASON consistently gives Caribbean boat owners nightmares. One of the most iconic and memorable photos of Hurricane Irma’s aftermath was the shot of yachts in Paraquita Bay – one of Tortola’s sanctioned “marine shelters” – smashed together and stacked one on top of another, like barnacles covering an unseen boulder. In addition to being a testament to the storm’s ferocity, it served as a visual reminder of an unfortunate reality: though the Caribbean may be a sunny mecca for sailors, its yearly hurricane season will always be a precarious, nervewracking time for anyone lucky – or unlucky – enough to own a boat in the region.

Insurance only complicates matters even further: boat owners who aren’t familiar with every aspect of their hurricane coverage may find themselves underinsured or cast off on a technicality if and when their boat is damaged by the region’s severe weather.

“The owner of [a] vessel must advise insurers of their hurricane preparedness plan, location, number of stands used, size of chains or strands used on the vessel, number of anchors used, etc.,” explains Jera Cameron, the director of the marine department at the Tortola-based Caribbean Insurers Group, “It is the owner’s responsibility to advise insurers of their hurricane preparedness plan, and once agreed by insurers, we can proceed with covering the vessel.”

Before enduring the potential turbulence of another Caribbean storm season, the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) recommends preparing that plan and investigating every detail of your

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“While a hurricane haul-out does cost the boater some money, it’s potentially far less than if the boat sustained damage or became a total loss.”

B OAT OW N E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F T H E U N I T E D STAT E S ( B OAT U S )

coverage. That means checking on things you may not have thought of at first – like a policy’s salvage costs.

“Most boaters assume that the cost of raising or moving a damaged boat to a safe location – salvage coverage – is included in their insurance policy,” a BoatUS press release reads, “And with better policies that’s true: They offer salvage coverage that is separate but equal to the boat’s hull coverage limit. This means a boat that’s insured for $40,000 (hull coverage) has another separate $40,000 available to raise or move the boat (salvage coverage) to a repair facility.”

Less comprehensive policies are a different story, however.

“Lesser policies limit salvage coverage to either a small percentage of the boat’s insured hull value, perhaps just 5 to 10 percent, or they may subtract salvage costs from the insured value of the boat, reducing the funds available to repair the boat or the amount paid in the event of a total loss.”

BoatUS also says that “hurricane haul-out” coverage is necessary if you’re in a hurricane zone.

“This coverage helps pay boat owners a portion of the labour costs to have a boat hauled, prepared and tieddown by professionals, which include marina or boat club staff, or to have the boat moved by a licensed captain,” the association’s press release reads. “While a hurricane haul-out does cost the boater some money, it’s potentially far less than if the boat sustained damage or became a total loss.”

HURRICANE AREAS

After the destructive 2017 season, some insurance policies won’t provide storm coverage to a yacht that is in what providers describe as the Caribbean’s “hurricane area,” which always includes the British Virgin Islands.

Moving your yacht to Grenada during the summer is likely to reduce your insurance premiums, and moving it all the

RIGHT: Boats need hurricane season protection as well, and often more insurance than owners think

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SEA / STYLE

SEA / STYLE

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ORM also recommends doubling the dock lines and allowing for extremely high tides.

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way down to Trinidad will probably lower them even further, according to Bluewater Yacht Insurance, a Florida-based provider.

Even some of the marinas previously utilized by crewed yachts to shelter from storms in the BVI have seen changes in their own insurance policies and can no longer host boats on the docks during the hurricane season, according to Janet Oliver, the executive director of the BVI Charter Yacht Society.

Some policies have evolved in the two years since the disaster.

Following hurricanes Irma and Maria, Caribbean Insurers initially decided that no insured vessels could remain in the BVI or other hurricane-prone areas during the storm season, according to Cameron.

However, they realized that would be detrimental to the territory’s economy, so they changed their policy to allow insured boats to stay in the BVI – under certain conditions.

Cameron says Caribbean Insurers requires all vessels to be stored on land in a boatyard or in a recognized marina. Any insured boat under 26 feet, however, needs to be hauled out, she adds.

HIGHER DEDUCTIBLES

Some yacht owners who do have policies that allow their boats to stay in the territory between June and December, as well as places to put them, could still see their wind storm deductibles rise significantly if their vessel is damaged by a named storm while it’s in the BVI, explains Oliver.

Some policies will reduce those deductibles if you provide evidence that you adequately prepared your boat for the storm, according to BoatUS. Taking pictures of hauling out your boat, lashing it to the ground, and removing any windage items like enclosures, canvas and sails could potentially slash your deductible costs in the event of storm damage.

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SEA / STYLE

If you are close to a snug harbour with secure holding ground and you have several heavy anchors, you might want to move the boat there.

Offshore Risk Management, an international marine, aviation, and speciality risk insurance broker with offices in the Caribbean recommends blocking your boat carefully in a place where trees and other boats won’t be able to fall onto it. Hauling out should be your first choice, though there are still protective strategies you can employ if you choose to keep your boat in the water, according to ORM. “If you are close to a snug harbour with secure holding ground and you have several heavy anchors, you might want to move the boat there,” an ORM guide reads. “Otherwise, study the layout of your marina. Tie your boat securely in the middle of the slip… Turn your boat in the slip to face the storm winds and waves as much as possible. Set up spring lines to resist forces from the storm directions.”

ORM also recommends doubling the dock lines and allowing for extremely high tides.

“Nylon twist lines are best for mooring or dock lines,” the brokerage advises. “They stretch much more than braid, take shock loads better and can be set up tightly to start with. The major problem with nylon is chafe. Put thick chafing gear on all lines.” ■

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AUGUST 2 0 1 9 | 39

L I F E / T R AV E L

Cayman CLASSY, COOL

Rest and relaxation in a trio of the Caribbean’s finest islands

BY SARA SHERMAN

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CONSISTENTLY CHOSEN as a top destination by both travellers and the media, the Cayman Islands are three islands that each offer their own kind of paradise to visitors.

From luxury golf resorts to worldclass diving sites for every day of the year, the Caymans have something for everyone to love.

The Cayman Islands aren’t really islands at all, but part of the mountainous undersea Cayman

Ridge. The three “islands” that rise out of the sea are each very flat, with the highest point being just over 46 metres above sea level on the east end of Cayman Brac. The other two islands, Grand Cayman and Little Cayman make up the rest of this beautiful island trio. With little archaeological evidence of indigenous peoples, England took formal control of the islands in 1670.

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L I F E / T R AV E L

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LEFT: World-class diving

opportunities abound in the Cayman Islands - one for every day of the year

ABOVE: Little Cayman offers quaint and quiet Caribbean charm for visitors to “get away from it all”

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Grand Cayman’s crown jewel is Seven Mile Beach. As its name suggests, visitors can walk all seven miles of soft white sand with crystal clear water lapping at their feet. Camana Bay is a sparkling new development in the area, offering multiple places to shop, dine, drink and experience a modern taste of the Caymans.

Speaking of tastes, the Cayman Islands have long been a culinary centre of the region. From celebrity chefowned restaurants to simply stunning local cuisine, eating your way through the islands is one of the best ways to experience it.

Veteran restauranteur and James Beard Award winner Roy Yamaguchi opened Eating House 1503 on Seven Mile Beach in early 2019 and is bringing Hawaiian an Asian flavours to traditional Caribbean dishes. Guests can enjoy a seafoodforward menu featuring everything from sushi to Caribbean lobster fried rice.

If you’re looking for authentic Cayman flavour, Chicken! Chicken! is just the ticket. No frills here, but if darned good “Caribbean wood-roasted chicken” sounds good, you won’t be disappointed. A simple menu with options to customize mean everyone gets fed really well, without breaking the bank.

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ABOVE: Visitors can walk all seven sandy miles of the iconic Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman

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Things to Do The Caymans have long been a soughtafter diving location, and it’s true that there are dive sites for every day of the year. Wrecks and reefs provide great opportunities for viewing marine life, while those wanting to stay a little closer to the surface can experience stingrays up close at one of many stingray encounter areas. Snorkelling is also a popular Cayman excursion, and the numerous beaches offer plenty of warm water to explore. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman provide snorkelling spots that are less busy than near Grand Cayman.

Back on land, the Cayman Islands have been an underground golf destination for many years. The North Sound Club is open to the public with a full 18-hole course, while the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club course was designed by Greg Norman and has been named the World’s Best 9-hole Course by World Golf Awards.

Cayman Brac is a nature-lover’s dream, with hikes and expeditions for someone wanting to experience rare flora and fauna. A laid back atmosphere provides visitors with plenty of time to relax and enjoy island life.

A laid back atmosphere provides visitors with plenty of time to relax and enjoy island life.

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ABOVE: The Cayman Islands capital George Town offers shopping, dining and cultural experiences for everyone

The least developed of the Cayman Islands is Little Cayman. If your’e looking for a truly remarkable “get away from it all” island feel, this is the place for you.

Only 10 square miles in area and with the higest point above sea level being just 10 feet, Little Cayman has just a handful of residents and places to stay. The diving is the main attraction here, as the Bloody Bay Wall in the marine park provides divers amazing marine life viewing opportunities with a dramatic coral reef backdrop.

Travel and Accommodations The sparkling new, modernized Owen Roberts International Airport opened in the Cayman Islands in March 2019. Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall were there to officially open the expanded structure, which can now service more than two million passengers a year. Numerous flights each day to sister islands Cayman Brac and Little Cayman provide easy transfer for other island experiences.

Accommodations are numerous and varied, so deciding what kind of experience you want to have before you go is a good idea. From the Ritz-Carlton down to a rented guest house room, the Cayman Islands have it all ■

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Dine, Dock, Discover THE NEW MARINA VILLAGE IN DEEP BAY A refreshing destination to unwind, explore Oil Nut Bay’s Marina Village featuring Nova restaurant and lounge with shareable small plates that focus on fresh, local ingredients.

Explore the market, boutique, coffee shop and library or relax and enjoy a covered bar and lounge deck with games, a pool and suspended overwater hammocks.

Visit our website for opening hours and menu.

VIRGIN GORDA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS | 1 284 393 1000 | oilnutbay.com