was another indication that life is returning to normal in the BVI. After a night of several torrential downpours, we were off to Jost Van Dyke, this time bypassing our usual stop at Soper's Hole, at the west end of Tortola, due to the extensive damage and rebuilding efforts going on there. On our approach to Jost, we headed straight to White Bay, home of the infamous Soggy Dollar Bar, where the beach remains picture-perfect. Jost Van Dyke received major damage from Irma, but I am happy to report the Soggy Dollar, Gertrude’s, Foxy’s in Great Harbor and several other spots are up and running, welcoming hungry and thirsty sailors with their famous BVI hospitality. Our final day of sailing was preceded by a huge breakfast, doing our best to wipe out our provisions, and one final humiliation — yet another round of paddleboarding. As always, we were sad to turn in our boat, but who can complain after a week
LATITUDE ARCHIVES
WORLD OF CHARTERING
Look closely and you'll see three letters. As this classic file shot demonstates, chartering in the BVI is all about fun in the sun.
of perfect winds, uncrowded anchorages and beautiful waters. The BVI may have been knocked down, but they are coming back, and well worth a visit. Visiting yachtsmen are a boon to the local economies of the BVI and other Eastern Caribbean islands. The waters and sailing there remain fantastic, and their being less crowded is an advantage
to visiting sailors. Our age-resistant crew is already looking forward to our next sailing reunion in the islands. — john platt
Charter Notes Oddly enough, this writer visited the Virgins only a couple of weeks after John Platt and his crew. We've been sailing those waters for 40 years and we've never seen the anchorages less crowded. Even in the peak winter season — December to April — you can expect to find plenty of mooring balls available in key anchorages. And you can probably expect to get more attentive service in bars and restaurants. Decades ago the BVI earned its status as the most popular chartering venue in the world. But its anchorages eventually got too crowed for some vacationers. If you are one of them, we suggest you give the BVI another try — or check out the neighboring US Virgins, which are all part of the same spectacular archipelago. — andy
Avalon - Catalina Island
Your West Coast Island Getaway!! ASA Catamaran Sailing School & Charters guinevere@westcoastmultihulls.com
www.charter-catamaran.com
619.517.5630
To book your charter go to www.sailtmm.com
All the information you need to book your charter can be found on our website www.sailtmm.com
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Latitude 38
• October, 2019
Islands of Loreto - Baja