British Virgin Islands : Profile
Facts
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The Virgin Islands are an archipelago comprising hundreds of small islands and cays situated between Puerto Rico and the Leeward Islands. The eastern half is a British dependency, while the western part is US territory.
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The largest British islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke and Anegada, the latter being slightly set apart, while the former are grouped together around the Sir Francis Drake channel.
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The Virgins are perfect cruising ground - scenically beautiful, with countless bays, coves and anchorages, the waters sheltered from the strong trade winds and ocean swells.
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The British Virgins are now the largest bareboat charter centre in the world. For this reason they are often less attractive to the long-distance cruising sailors, who prefer the less crowded islands of the Caribbean.
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The BVI uses the American buoyage system, so red buoys mark the starboard side upon approach from the sea.
Weather
The Caribbean's first walk-in weather centre, CARIBWX, is based in Road Town. Customised weather forecasts, a daily Caribbean SSB weather net, and also daily email marine forecasts are among the many services they can offer. Tel. 494 7559, email: weather
Click British Virgin Islands Main Ports to see:
There are two other entry points, Port Purcell and Beef Island Airport, but yachts are not supposed to enter or clear at these.
Jost van Dyke: Great Harbour
Other Islands: Cooper Island , Norman Island , Peter Island
Tortola: Nanny Cay , Road Harbour
Virgin Gorda: Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour
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