Foxy's Other Restaurant

Last year we tried Foxy's other place just north of Diamond Rock on Jost Van Dyke facing Green Cay and Sandy Spit. Although the anchorage was pretty, the restaurant was just so-so. A chef that claimed to be a 4 star chef from the States was running the place. His menu offerings that night were so upscale that his poor staff could barely described what they were. And, unfortunately, we did not get what we ordered and what we did get served was not good and very expensive. There were only 2 other tables eating that night and everyone was unhappy. We were wondering why Foxy didn't just stick to what he does best-serve simple yet tasty food rather than trying to be gourmet? If we went to that anchorage again, we would probably just eat aboard if the restaurant has not changed. In addition, the dock was really difficult for dinghy access- it was extremely high. Everyone was struggling. Was the intent to dock your sailboat/yacht there rather than dinghy in? Also, it looked like there were the beginnings of a condo development right next store. Any word on what is up with that? It would totally ruin the tranquility of that anchorage. Donna

Favorite BVI Snorkeling and Dive Spots

I am planning on taking the family snorkeling again, and perhaps do some diving. My favorite spots, in no particular order are: 1) Great Dog, 2) The Indians; 3) Monkey Point; 4) Manchioneel Bay and 5) The Wreck of the Rhone. Also, I have had some great snorkeling in Leinster Bay off St. John. Can anyone recommend other fabulous spots we might have missed? Also, I have used Underwater Dive before. Kathryn Brinn was fabulous. What other dive operators should we consider? Donna

Shopping in the Caribbean

So often people end up buying the same things in the Caribbean: t-shirts, duty free items like liquor and jewelry, and of course, rum. Yet there are so many other souvenir options. Many of the islands have wonderfully unique arts and crafts such as glass work, batiks, pottery, sculpture, etc. Please share your shopping experiences and what you found? Donna

Catamaran Charter

My family is thinking about chartering a catamaran in the BVI for next summer. There will be 7 of us-5 adults and 2 teenagers. We cannot make up our mind between the Moorings Leopard 4600 and the Leopard 4700. We have been on the 4700 before and loved it. It seems to be a very popular boat. Has anyone had any experience with the Leopard 4600? The photos of it look like it is very spacious and airy. What should we do? Donna

Cricket

I was recently asked about the Cricket World Cup, which was staged in the Caribbean this year. My husband and I happened to be in St. Kitts when the Jamaican team came to visit. The new stadium is beautiful. The gentleman that was talking to me had never seen the game and wanted to know about it. Although I am very, very far from an expert, this is my best explanation. Cricket is loved throughout parts of the Caribbean. The top islands for watching the sport are Jamaica, Trinidad, Antigua and Barbados. Even if you are not a fan of the game, a day watching cricket can be great fun, with music pumping from speakers, free-flowing rum and a great party atmosphere. The rules of cricket seem rather complex to those of us who are novices, but there are some basics. There are 2 teams of eleven players. A team wins by scoring more runs than the other team and dismissing the opposition. The match is divided into innings, when one team bats and the other team fields. The number of innings varies depending on the type of competition: one-day matches have one per team; test matches have two. The aim of the fielding side is to limit the runs scored and get the batsman "out". Two players from the batting side are on the pitch at any one time. The bowling side has a bowler, a wicketkeeper and nine fielders. Two umpires, one standing behind the stumps at the bowler's end and one square on to the play, are responsible for deciding whether a batsman is out. Each inning is divided into overs-consisting of 6 deliveries , after which the wicketkeeper changes ends, the bowler is changed and the fielders move positions. The batsmen score runs either by running up and down from wicket to wicket (one length =one run) or by hitting the ball over the boundary rope, scoring 4 runs if it crosses the boundary after touching the ground, or 6 runs if it flies over the boundary. The main ways a batsman can be dismissed are being "clean bowled"(where the bowler dislodges the bails of the wicket-the horizontal pieces of wood resting on the stumps); by being "run out"(when one of the fielding side dislodges the bails with the ball while the batsman is running between the wickets; by being "caught"(when any of the fielding side catches the ball after the batsman has hit it and before it touches the ground; or "LBW"-Leg before wicket(when the batsman blocks with his leg a delivery that would otherwise have hit the stumps). See- I said it was complicated. If you have a simplier explanation, please let me know!!! Anyway, if you are interested in the game and how it is played in the Caribbean, check out http://www.caribbeancricket.com/. Meanwhile, I'll just enjoy another rum! Donna

Caribbean Holiday Cuisine

I want to add a touch of the Caribbean to my holiday table-both in decorations and cuisine. Does anyone have some suggestions? Also, does anyone have some photos of Caribbean holiday celebrations they would like to share? Please pass on your suggestions and photos. Donna

Renovations at The Mariner Inn

I just heard from the owners of the Moorings that they are doing a "serious" renovation of The Mariner Inn. Although the Bar and restaurant area were rebuilt, the hotel never got refurbished. It's about time...the room rates have become less reasonable-more in line with the other hotels on Tortola. They hope to have renovations completed by next summer! I'll check it out and let you know! Donna

Rental Cars at Beef Island

I am down at the Tortola boat show and seem to be the only broker that has noticed that you can now rent a cars right at the Beef Island airport. Hertz and National have booths set up with cars right in the parking lot. You can even book online.

It is not the best solution for most charterers but for someone like myself that needs his wheels it is a real luxury.

I am not sure how the taxi association let them do it but they look like they are here to stay.
Tom

BVI Family Reunions

I recently spent time with my 11 year old neice. We were discussing out upcoming sailing charter to the BVI with Grandma and Grandpa. This is the 3rd time we have taken the whole family and I was struck by how easily the words, "sailing in the BVI" seem to roll off her tongue as well as her grandparents'. With over 60 years age difference between them, I realized that a family reunion in the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean bridges that generation gap. By booking a catamaran through VISailing, we have family get-togethers that are fun and exciting without breaking anyone's budget. VISailing has helped us find sailing vessels that accomodate all of our family's needs. We have found that 46-47 foot catamarans are the perfect solution for our family. The spacious staterooms,main salon,private heads and showers, as well as roomy cockpits and open deck spaces assures we will have plenty of together time without imposing on or crowding each other when a little alone time is necessary. The best part of a family BVI sailing trip is the activities. there is something for everyone, regardless of the age. The variety of activities aboard and ashore is perfect whether we all want to do something together or separately. Whether snorkeling, swimming, teaching the family how to sail, hiking on one of the islands, dancing at a jump-up, or spending time talking, laughing or playing games or just relaxing onboard while sunbathing or watching a spectacular sunset-it is amazing how the kids and grandparents can enjoy the same activities. At a time when most young teenagers want nothing to do with the adults in their lives, we have found that with a BVI sailing charter, that our family is brought even closer together. We have created and shared happy memories that will last a lifetime. For us, sailing in the BVI is the perfect family get-together. How has it worked for your family? Let me know! Donna