Trash to Treasure

The BVI is taking another step forward in preserving the environment with the opening of a new enterprise for recycling glass in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola. The depot is located at the back of the racetrack. It is an impressive sight with a mountain of sparkling glass, but what is even more impressive is what Courtney and Lorraine Thomlingson, the enterprising souls in charge of all those bottles, intends to do with them. The Tomlingsons began recycling glass bottles about 1 1/2 years ago, after recognizing how many glass bottles were constantly thrown in the garbage after drinks were consumed. BVI Recycling contacted local bars and restaurants to supply the company with all their glass bottles that would otherwise be thrown in the trash and left for the incinerator to melt. After collecting the bottles on a regular schedule, the glass bottles are separated by color and crushed at the Sea Cow's Bay operation. Bottles are then crushed in a special machine that breaks the glass down into varying sizes. When they have bundles of 1000 tons, the glass is shipped to Puerto Rico to make new bottles. Recycling glass is not only cost-efficient, it benefits the environment in several ways. Glass produced from recycled glass instead of raw materials reduces related air pollution by 20% and related water pollution by 50%. Now with the help of Charlotte McDevitt and her Green BVI, a soon to be formed nonprofit organization that will work toward sustainable waste management solutions in the BVI, some of that glass may soon be turned into treasure. The plan is to collect the bottles from Sea Cows Bay, as well as a number of special bins installed around the island, and turn them into products for sale - both decorative, like vases and bowls, as well as functional, such as glass tiles or as a component of road surfacing. The glass works, complete with a furnace and resident glass blower, could also serve as a tourist attraction. Ms. McDevitt is hoping that the glass furnace will be constructed on Beef Island by July, and that it will be able to recycle about 400 pounds of glass a week. The group is hoping to eliminate glass waste from the BVI in 3 years. Sounds like a great start for Tortola to start recycling! Click for more information about what the BVI is doing to stay "green".
- Donna

Click for more information on Caribbean Sailing.

BVI Author Has New Summer Read

The lives of authors are almost as interesting as the books they write. Former Road Town, BVI City Manager Eugenia O'Neal has a secret second life as a romance novelist. Her first novel was Just an Affair. Her impressive resume includes degrees in journalism and political science, and a stint as the head of the Office of Gender Affairs, but generally does not include that she is also a bonafide member of the "Romance Writers of America." Eugenia has now combined her love of Caribbean history (and of course romance) with an intriguing adventure story. Her latest novel, Dido's Prize, combines the saga of the slave trade, pirate lore and adventures on the high seas. The compelling adventure novel surrounds the main character, Dido, a slave formerly from St. Kitts, who was brought to Jamaica to work as a field hand on a sugar plantation. She escapes to join a pirateer ship, captained by El Negro ( a freed black) who makes a profit from pilfering the goods of other ships, specifically the Spanish Fleet. Disguised as a boy, Dido is torn between her attraction to the magnetic El Negro and her desire to stay incognito, at least until she gets her share of the sea-faring spoils. Dramatic, compelling and with twists of intrique, this is a great beach read or one you might want to sail away with. You can find Dido's Prize at Serendipity Bookstore on Main Street, Road Town. If you have some other favorite boat books that take place in the Caribbean, we would love to hear about them! - Donna

Click for more information on a Caribbean Sailing Vacation.

The Tortola Sloop

Is boat building a dying art in the BVI? In a way, yes. Most of the traditional builders have died, and few young people are expressing an interest in the trade. But, the Maritime Center at H.Lavity Stoutt Community College is working to preserve the tradition of wooden boat building and to record and teach the history of the Tortola sloop. The Tortola boat originated with slaves of West African descent. Boat building skills traditionally were not taught in a formal setting, but were passed on through word of mouth.

Over 200 years ago, the Virgin Islands developed as one of four major boat building centers in the Lesser Antilles. Well before Emancipation in 1834, enslaved and free Africans built sloops to facilitate inter-island trade. In 1853, a riot broke out in the BVI over a cattle tax, and many plantations were burnt down and the cane fields destroyed. The government fled to Antigua, as did many residents, leaving free Africans to fend for themselves. Fortunately for them, they were already well-suited to develop an independent economy based on cattle raising, along with ground provisions and charcoal production. Residents soon started building more boats, which they used to trade with other islands. The BVI eventually became one of the USVI's main suppliers of cattle and ground provisions. Because of the active trade between the islands, many residents built the boats as a way to help supplement the income they earned from farming and other trades. The Tortola boat was produced not only for local consumption, but was sold to buyers from numerous other islands. The introduction of refrigerators to the USVI, (which allowed long-term storage of food items thereby lessening the demand for fresh imports), however, eventually limited the boat's popularity as trade between islands decreased. The boats, though, increasingly were used to transport people. The Tortola sloop is the only boat of its kind in the world. The typical Tortola boat profile shows a long overhang of the bow and stern. Therefore, the overall length or length on deck is considerably greater than the waterline length. The mast and boom are approximately equal to the overall length of the boat. The main material traditionally used for the boats was the white cedar, which is the national tree of the BVI. According to Geoffrey Brooks, curator of the Maritime Museum, "one never cuts an entire tree to build a boat. Just the branch is cut and the tree is left to grow. The only exception is when you are cutting for the mast." By the early 1970s, as tourism increasingly dominated the economy, the boat-building trade was fading fast. One surviving builder is Watson White from Anegada. Other boat builders include Haldaine Davies and Kenneth Faulkner of Anegada and Hemm Thomas from East End. An ongoing project by the Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society is now involving youths in building a Tortola sloop in order to document its procedures and history for future generations. Currently, the nearly completed hull sits in an open-air shed behind Foxy's Restaurant at Great Harbour on JVD.

If you are looking for a modern day sloop, climb aboard the 62' Paradise. Create your own paradise while enjoying a myriad of activities including snorkeling, kayaking, knee-boarding, scuba diving, night life, sunbathing, relaxing on a great deck, and of course, the pure pleasure of sailing. Paradise has accommodations for 4 guests in 2 queen-sized cabins. The large master cabin is ideal for a honeymoon. It is easy to relax and enjoy the company of Captain Bernie and Chef Ruth. They take great pleasure in making the best out of what life has to offer. They have the wonderful ability of making guests feel at home and enjoy sharing life aboard their sailing yacht. If you want to make every moment perfect, there is only one name to remember-Paradise. Click here for a virtual tour of the Paradise Charter Yacht.

In the meantime, check out the traditional Tortola sloop being built and share the history of the BVI! - Donna

Click for more information on BVI Yacht Charters.

Moorings Power 474 Catamaran Wedding.

"We loved the trip and the boat!"

Here are some pix from our trip.
-Jim

Click for more information on Tortola Yacht Charters.

Something Old; Something New!

First, something old: This year, one of Tortola's oldest hotels will celebrate its 50th birthday. Sebastian's in Little Apple Bay was started in 1959 as a restaurant and 4 room guesthouse by gourmet chef, Kathy Sebastian of St. Thomas. Following a few shifts in ownership, Sebastian's has now been under the management of Uschi Mikoleiczik for the last 31 years. It continues to be a staple in the community for visitors and locals to find great food and rooms at reasonable prices. Located about a 15 minute drive from Road Town, it is located on Long Beach, which offers some of the best surfing in the BVI. Sebastian's offers both continental and Caribbean cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, steaks and vegetarian dishes. If you are looking for a land-based treat on your Tortola Charter, you can dine inside for a romantic candlelit atmosphere or outside on the comfortable palm-fringed terrace. Sebastian's is also well known for its own blend of rum, which you are free to sample after your dinner. Every Sunday evening, local fungi group, 4 Strong, serenades diners looking to dance under the star-filled sky. It is a bit of local color you are sure to enjoy.

Now, something brand new! Check out the latest addition to our fleet. Nutmeg, a 50' catamaran, is the first St. Francis 50 designed and custom built specifically for chartering. She offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and spaciousness aboard a world-class cruising yacht. Nutmeg's luxurious interior offers 4 queen-sized staterooms with easy access berths, air conditioning, SAT tvs, and ensuite heads and showers. Relax in the spacious salon, shaded cockpit protected by a hard bimini or sun on the front trampoline. Her many modern conveniences, along with a friendly and energetic crew, will make you feel right at home while still offering top of the line service and ultimate luxury. Click to learn more about a Nutmeg Yacht Charter.

If you are looking for some exotic flavor and an escape to paradise, why not live out your dream of the ultimate getaway aboard a Tortola yacht charter? Whether you are experiencing something old or new, you will put some spice in your life when you sail on a luxury charter to beautiful islands, enjoying tropical drinks, gourmet cuisine and beautiful sunsets with your favorite people! -Donna

Click for more information on booking a Charter Yacht vacation.

Protect the Reefs!

In recent weeks, at least three charter boats have caught the attention of residents and business owners in Jost Van Dyke after getting stuck on a reef in White Bay and disturbing the environment by churning up what one official described as "coral soup". On February 20th, a powerboat came loose from a mooring ball, got stuck on a reef and leaked fuel. On March 5th, the yacht Sea of Dreams churned up sand for a reported 12 hours as it tried to work its way off a reef, and on March 6th, a Sunsail yacht ripped up coral when it was stuck for a few hours. These events are devastating to the ocean environment and are usually the result of people who just don't know any better. When careless boaters run into the reef, it really does a lot of damage to the coral, and can be potentially dangerous to the vessel. If you book a charter yacht, make sure you do your part to protect the delicate ocean environment. Before entering any anchorage, use the guide books provided to you upon booking your charter so that you are aware of the reef system. And, if you do not feel comfortable being your own captain, consider chartering a crewed yacht. Also, if you are a snorkeler or diver, Click to learn many ways to protect the underwater world of the Caribbean islands. We all need to do our part to protect these spectacular islands! - Donna

Click for more information on Sailing Charters.

Nanny Cay To Host Sailing Events

The Cruising Rally Association announced that Nanny Cay Resort and Marina will be the Caribbean Host for two major sailing events. The first event will be the Atlantic Cup Rally departing from the Nanny Cay Marina on May 3rd and finishing in Bermuda 4-5 days later. This adventure is a 850-mile rally. The Atlantic Cup is open to sailors with well founded offshore boats at least 38 feet long and crews of two or more. The second event is the Caribbean 1500, slated for November 2nd. This is a 1500 mile race that starts at Hampton, VA and ends at Nanny Cay. The 2009 Caribbean 1500 Rally will be the 20th annual running of this event making it the largest and longest-running offshore cruising event in the Americas. Both events will retain some of the competitive elements of traditional races, but will also offer social, educational and technological enhancements that broaden the appeal of the event to couples and families, as well as racers - both experienced and first-timers. As usual, there is always something fun to see and do while on a Tortola Yacht Charter. Why not book your charter to be a witness to these two fun events?! -Donna

Click for more information on Yacht Charters.

Famous BVI Names

When traveling on a Tortola Yacht Charter, ever wonder what is behind a name? There are several names that are famous in the BVI. Two of these are Noel Lloyd and Hamilton Lavity Stoutt. Palm Grove Park, the area of Wickham's Cay often used for cultural events, has been renamed the Noel Lloyd Postive Action Movement Park. The renaming recognizes the men and women who urged the purchase of Wickham's Cay by the government in the 1960s, including the area that is now the park. In March of each year, the BVI also remembers its first elected Chief Minister and the legacy that he has left. Hamilton Lavity Stoutt served as Chief Minister for three non-consecutive terms totaling nearly 18 years. Born in 1929, he first became Chief Minister in 1967, after being elected to the Legislative Coucnil ten years prior. While in office, he focused on improving education for all BVI students, despite the fact that he himself left school at an early age to work. He also created government financed educational opportunities abroad and actively supported the BVI Community College, which now bears his name. Another legacy Stoutt left behind is the Central Administration Building.

Another recognizable BVI name is Cuan Law, a 105' Trimaran. Cuan Law is the largest sailing trimaran in the world, and she is not like any other live aboard dive boat you have ever encountered. The accommodations aboard Cuan Law are spacious and comfortable. There are ten double staterooms, each can be set up to suit your needs with a double bed or twins, side by side. You also have plenty of walking around space. When not sailing from one perfect spot to another, Cuan Law has lots of activities to keep you busy above the water, in the water, under the water and on land. Or, you can just relax and do absolutely nothing! The crew of Cuan Law plays a big part in bringing this impressive boat to life. These topnotch people are incredibly energetic, congenial and fun to be around, constantly attending to your needs, usually anticipating them in advance. Dining aboard Cuan Law is an experience you will not soon forget. Many charter yachts have excellent food, but Cuan Law is in a class of its own. All of the meals are served on the charming and spacious teak aft deack, with the ocean and islands as your backdrop. Click to learn more or to take a virtual tour about a Cuan Law Yacht Charter. If you have had a diving experience aboard Cuan Lawwe would love to hear about it! - Donna

Click for more information on Caribbean Sailing.

Caribbean Arts & Crafts Festival

Are you looking to do some shopping or participant in a local cultural event while on your Tortola charter? You do not have to choose this weekend. The Caribbean Artisan Network, the BVI Tourist Board, The Moorings, LIAT Airline and the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association is hosting what has become the biggest Artisan Festival of its kind in the region. The event will be held March 6-11 in Trellis Bay, Virgin Gorda and Road Town. For the sixth year in a row, this increasingly popular cultural event brings together artisans from throughout the Caribbean to display, sell and demonstrate their crafts at a variety of locations in the BVI. Last year, 15 different countries participated, bringing over 50 of the most skilled artisans in the region to the BVI and over 1,000 visitors. A special feature of this year's event will include a dedication ceremony to Reuben Vanterpool, one of Tortola's most prolific artists. Vanterpool is being honored for the significant impact he has had on the BVI and Caribbean art scene and for his contributions in raising awareness of local culture on the island. From his studios in Road Town and Great Mountain, Vanterpool taught classes to numerous budding local artists in the 1990s before becoming the Speaker for the BVI Legislative Council from which he is now retired. During his time on the Council, he executed, "The Ridge Wall Project" now known as the "Great Wall of Tortola", with the purpose of passing down the cultural history to Virgin Islanders and visitors as well as to create an outdoor art gallery accessible to everyone. The Great Wall, as with his other paintings, seeks to immortalize the history of BVI society and culture, including such images as going to market, sugar mill activity, pasture scenes and night crabbing. Since retiring as the Speaker of the BVI Legislative Council, he has been painting full time, including privately commissioned murals and is currently working on opening a community art gallery at Great Mountain. If you are in the BVI this weekend, this is your chance to meet a famous BVI son, learn about the culture, and maybe even bring home some Caribbean art to remember your Tortola yacht charter! - Donna

Click for more information on a Caribbean Sailing Vacation.

Explore New Areas Aboard THE DOVE

Are you looking for something completely new and exciting in Caribbean sailing? Now is your chance! After chartering for over 20 years, THE DOVE owner/captain Larry Tyler has had many repeat charter clients express an interest in trying something new or exploring a different area. So Tyler has come up with some ideas that he hopes will be interesting charter options. The first idea is to participate in the TransCaraibes Rally. The TransCaraibes is a fun rally starting in Guadeloupe on April 4, 2009 and ending in Cuba 3 weeks later. The sailing route is via St. Martin, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica, ending on April 25th on the South West coast of Cuba. THE DOVE is available to be chartered for the TransCaraibes Rally for either all or a part of the trip. For the whole 3-week rally, Captain Larry is offering THE DOVE at a very special price of pay for two weeks and get the third week free! For the complete itinerary for the TransCaraibes Rally, go to: http://www.transcaraibes.com/ The second option is that THE DOVE will remain in Cuba and will be available for charters in Cuba for the month of April. For the summer season, Captain Larry is considering two additional options for THE DOVE. He is thinking about sailing THE DOVE to the Azores for the summer. If you are looking to have a blue water sailing experience, he would accept passengers for the Atlantic crossing, with a possible boarding point of Bermuda as well as summer charters in the Western Mediterranean. Another alternative would be to sail to Cartagena, Colombia and then on to the San Blas Islands where THE DOVE would be available for the summer season. If you are interested in chartering in new and different venues, here is your chance! Contact us and let us know if any of the above are of interest! - Donna

Click for more information on BVI Yacht Charters.