BLOC MAGAZINE WINTER 18-19

An adventure at sea is in store whether you’re a first-time sailor, or an experienced captain, thanks to consistent trade winds, clear water and sunshine every day... YACHT ROCKS T The British Virgin Islands has been heralded as the "the sailing capital of the Caribbean." Find a different cove at a different is- lands every day and pack your boat with all the necessities to set sail for wherever the wind takes you. With the Sir Frances Drake Channel and islands close enough to navigate by sight stretching in front of you, the BVI is truly a sailor’s paradise. Abundant safe anchorages, and aver- age daytime temperatures in the mid 80s, tempered by the cooling trade winds, it is no wonder that the BVI plays host to yacht clubs that are con- sidered to be among the best in the Caribbean. The following yacht clubs are centres for seamanship, marine knowledge, sportsmanship, training, facilities, and of course, social gathering. Bitter End Yacht Club North Sound, Virgin Gorda Virgin Gorda's premier Bitter End Yacht Club (BEYC) spearheads a va- riety of regattas, contests, and special events, making it an attractive destina- tion for boaters and non-boaters alike. One of the featured sailing events held each year is the Pro Am Regatta, attracting many America's Cup and World Champion sailors. In addition, Bitter End is a "nautical village" with 85 shore side. Accommodations, three restaurants, and a wide array of activ- ities. Reachable only by sea, the resort stretches along a mile of beach and wa- terfront on the North Sound, which is the most protected and secluded deep water harbour in the Caribbean. In ad- dition to all the amenities and activi- ties of a full-service resort, Bitter End is also home to a full-service marina, with dockage and over 70 moorings, where repairs, provisions and supplies are readily and easily available. The Royal BVI Yacht Club Road Town, Tortola The Royal British Virgin Islands Yacht Club, founded in July of 1973, is situ- ated in Road Town, Tortola, at Road Reef on the southwest corner of Road Harbour. It faces the Sir Francis Drake Channel to the south, and Road Reef Marina to the north. The Clubhouse and Dining Room are open for lunch and dinner, and vis- iting yachtsmen, yachtswomen, and members of correspondent yacht clubs