| Location
The British Virgin
Islands (BVI) are 60 miles east of Puerto Rico.
Weather
Average Maximum
Temperature in July and August — 89
degrees
Wind and Sailing
Conditions
Prevailing winds in the
summer are SE 10-15 knots. Waters are sheltered with a tidal
range of 12 inches. Sailing passages range from 2 to 15 miles
and navigation is mostly line of sight because islands are
visible at all times. It is also ideal for first-time
sailors or those worried about "sea sickness",
because of the sheltered bays for anchoring and the island
sails.
|
A view
of some of the scattered green islands that comprise the BVI
-- photo from Virgin Anchorages |
| Currency |
U.S.
Dollar. Most restaurants and stores accept credit cards.
|
| Language |
English
|
| Airport/Transfer |
- Travel
through Puerto Rico and on to Tortola to the Beef Island
Airport.
- Travel direct or through
Puerto Rico to St. Thomas and take the fast ferry to
Roadtown.
- Cabs are easily available
on the islands.
|
| Government
and Population |
The British
Virgin Islands are a territory of the British Commonwealth,
and the total population is about 20,000 people.
|
| Passport |
Valid
passport required.
|
| Foods |
Typical
Creole with local specialties such as “conch
fritters”, "salt fish cakes", roti, and more
recognized menu selections as fresh large lobster and
wonderful barbecued ribs.
|
| Time
Zone |
Atlantic
(but same as EDT in the summer months). So whatever
time it is in the Eastern Time Zone in summer, it is also
the same in the BVI during our sailing season. That's
great for those of us in this part of the US!
|
| History |
The
BVI were visited by Christopher Columbus, settled by the
Dutch (who started the sugar trading), but since 1666 have
been a territory of Britain. Treasure Island is said to be
the “Treasure Island” of Robert Louis Stevenson’s
writings! |
