CARIBBEAN SAILING VACATIONS
. . . With Cap'n Tom Kruse
THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
The British Virgin Islands are located about 60 miles east of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean. They are considered one of the most beautiful and safest sailing destinations in the world.
Comprised
of 8 principal islands and many smaller ones, they stretch over 30 miles. 
The
trade winds blow steady at around 15-20 knots and the tides are minimal.
Navigation is mainly by line-of-sight and practically every destination
can be reached in 3-4 hours.
The BVI’s are my favorite sailing location for first-time charter guests for a number of reasons:
- They are easily accessible from most cities in the U.S. and Europe.
- There are many chartering companies for a greater selection of yachts.
- The sailing is relatively easy, compared with other Caribbean locations.
- The government openly welcomes the sailing community, and jet skis and water skiing are prohibited.
- The tropical climate is ideal, with highs in the upper 80’s and lows in the 70’s.
- Most anchorages have moorings available to safely tie-up for the evening.
- Many anchorages have restaurants, bars and shops that cater to boaters.
- The crystal-blue water and myriad coral reefs offer excellent snorkeling.
- For scuba divers, the BVI's have 4 of the top 10 dive sites in the Caribbean.
There are other locations in the Caribbean that also offer excellent sailing. After the BVI’s, my favorite spot is the Windward Islands, sailing out of St. Vincent and exploring the Grenadines (where the Tobago Cays are truly spectacular). Likewise, the Leeward Islands (sailing out of St. Martin) offer many excellent anchorages. However, the sailing conditions outside the BVI’s are more difficult and require a more experienced crew.
If you are truly adventurous, ask me about more exotic locations such as the Sea of Cortez, or the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, or perhaps the Greek Isles.