North Bay, Virgin Gorda
Last night we sailed across the Anegada Passage, the 62-mile long stretch of open water that separates Anguilla and the Virgin Islands. With dawn’s first light, we could see Virgin Gorda. Crewmembers climbed the rigging to furl sails at 8 AM, and seemingly out of nowhere a strong squall hit, and winds increased suddenly. As I looked skyward to watch crewmembers climb out on the yards, I was thinking, “Hold on tightly up there!”
The wind was still coming from the south, which is rare in this region. We had planned to visit Jost Van Dyke today, but with today’s southerly winds the anchorage will be completely exposed to waves and wind. North Bay on Virgin Gorda is a great alternative, offering good protection in this wind.
We spent the morning at Prickly Pear Island, and we were the only visitors ashore. Many of us swam and snorkeled from the beautiful white sand beach. Among the turtle grass beneath the waves, we found cushion stars, queen conchs, spiny lobsters, and tiny, purple and yellow damselfishes. Tom led a nature walk from the red mangroves to the trees further inland. And Rocio, our wellness specialist, offered complimentary chair massages in the shade of a sea grape tree. What could be better?
We spent the afternoon enjoying the grounds of the famous Bitter End Yacht Club, across North Bay. Cabanas sit perched on the hillside in private settings; we strolled at sea level, and enjoyed the beautiful plants: colorful bougainvillea, turk’s head cactus, agave (century plant), frangipani, monkey puzzle, and Christmas palms. A waterfront restaurant, bar, and a handful of small shops here cater to guests and the many sailors who visit. Of course, the waterfront is filled with sailboats along the docks and at moorings.
A nature trail meanders up the hillside and along the ridge, and a handful of us explored the rugged trail before returning to the ship at sunset. This evening is Captain’s Welcome Cocktails and Dinner.
Last night we sailed across the Anegada Passage, the 62-mile long stretch of open water that separates Anguilla and the Virgin Islands. With dawn’s first light, we could see Virgin Gorda. Crewmembers climbed the rigging to furl sails at 8 AM, and seemingly out of nowhere a strong squall hit, and winds increased suddenly. As I looked skyward to watch crewmembers climb out on the yards, I was thinking, “Hold on tightly up there!”
The wind was still coming from the south, which is rare in this region. We had planned to visit Jost Van Dyke today, but with today’s southerly winds the anchorage will be completely exposed to waves and wind. North Bay on Virgin Gorda is a great alternative, offering good protection in this wind.
We spent the morning at Prickly Pear Island, and we were the only visitors ashore. Many of us swam and snorkeled from the beautiful white sand beach. Among the turtle grass beneath the waves, we found cushion stars, queen conchs, spiny lobsters, and tiny, purple and yellow damselfishes. Tom led a nature walk from the red mangroves to the trees further inland. And Rocio, our wellness specialist, offered complimentary chair massages in the shade of a sea grape tree. What could be better?
We spent the afternoon enjoying the grounds of the famous Bitter End Yacht Club, across North Bay. Cabanas sit perched on the hillside in private settings; we strolled at sea level, and enjoyed the beautiful plants: colorful bougainvillea, turk’s head cactus, agave (century plant), frangipani, monkey puzzle, and Christmas palms. A waterfront restaurant, bar, and a handful of small shops here cater to guests and the many sailors who visit. Of course, the waterfront is filled with sailboats along the docks and at moorings.
A nature trail meanders up the hillside and along the ridge, and a handful of us explored the rugged trail before returning to the ship at sunset. This evening is Captain’s Welcome Cocktails and Dinner.
