Navigation in British Virgin Islands

[wjengle]

Hello all,

I'm heading down to go sailing in the BVI this spring for the first time and was wondering if it is advisable, and or necessary, to have a GPS unit onboard? The boat I am chartering does not have one. I will have charts for the area, but didn't know if I should bring a handheld device with me.

Also, can anyone recommend somewhere to rent a handheld GPS with mapping software for the BVI? Or can someone recommend a low cost handheld GPS to purchase?

Thanks for any advise you all have.

Joe

[LtBrett]

BVI charter sailing is mostly line of sight. No need for a gps. The charter company will provide you with paper charts and give you a chart brief so you know where you can and can't go. If you want to go to Anegada, the very best approach chart I've seen is here, along with tons of nav info for the entire chain:

BVIPirate.com Site Map

The sailing is extremely easy. Check here for more information:
Traveltalkonline: Viewing forum: British Virgin Islands

Have fun!!!

Brett

[skipmac]

Hi Joe,

In good light and good weather (that is any time you might be sailing) eyeball navigation is good enough. The water will be crystal clear and rocks, reefs, and shallows easy to see.

Distances are short and local charts are more than adequate to get you from one harbor to the next.

If you have reasonably good chart reading skills, that is you can look at the paper and relate that to what you see on land and water around you, then should be a piece of cake.

Good luck and have fun.

[windjob]

Hello Joe,

I agree with the previous posts. Navigation is simple and easy. In fact some recommend not to use GPS because the charts you get are pretty old. Be aware that most of the charter companies require that you are on a safe anchorage latest at 16:00. Sunset is very rapid. Other than that its a beautifull area and you will enjoy it. Don't miss Anegada.

Regards

Klaus