BVI - Savannah Bay

Zanshin · 24-08-2008, 07:53

So far I've either been alone on the boat or in winter weather and thus have never tried entering and anchoring in Savannah Bay. But I leave for the islands tomorrow and will most likely have guests aboard who could be used as lookouts.

I draw around 6 1/2 feet and was hoping that someone here might have experience in entering the bay in a keelboat and might be willing to share their knowledge. Thanks in advance!

btrayfors · 24-08-2008, 08:10

Zanshin,

I also draw 6.5 feet. Haven't been in there in some years, but I don't think you'd have a problem.

You enter from the southern side of the Bay, then head north not far from the shore, inside the reef which extends down from the north to cover about 1/2 the opening to the Bay.

Fairly easy navigation; eyeball, really.

Have fun!

Bill

Zanshin · 24-08-2008, 08:20

Bill - thanks for the post! I remember from swimming that there are two reefs running roughly parallel to the beach, so you mean running between these two, is that correct? I just called up Google Earth but the resolution is just a bit too low and a cumulus cloud covers the important bit (hmm, kinda like those artistic nudes in the museums).

btrayfors · 24-08-2008, 08:22

Yes, that's right. The outer reef is very large and provides good protection.

Pick your way in carefully, and have a ball :-)

Bill

cagney · 24-08-2008, 09:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zanshin

Bill - thanks for the post! I remember from swimming that there are two reefs running roughly parallel to the beach, so you mean running between these two, is that correct? I just called up Google Earth but the resolution is just a bit too low and a cumulus cloud covers the important bit (hmm, kinda like those artistic nudes in the museums).

Check out the sat pic on http://www.activecaptain.com.
They have a perfect, cloud free, view.

**Hud3** · 24-08-2008, 11:52

Zan,

Savannah Bay is nice. I've been in there just they way Bill described. There's plenty of water and room to anchor.

Also consider visiting Oil Nut Bay, right at the very NE tip of Virgin Gorda. You can get there by way of Eustatia Sound. Very beautiful, peaceful and secluded. Protected by a reef from the Atlantic.

Here's a photo I took when we were there in 2005.

btrayfors · 24-08-2008, 11:59

Beautiful, Hud.

And, you're in my territory...one of my favorite places in the BVI!

Many times I've lain at anchor for days or a week in the lee of Saba Rock, North Sound, where the wind blows strong (no mosquitoes), the current runs strong, the scenery is unsurpassed, and there's plenty to do within easy dingy-ing distance.

Sadly, Bert Jabin's place is long-gone now, but the new place isn't bad at all. Quality construction (in the BVI????), nice folks, decent food, and still a nice short dingy ride from the anchorage.

And, of course, there's the Bitter End for Sunday Brunch, for lolligagging by the pool, watersports, etc., etc.

Love coming in thru the north entrance with a breeze of wind, hitting that smooth protected water, and tacking up to an anchorage at 8 knots +.

Can't have that kind of fun in the city!

Bill

Gashmore · 25-08-2008, 06:42

Developers have made a mess shore side at Oilnut. Filled in the pond and ripped out a lot of vegitation. They pulled out earlier this year leaving it trashed.

**Hud3** · 25-08-2008, 08:53

Damn, that's a shame! I saw what looked like a bit of road being carved into the hillside approaching Oil Nut when we were there in '05, and worried that it might be the prelude to something like that. It was a pretty beach with lots of Mahoe trees when we saw it.

24-08-2008, 07:53	#1
Zanshin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Germany Boat: Jeanneau 49DS Posts: 262	BVI - Savannah Bay So far I've either been alone on the boat or in winter weather and thus have never tried entering and anchoring in Savannah Bay. But I leave for the islands tomorrow and will most likely have guests aboard who could be used as lookouts. I draw around 6 1/2 feet and was hoping that someone here might have experience in entering the bay in a keelboat and might be willing to share their knowledge. Thanks in advance!

24-08-2008, 11:52	#6
Hud3 Moderator Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Nevis, West Indies Boat: Island Packet 380 "The Belle of Virginia" Posts: 4,430 Images: 15	Zan, Savannah Bay is nice. I've been in there just they way Bill described. There's plenty of water and room to anchor. Also consider visiting Oil Nut Bay, right at the very NE tip of Virgin Gorda. You can get there by way of Eustatia Sound. Very beautiful, peaceful and secluded. Protected by a reef from the Atlantic. Here's a photo I took when we were there in 2005. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Hud s/y The Belle of Virginia, IP 380 Nevis, West Indies Click to Search Cruisers Forum Archives

25-08-2008, 08:53	#9
Hud3 Moderator Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Nevis, West Indies Boat: Island Packet 380 "The Belle of Virginia" Posts: 4,430 Images: 15	Damn, that's a shame! I saw what looked like a bit of road being carved into the hillside approaching Oil Nut when we were there in '05, and worried that it might be the prelude to something like that. It was a pretty beach with lots of Mahoe trees when we saw it. __________________ Hud s/y The Belle of Virginia, IP 380 Nevis, West Indies Click to Search Cruisers Forum Archives

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24-08-2008, 08:10	#2
btrayfors Senior Cruiser Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chesapeake Region Boat: 42' Bob Perry sloop, "Born Free" Posts: 1,228 Images: 3	Zanshin, I also draw 6.5 feet. Haven't been in there in some years, but I don't think you'd have a problem. You enter from the southern side of the Bay, then head north not far from the shore, inside the reef which extends down from the north to cover about 1/2 the opening to the Bay. Fairly easy navigation; eyeball, really. Have fun! Bill

24-08-2008, 08:20	#3
Zanshin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Germany Boat: Jeanneau 49DS Posts: 262	Bill - thanks for the post! I remember from swimming that there are two reefs running roughly parallel to the beach, so you mean running between these two, is that correct? I just called up Google Earth but the resolution is just a bit too low and a cumulus cloud covers the important bit (hmm, kinda like those artistic nudes in the museums).

24-08-2008, 08:22	#4
btrayfors Senior Cruiser Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chesapeake Region Boat: 42' Bob Perry sloop, "Born Free" Posts: 1,228 Images: 3	Yes, that's right. The outer reef is very large and provides good protection. Pick your way in carefully, and have a ball :-) Bill

24-08-2008, 11:59	#7
btrayfors Senior Cruiser Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chesapeake Region Boat: 42' Bob Perry sloop, "Born Free" Posts: 1,228 Images: 3	Beautiful, Hud. And, you're in my territory...one of my favorite places in the BVI! Many times I've lain at anchor for days or a week in the lee of Saba Rock, North Sound, where the wind blows strong (no mosquitoes), the current runs strong, the scenery is unsurpassed, and there's plenty to do within easy dingy-ing distance. Sadly, Bert Jabin's place is long-gone now, but the new place isn't bad at all. Quality construction (in the BVI????), nice folks, decent food, and still a nice short dingy ride from the anchorage. And, of course, there's the Bitter End for Sunday Brunch, for lolligagging by the pool, watersports, etc., etc. Love coming in thru the north entrance with a breeze of wind, hitting that smooth protected water, and tacking up to an anchorage at 8 knots +. Can't have that kind of fun in the city! Bill

25-08-2008, 06:42	#8
Gashmore Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 92	Developers have made a mess shore side at Oilnut. Filled in the pond and ripped out a lot of vegitation. They pulled out earlier this year leaving it trashed.