All Is Well In BVI

[sjs]

Just returned from a charter in BVI and have a few thoughts.

This was my first experience with a refrigerator on board and I now understand the references I have heard about the tyranny of the refrigerator. The charter company recommended three hours engine time every day . . . whew.

Boat was a very pleasant floating condo that sailed very poorly, a design compromise for the charter fleet to be sure, but also blown out sails and running rigging that could easily have had a better layout for better performance. We had small craft advisories for 7 out of 8 days and I could not get her to make any distance good against the wind. Needed two reefs in the main, the genny furled way in, and she would not point at all into the 20-35 knot winds and 4 to 6 ft steep and close seas. Even under engine she barely made way into the weather. Nonetheless, with a little judgment we managed to stay safe, get to some great places and had a tremendous time and it broke our hearts to leave. My thought is, as others have noted many times, it is better to be out there cruising in a less than ideal boat than to be waiting for the perfect boat.

This was my only experience in BVI so I don't claim any extensive knowledge about the area but it is all it was cracked up to be and I will go back as soon as possible.