BVI Cruising Guide ?

[cameraflier]

Howdy,


Who knows the best cruising guide for the BVI? Even better if you can tell me where to find it.

I’m looking for a chart too. A good one, all the detail, covering the channel out to Anegada.


Thanks!

[Vasco]

Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands. Guide should have chartlet of Anegada. Bluewater should have it.http://www.bluewaterweb.com/ If you're chartering the charter company should supply it.

[nautical62]

The authors of the above mentioned guide are Nancy and Simon Scott, published by Cruising Guide Publications Inc. - just in case you need to verify you have the right one.

I know last time I went to Anegada the way points for the outer entrance buoys was off in the version of the guide I had. Hopefully, that's been updated. It was close enough to get you in the area to eye ball the rest, but just a head's up in case it hasn't been corrected yet.

I found the basic chart of the area and the cruising guide more than sufficient.

[Zanshin]

Anegada isn't as tough as it used to be. Top option is to follow a flotilla or boat (with a deeper keel than your own) in. The official chart and instructions are pretty good as well and I would recommend looking at Walker Mangum's Navigate to Anegada pages.

[GordMay]

Some good BVI FAQs & Pics
Pat & Jere's BVI Pages

[speciald@ocens.]

The charter companies frequently supply a "placemat" sized chart. Ther is a chart book but it is expensive and probably overkill. It is hard to get lost; line -of-site navigation prevails.

[Prerequisite]

I think Anegada is the best marked channel in the BVI's. After years and years of having the 'difficult' stigma, either the danger was overhyped or somebody decided to fix the problem. I did see one mono aground in the anchorage, but nobody seemed to have any trouble finding the channel.

No matter what cruising guide you choose, don't be afraid to venture off a little on your own. On my last trip we found some secluded anchorages that didn't have much to offer in terms of bars, shops, ice, or water, but they all proved to be our favorite spots. If you are chartering, bring along an actual navigational chart since the charter companies love to hand out glorified place mats. Keep an eye on your depth sounder and reference the chart from time to time, but don't be wary of venturing off the beaten path! The water is normally clear enough to see obstacles in time to avoid them.

[Butler]

Great info... thank you all. Anegada was "off limits" when we chartered through Moorings about 6 years ago, which, of course, made it much more interesting as a future destination when I could return in my own boat.
I also wonder from experienced local Carribean sailors if Don Street's guides are very relevant anymore. I really like his writing and his website would seem to indicate that he has revised the guides. Any input? Thanks

[Hud3]

I really only used his guide for the Spanish Virgins. He does a good job on sailing instructions for getting in and out of some of the trickier anchorages, the ones with reefs and rocks to avoid. And even though his books are old, the rocks and coral don't change that much. But, frankly, where the up-to-date guides written by Doyle and Scott were available, I found them much more useful, since they cover the whole experience--including shoreside services and things to do and see.