Their sheltered waters are considered to be some of the finest blue-water cruising grounds in the Caribbean. Balmy climate, miles of sparkling sandy beaches, unparalleled dive sites, safe waters, a constant gentle breeze and the abundance of secluded anchorages, make this 60-island archipelago a haven for sailors, big game fishermen and divers.
[dropcap]D[/dropcap]iscovered by Columbus, and then by pirates and fighting Europeans, the archipelago is split between the cosmopolitan US Virgin Islands and the more low-key British Virgin Islands. A fragmented jigsaw of green isles in a turquoise sea, the British Virgin Islands remain relatively unspoilt with long sweeps of land linking lush green headlands. Virgin Gorda is most widely known for The Baths on the southwest coast – a Stonehenge-esque collection of boulders amid pools of azure waters, home to an array of tropical fish and coral which are a delight to discover by kayak or snorkelling. Beautiful stretches of secluded beaches dot the scalloped coastlines whilst ashore you will find first-class restaurants and resorts, combining Caribbean tradition and glamour.
Often referred to as the New York City of the Caribbean due to its bustling vibe, St Thomas is the ideal place to start a cruise through the Virgin Islands. Its bustling harbour is packed with sophisticated boutiques and restaurants whilst further inland you can soak up the fascinating architecture and museums. The eclectic mix of cultures, cuisines and stunning beaches are what make these islands an obvious choice for a fantastic cruising vacation.
Discover the BVI on board a 44m megayacht!
Built in 1990 by Heesen Shipyard as Lady Joy, At Last has undergone a 2 year refit completed in 2009, as well as a interior refit in 2013/2014. She offers guests a pristine, new contemporary interior featuring beautiful colourful art throughout a soothing décor that provides a perfect backdrop to the bright styling. A striking central spiral staircase connects all decks and a large foyer below deck complete with beverage station is the ultimate area for entertaining guests in the cool of the air conditioned inside living spaces. The unusual octagonal main salon is both warm and inviting, further enhanced by a sense of sophistication and flair.
As to the [highlight color=”yellow”]Cabin Configuration[/highlight], the full-beam master suite, located on the main deck forward with a central king size bed, offers spectacular panoramic views and a full entertainment system. The remaining 4 guests staterooms are located on the lower deck and include a King, 2 Queens and 1 Twin with additional Pullman berth.
Outside on the sun deck four umbrellas surrounding the Jacuzzi provide optional shade and a well-placed bar with fixed stools call for time out while guests lounge, soak up the sun and take in stunning views.
On the sky lounge deck, al fresco dining at the sizeable, shaded table is the perfect spot to relish the day’s menu prepared by the professional on board chef.
The easily accessible swim platform boasts a dual stairway leading from the main deck where a large tender and four 3-person waverunners are stored. A brand new 35 ft. Scout tender is in tow and included in the charter package.
Chartered by Camper & Nicholsons, At Last is available in Winter and in Summer for the Central Caribbean Sea, with prices [highlight color=”yellow”]from US$135000 per week[/highlight].
[divider style=”dashed” top=”20″ bottom=”20″]
Itinerary / 9 Days, from St Thomas to Jost Van Dyke
[highlight color=”yellow”]Day 1[/highlight] Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas – Francis Bay, St John
Charlotte Amalie, located on St. Thomas, is the capital and largest city of the U.S. Virgin Islands, founded in 1666. The busy harbour is crowded with boutiques and restaurants.
Step aboard and cruise to Hurricane Hole on St John. Spend the afternoon relaxing on deck surrounded by the National Park’s white beaches, emerald cays and turquoise waters.
[highlight color=”yellow”]Day 2[/highlight] Hurricane Hole – Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Cruise across the border to the British Virgin Islands. Drop anchor at Cane Garden Bay and take the tender ashore to climb Mount Sage or simply to have fun at one of the bustling beach bars at Soper’s Hole.
The Mount Sage National Park is a protected area of the British Virgin Islands. It is named after the highest peak of the island of Tortola, Mount Sage. The Mount Sage volcanic peak rises to a height of 1,716 feet (523 m), and is thus the highest point in all of the Virgin Islands.
[highlight color=”yellow”]Day 3[/highlight] Cane Garden Bay – Norman Island
Cruise through the Sir Francis Drake Passage to Norman Island. Swim in Deadman’s Bay before heading out to dine at the notorious Willy T schooner anchored just off Norman Island. Legend has it that these geological phenomenon – the caves – house the lost treasure of some of the territory’s more famous pirates. The area is a National Park, and the abundance of fish life is astonishing considering the site’s popularity.
The entire island is uninhabited and surrounded by tranquil waters. One of the most popular anchorages at Norman Island is known as The Bight, a calm body of water that is constantly dotted with cruisers and sailing yachts. The Bight is also home to one of the most popular bars in the area, the Willy T. The William Thornton, a legendary floating bar and restaurant, is a pirate ship which has sat at anchor in the bay since 1987.
Legend plays a large part in the history of Norman Island with tales of pirates and treasure caves, although the role of the island as the model for the epic “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson is perhaps the most famous legend of all. While the island is now uninhabited, farmers have in the past reared cattle there and today the Caves are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the islands.
[highlight color=”yellow”]Day 4[/highlight] Norman Island – Peter Island
After an eventful night it’s a short hop across to neighbouring Peter Island where you can spend the morning swimming and relaxing around the secluded White Bay. For divers amongst the party, the underwater habitat around RMS Rhone is close by.
RMS Rhone was a UK Royal Mail Ship owned by the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company (RMSP). She was wrecked off the coast of Salt Island in the British Virgin Islands on 29 October 1867 in a hurricane, killing 123 people. She is now a popular Caribbean wreck dive site.
[highlight color=”yellow”]Day 5[/highlight] Peter Island –The Baths, Virgin Gorda
Cruise to Virgin Gorda and discover the secluded rock pools of The Baths. Created by huge granite boulders, the waters are perfect for snorkelling.
[highlight color=”yellow”]Day 6[/highlight] The Baths – North Sound, Virgin Gorda
Head to the island’s North Sound and anchor in the huge expanse of sheltered waters. Activities abound, from snorkelling the reefs to water-skiing and testing your skills in small-boat sailing at the Bitter End Yacht Club.
Bitter End offers everything you’re looking for in an amazing vacation in the beautiful B.V.I., an island retreat where love of the water, family tradition, welcoming staff and the generous Caribbean spirit matter most.
[highlight color=”yellow”]Day 7[/highlight] Virgin Gorda – Anegada
The scrub island of Anegada is surrounded by coral reef and the waters are teeming with exotic fish. Spend the afternoon snorkelling amidst the small wrecks that dot the coastline. Anegada, the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands, is the only inhabited British Virgin Island formed from coral and limestone, rather than being of volcanic origin. While the other islands are mountainous, Anegada is flat and low, only about 28 feet (8.5 m) above sea level, earning it its name which is the Spanish term for the flooded land, “tierra anegada”.
[highlight color=”yellow”]Day 8[/highlight] Anegada – White Bay, Jost Van Dyke
From the peaceful anchorage of The Settlement, cruise to the secluded anchorage of White Bay Step ashore onto the lively island of Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the four main islands of the British Virgin Islands. A largely unspoiled and breathtaking paradise, made it so popular among the real pirates of the Caribbean four centuries ago. In the 16th and 17th centuries – long before the movie Pirates of the Caribbean – there were real pirates of the Caribbean. One of the most fearsome of them was Jost Van Dyke, a merciless Dutch pirate. He struck passing ships from the harbours of the small island that today bears his name. Little Harbour has three restaurants, all specializing in lobster dinners.
[highlight color=”yellow”]Day 9[/highlight] Jost Van Dyke – Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas
Spend the final day cruising around, dropping anchor in quiet spots for some water sports activities before crossing the border back into the US Virgin Islands.
[divider style=”dashed” top=”20″ bottom=”20″]
