| I was there last March, sailed from Bitter End.. Very quiet place, excellent for
"getting away" Most charter services don't want charterers going there, as it
can be tricky getting in the the harbour at the Anegada Reef Hotel, I was told
that about one yacht a year runs aground there - adding to the already 200
wrecks in the area. The island is so low, only 28 feet high at max, that
we had some difficulty identifying the buildings etc the charter guide described
as range markers.
Charter guide suggests that you arrive when the sun is high, since there is no
more that 8 feet of water in the channel in some places. I couldn't agree more.
We were in a 50" Beneteau Oceanis with shoal draft keel of 6 feet. When we
arrived, one of the bouys was missing, but the local bartender at the Anegada
Reef Hotel, who doubled as a fishing guide, dingyed out to his motor yacht with
RDF and talked us aroung the shallows. Still, it was scary to see the sounder
at less that 2 meters knowing we drew 6 feet. I made some notes and sketches
after we finally got in. Let me know if you would like me to dig them out and
describe them to you.
We were there for two days and didn't do much except "adapt" to the island time
and tempo. Its great at the bar there, serve yourself and pay what you owe
later before you sail out. Great food at the little resturant at the Reef Hotel
where everything is grilled outside over open fire by the shore.
On leaving there early the second morning we got into a great race with a 40'
cat, on a broad reach to Jost Van Dyke. It took 20 miles to do it in 20 knot
winds and 10 foot seas, but we finally overtook him at Sandy Cay. The captain
of that cat was absolutely incredulous that a beamy 50 footer could out do him -
I'm not sure whether it was the boat or the skipper!!
Let us know about your visit by posting here when you return.
RON
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| There is a good article in this month's Cruising World about sailing
the BVI's. Anegada is mentioned at some length. I have sailed
extensively in the BVI's but have avoided Anegada due to the hazards.
The Charter companies tend to be cautious, so I think the reputation of
the place is worse than its bite. Also get hold of a copy of a Cruising
Guide covering that area. It will be very helpful in giving you
whatever information you need. The place is famous for its lobsters and
there is a restaurant ashore, with Bar, of course. Probably some pretty
good steelband music as well. f
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