TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Boatyball confrontation

Last evening, about 10 minutes before sunset, a Moorings powercat came around the point from White Bay. They discovered a monohull on their Boatyball. They attempted to tie up to the already occupied Boatyball. A loud and profane argument ensued with insults and threats of violence. Initially, it was entertaining, but quickly became just embarrassing to witness. Eventually, one of these alcohol-fueled confrontations may well involve real violence. In this case, the monohull eventually moved to an available FCFS mooring. The lack of awareness of the Boatyball system is a major problem and needs to be addressed, perhaps by including a notice with the cruising permit to assure every sailor is informed. In any case, I would prefer not to be present for another display of boorish and unacceptable behavior.

Kevin Quinn
S/V EVENT HORIZON lll

At this point, in BVI, there is really no reason for someone pleading ignorance... Besides the education given online and by charter companies, the balls are very distinctive and has "Reserved" on them.

I think what you witnessed was mostly alcohol... Fortunate to have FCFS ball at that time of day.

No way alcohol was a factor for someone returning from White Bay/Soggy Dollar😂!

These mooring ball confrontations are unfortunate indeed. I'm glad to say I've only been an eye witness to such an encounter a couple of times over all these years. When you do see it or hear about it, it's sad.

Last week I did reach Cooper mid afternoon. A monohiull was on my ball. I pulled up behind them and asked "Excuse me, what number ball is that?" Followed by "Do you have a reservation for that ball"(I reverified my email confirmation first). They acknowledged they did not have a reservation and promptly departed. I pointed out there was one remaining FCFS ball (but likely not very comfortable for a monohull in that location).

I believe it is helpful to inquire in a less threatening manner (vs "You are on MY Ball! GET OFF!").

This has happened several times over past several years (I am there a lot), and the offender has released without an attitude.

AMEN to that! How you approach the situation is a game-changer. A few years back, we arrived at Cooper and there was a boat on our reserved ball. I launched the dinghy and went over to chat with them. Problem was: they were German tourists (and very friendly), so we had a hard time communicating. In the end, the captain understood the situation and gladly moved to an open ball (a miracle in itself). Next morning they rode their own dinghy to us and offloaded all their remaining beer and booze, as they were flying home later that same day.

Easier to catch flies with honey than vinegar, as our moms always said😎