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Re: Changes in the BVI?
[Re: RickinAtlanta]
#320971
06/11/2024 08:13 AM
06/11/2024 08:13 AM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,154 GA/NC
GeorgeC1
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,154
GA/NC
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With the exception of the armed robberies the other stuff has been going on since our first trip in 2002. I have noted a change in the degree of civility out on the water that I attribute mostly to the large increase in powercats. That has also led to a reduction in qualifications for charters overall. If you can drive a 18’ Searay you can certainly run a 46’ powercat on the ocean, right?
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Re: Changes in the BVI?
[Re: CottageGirl]
#320977
06/11/2024 08:53 AM
06/11/2024 08:53 AM
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 610 Jacksonville, FL, USA
onlymedication
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 610
Jacksonville, FL, USA
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We were just there a month ago. Never felt the need to lock our dinghy and I don’t recall seeing any dinghies locked anywhere we went. I tended to make a mental note of checking other dinghies just in case as I wouldn’t want to be the only one left unlocked.
No issues with mooring balls, either. I swum on every one and all looked to be well maintained.
We did Norman, Diamond Cay JVD, Anegada (2 nights), NS (2 nights), Cooper. So no Trellis or Great Harbor or CGB. We didn’t necessarily avoid any of those, but if you stopped in any of those places or Sopers, you might think a little harder about locking your dinghy.
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Re: Changes in the BVI?
[Re: CottageGirl]
#320982
06/11/2024 09:58 AM
06/11/2024 09:58 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,711 Memphis, BVI, CT
RatmansWife
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,711
Memphis, BVI, CT
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Dinghy thefts are always worse when school is out, especially around Festival and Christmas. They also seem to be used in conjunction with illegal immigration, specifically to get to the USVI. My take is that moorings are better since BoatyBall, as those are maintained by Moor Seacure.
I agree with George that the increase in power cats probably has attracted some less seasoned boatsmen, but I would include the huge catamarans. The folks who charter monohulls are generally better sailors and boatsmen. Another culprit, IMO, is the "professional" captains, who seem to be largely motivated by tips.
Now if you really want to hear about change, talk to Ratman, who's been visiting the BVI since 1965!
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Re: Changes in the BVI?
[Re: CottageGirl]
#320985
06/11/2024 10:42 AM
06/11/2024 10:42 AM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,154 GA/NC
GeorgeC1
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,154
GA/NC
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I have experienced two broken moorings. Both were over 10 years ago. One failure was a BEYC ball and the other a NPS day ball. Moor secure who handles the majority of overnight balls including boatyball does a good job. The BEYC maintains their own balls. Most damaged balls I have noted were run over by boats. That usually can be detected by a surface inspection. Be aware a ball with no pennant usually means a below water problem has been detected and the ball removed from service.
Last edited by GeorgeC1; 06/11/2024 10:44 AM.
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Re: Changes in the BVI?
[Re: CottageGirl]
#321003
06/11/2024 06:48 PM
06/11/2024 06:48 PM
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Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 13
Pyrat Pistol
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 13
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Just got back from my 10th trip since 2002, and definitely seemed like it was busier than any june trip i’ve ever made.
However, it also struck me that while change is a constant anywhere, i think the BVI is more like it was 20 years ago than any other place i could name. Not dying off like some small towns, not exploding with growth like a lot of places. Largely just the same. We moor, eat, visit, and shop at the same places we always have (even if, like BEYC, they’re completely rebuilt) we did 20 years ago.
Boatyball was maybe the biggest operational difference in the whole trip, and even that had its positives (plus we only had to use it twice).
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