TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Recent Weather Typical?

Just completed our first charter in the BVI, had a wonderful time and hopefully I'll get some time soon to post some pictures and trip report. We were in the BVI the last 2 weeks in February, and I'd say 7 out of 10 days we were seeing wind over 20 knts with some days gusting close to 30. This made for some days with tough beats fighting 5-6 ft chop, and while most of our party were ok, a few were seasick or close to it. For the latter part of the trip we kept the main reefed and one day with the 2nd reef in hit 9.9 knts on a deep broad reach down the channel. Kinda fun with a 46 ft Cat. On board our daily joke was "just another beautiful 15 knt breeze"... A few days we were one of only two or three boats sailing in the channel, and some of those were likely motoring. I believe our conditions were atypical for this time of year? Is that accurate? If not maybe a monohull next time? TIA

We got blown away in January in week 1 and had no wind in week 2. Week 1 was windy enough for us to change our entire itinerary and skipped the upwind spots. Winds were blowing 20-25 with gusts over 30. We started fully reefed and would have been happy with another reef point. We had back down in 2 1/2 weeks and we're hoping for light winds...

Cheers, RickG

the west end spots were INCREDIBLY busy/full due to the weather on this trip. Boats were pretty much doing nothing, and staying put.

spots that NEVER fill up, were filled by 330. we saw a fair amount of really newbie anchor techniques. When a guy next to us was swinging ALL OVER THE PLACE, I approached him with 2 beers after the only thing between him and I was my dingy I placed as a bumper. His ASA "certified captain" said to lay out 8-10x depth. he was at the swim line of CGB.

75% of the balls at CGB are gone from years/months past...north swell damage.

We got stuck in one of those storms that...instead of moving...got bigger. 45kts blows, 10+foot seas. saw one cat demasted, 4 jib blowouts, I wrecked my knee just holding on...still stiff.

Funny part is, we talked to others. when we had 6 rains/hatch dances in one night...they had zero. it was a real box of chocolates down there.

To answer your question, I am convinced there is no such thing as "typical weather" anymore. That goes for pretty much everywhere in the world.

Weather patterns are changing to the point that there doesn't seem to be any such thing as weather "patterns" perse.

We never used to have a rainy season in the BVI. Now it seems as though November is "often" a pretty rainy month.

My niece reports that they are having the mildest winter she can recall in Alberta, Canada while my brother-in-law says the weather in Toronto is about as harsh as he can remember over the past 40 years. Go figure, Calgary is waaaay north of Toronto.

Unfortunately, until we start seeing "patterns" again, I don't think anyone has a crystal ball that is accurate.

I rack it up to that old stand by, global warming. I defy anyone to accurately advise travellers as to what may be expected in regards to wind, rain or wave heights in any given month anymore. There really isn't anything "typical" anymore. It poured at my place last night. I mean it came down in torrents. We've had several heavy rains this month already. Three or four years ago, we had a drought for much of February and the entire month of March.

Go figure!

Weather patterns always change.
At one time the USVI had a guarantee if it rained on your vacation(all day)
They would pay for your vacation.

The weather patterns may be harder to pick up on but middle Dec into Mar have always been the windy season. The term Christmas winds has been around forever in the BVI. Try going later March through June. Usually much calmer.
G

from 6am - 6pm....not seeing a full minute of sun?
I bet they paid out little on that bet

For the last 10 yrs - I've caution visitors that want to visit Feb/March - unpredictable weather seems to be the norm

"usually sunny & cool(er) - I'd suggest to them Dec/Jan"
"usually sunny and hot - I'd suggest May/June/July"

everything else... well... ya pays-yer-money...and....

After 14 BVI sails -- during the Fall (Nov/Dec), Winter (Jan), and Spring (April, May), I have seen glorious weather, light breezes, heavy breezes, periods of rain, and nighttime showers during all seasons. I've learned to prep my crew that we must be prepared for anything, regardless of time of year. Fortunately, the perfect sailing weather has predominated over the years!

Agreed, they call them the Christmas winds for a reason! Often much windier throughout the Caribbean, from December into March.

Checked my log for a Feb/March 2014 two week sail. Winds were brisk, but not unmanageable, seas were a little on the high side, rain very scattered. As a point of reference, we reef at 18 knots. We only reefed once. All in all a great time.

There was one day with winds a little higher than the forecast 16 knots, and two boats appeared at Little Harbor JVD accompanied by chase boats. One was a steering problem, not sure about the other, my notes just observed that the boat was a mess.

So, comparing last year and this year, I would say there is no typical weather. It is dryer and windier (usually) during high season sails, and wetter during the summer. It is what it is, and that is why sailors need to be very aware of the wind and swell conditions every day.

We are looking forward to our first April sail this year. Can't wait to see what the "typical" April weather is.

Christmas winds and unpredictable weather in the tropics. Two more things that should be added to the list of life's few certainties. These are not new phenomena.

What have they always said about the weather in Miami? If you don't like it, wait five minutes, right?

Types of cognitive and social biases.

Around Christmas / New years, I have experienced huge swells, but I have also experienced flat/calm conditions. Most of the time windy. At the end of October we have had incredible weather every time. I would like to do in june and just experience calm water and just float

What are your dates in April? We will be down beginning April 11th - leaving on April 26th.

Colleen
we will miss you by a few days. We start at the end of April, and go into May - just a quick trip
May

True blue. We will be there 4/23-4/30. Maybe will cross paths :-)

We'll also be down in April. April 11th to 18th

Will you be on a boat or on land? We will be on a Lagoon 500 from Conch Charters. If you see us, stop over for a cocktail.

We will be on an Oceanis 41 from BVI Yacht Charters. We definately like cocktails.

We will be in CGB at Rhymers our first two nights, sleep aboard on April 13th, out on the water on the 14th. Group of 10 FUN people! Look for us.

Will do! We are doing a sleep aboard on April 10 and will be at CGB on the 11th for our first sailing night.

See you in Cane Garden Bay!

We'll most likely be at Myettes. My wife and I are picking up the boat and will be heading over from Road Town with the other couple meeting us at Myettes, they couldn't get in until later in the day. We figured this would be a good meet-up spot and good place to spend the first night.