Hi all:

I just spent 2 weeks in the BVI on my Beneteau 505, and that was my last charter before phasing out of the Moorings fleet. My boat is now going to another charter company. This was something like my 50th or 60th sailing cruise there - I lost count. Just a few notes about what I observed.

* We hit almost all the snorkeling spots of the BVI, and I am elated to report that I had never seen so much fish of so many kinds. In some areas, the sheer number of species was unbelievable. On an environmental point of view, it is great news to me. Am I dreaming or has anyone else noticed the same phenomenon? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

* We hit many restaurants as well, and I am telling you: prices are out of control. I actually saw an Entree at the Last Resort for $40. And it was not lobster. I live in Manhattan, one of the 3 most expensive places on the planet (with London and Tokyo, I believe): the BVI restaurants are now as/more expensive. How about $28+tip for 2 sets of plain pancakes and 2 coffees (price in Manhattan Upper East side: $11). The only place we visited that deserved the menu prices: Taboo at Diamond Cay. The food was absolutely exceptional IMHO, on par with the best New York restaurants.

* I still think the departure tax stinks. Is that a "Thank you for visiting"? A family of 4 leaving the BVI shells out $40 for the taxi ($10 a piece) and $80 of dep tax. Total $120 just to leave! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif" alt="" />

* The Virgin Isl. are still the best cruising ground of the planet. (IMHO). And the people are fabulous. I guess that is why we are all going back again and again... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

* Last but not least, there's gotta be something to be done about bareboat charterers' total ignorance of, or contempt for basic Rules of Seamanship. I had countless "near misses" with boaters having absolutely NO clue of what they were doing. I know what some are going to say, (like, get a life, dude) but this is becoming kind of dangerous out there. For example, a moron on a 48ft VIP Yacht Charters left Trellis Bay at high speed in the middle of the anchorage, hitting several mooring balls, including mine. Did not slow down, nothing.
I was thinking of starting some campaign for awareness and basic safety, maybe using my web site, but not sure how. Liane (LeTendre), if you are reading this, what do you think?

Having said ALL THAT, I can't wait to go back. Of course. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cool.gif" alt="" />

Michel Benarrosh