• Island Information
• Map of the BVI
• Clearance Procedures
• BVI Visas
• Moorings
• Protection Programs
• Communications
• Marinas/
  Yacht Registration/
  Provisioning
• Weather
• Directory

• PICKING UP A MOORING
• OVERNIGHT MOORINGS
• CHARTS
• BUOYAGE SYSTEM
• REEFS

Picking up a Mooring

Tired of straining the old back? Tired of waking up all night worrying about your anchor dragging, thinking that THIS is supposed to be a vacation? WELL, try the alternative . . . Located throughout the British Virgin Islands at most popular anchorages there are professionally maintained moorings available for overnight use. The small fee for the mooring use is well worth the good nightís sleep it affords.

Moor-Seacure Ltd. ñ the premier mooring company in the B.V.I., provides the following guidelines on picking up and leaving a mooring ñ

1. Approach the mooring buoy slowly with the bow of your boat into the wind with your dingy pulled on a short line.
2. Have a crew member ready with a boat hook at the bow to direct you and to pick up the mooring pennant.
3. You may find that at idle speed by shifting alternately from forward to neutral you can coast to the buoy, then shift into reverse for a second to stop the boat as the crew member lifts the pennant on board and attaches it to the bow cleat.
4. Please do not be embarrassed if you miss picking up the pennant for the first time. It happens to all of us at some time. Just circle around make another approach. Please do not extend the length of the pennant.
5. To leave the mooring with your dinghy once again on a short line simply let go the pennant and set off for your next destination. Take care not to run over the mooring buoy and pennant as you leave.
   
   Live Caribbean coral reefs are disappearing faster than the Amazon Rain Forest. It should concern all of us who wish to sustain and protect our ecological resources. Please use the mooring system.

Overnight Moorings

Please register with the following establishments (if applicable) upon arrival, for overnight moorings: The maximum length for overnight mooring is 60 ft.

West End, Tortola — Soperís Hole Marina
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola — Rhymerís Beach Bar
Fat Hogs Bay, East End, Tortola — Pennís Landing
Trellis Bay, Beef Island — De Loose Mongoose
Marina Cay — Pusserís
Jost Van Dyke — Ivan's (White Bay), Foxy's Taboo (Diamond Cay) and
Abe's & Harris' Place (Little Harbour)
Norman Island — The Bight, Soldier's, Benure and Privateer's Bay
Great Harbour, Peter Island — Callaloo on the Beach
Manchioneel Bay, Cooper Island — Cooper Island Beach Club
North Sound, Virgin Gorda — Bitter End Yacht Club, Leverick Bay and Saba Rock
Virgin Gorda — Spanish Town
Anegada — Anegada Reef Hotel and Neptune's Treasure

Charts

Sometimes the water is not clear enough to navigate by sight only. Have the sun above you and behind for the best visibility, along with a good lookout on the bow. However, with prevalent reefs and underwater rocks, itís best to always consult a chart. The Imray-Iolaire charts are available locally at Golden Hind Yacht Services and Island Marine Outfitters, both in Road Town. Other government charts which may be useful include:

2019: Road Harbour and Sir Francis Drake Channel
2008: N.E. Virgin Gorda to Anegada
2016: Gorda Sound and Drake Channel

Buoyage System

Red Right Returning! The BVI uses the American system. Red buoys mark the starboard side upon approach from the sea.

Reefs

Anegada, Gorda Sound and Camanoe passages are exceptionally beautiful but contain many shallow areas and reefs. They are however passable with good sunlight direction, bow watch, and chart information.

Be sure to never sail at night. Nightfall arrives quickly here, and even the most experienced sailors in the BVI donít sail past dusk. Consult the sunrise/sunset guide located in the general island information section.

Sailors should use caution when anchoring to prevent damage to fragile coral reefs. Where mooring buoys are not provided please anchor in sandy areas only.

Fishing and snorkeling are not permitted on Horseshoe Reef Marine Protected Area, Anegada. However, diving is now permitted as long as you go with a reputable dive company. You may not dive unaccompanied.