BVI's in July/August

[Bradders]

Hi all.

I have some leave end July beginning of August and we are looking at going to the BVI's for a 2 week sailing holiday, I know it's not the ideal time but I do not have leave at any other time that fits in with the family, has anyone any experience of sailing at this time of the year out there and if so any recommendations.

Many thanks.

Stewart

 

[mjcoon]

Hi all.

I have some leave end July beginning of August and we are looking at going to the BVI's for a 2 week sailing holiday, I know it's not the ideal time but I do not have leave at any other time that fits in with the family, has anyone any experience of sailing at this time of the year out there and if so any recommendations.

From our experience late June 2001, take wet weather gear! It tended to be squally; you could see them coming and take bets on whether each would hit you or miss... We enjoyed it (see British Virgin Islands June 2001) but would not bother going back because getting there, and back, is much more hassle than to the Med. BTW although that web page says "one week flotilla" we took a second free-sailing week too. There's also a Google Earth track on the 2001 entry on my page Yachting holiday trips.

Mike.

 

[Jeannius]

Excellent time of year to go providing you don't get a named storm of course. Chances of a named storm in July/early August are minimal. One in August in the last 50 years and I don't think any in July.

July is better than August as a lot of establishments start to close in August. Most will still be open first week in August. Good thing about this time of year is that it is much less crowded so you are not worrying about finding a mooring late in the day as you are earlier in the year.

Weather will probably be good with slightly weaker trades than earlier in the year. mjcoon's wet weather was unusual as June is normally perfect.

 

[Whiskey Bravo]

Hi all.

I have some leave end July beginning of August and we are looking at going to the BVI's for a 2 week sailing holiday, I know it's not the ideal time but I do not have leave at any other time that fits in with the family, has anyone any experience of sailing at this time of the year out there and if so any recommendations.

Many thanks.

Stewart

See here http://www.bareboatsbvi.com/bvi_hurricane_information.html

W're going again next week, last there in Nov 2009. It's a lovely place but not one to get caught in a serious storm. Have you thought about trying to get leave between Nov & March, Christmas maybe?

 

[Bobc]

We've been late July/early August, and it's fine, but:-

It's very hot and humid, so sleeping can be difficult (try to get a boat with aircon)

The wind is not consistent. You tend to get either nothing or lots.

There are frequent heavy showers, but don't bother taking wets as it's far too hot to wear them (just use the showres as an opportunity to take a shower and wash your hair). Some showers are so heavy that you lose sight of the front of the boat when stood in the cockpit!

Try to get a weather forecast each day (best thing to do is call the charter co each morning for a forecast, and they will tell you if there's anything nasty coming your way).

All the bays and restuarants are quiet, so there's no "argy-bargy" with the yanks (as there is in high season).

You'll enjoy it.

 

[TSB240]

Hi all.

I have some leave end July beginning of August and we are looking at going to the BVI's for a 2 week sailing holiday, I know it's not the ideal time but I do not have leave at any other time that fits in with the family, has anyone any experience of sailing at this time of the year out there and if so any recommendations.

Many thanks.

Stewart

Went late July/ August a few years back

No problems with weather. We had two small rain clouds in two weeks. Sodts law we were the only ones that got a sprinkle. This was the only time we had more than 25 knots of wind. IMHO No need for foulies. We were always pouring buckets of water over each other to cool down.

Some of the onshore places to visit were closing up early as season was
ending.

We origanally had chartered one of the smallest boats as It was just 3 of us on board.

I was offered two free upgrades to a much larger boat as they start preparing for the hurricane season by lifting out the small ones first.

We ended up with a lovely Jenny 40.7, big fully battened rig,twin wheels, deep keel and it went like s**t off a shovel. Two heads and showers.

We persuaded the flotty skipper to anchor out of marinas as it was cooler and cheaper.

If eating out be prepared for yank portions and prices. We ended up sharing as 1 meal was more than enough.

Oh and get used to snorkelling with Barrcudas. Dont feed the small fish... You will very quickly find out there are much bigger ones around

If going bareboat you can apply to join in with Flotty when they go to Anegada imho not to be missed.

In summary we had superb sailing weather. Constant direction 15-20 knots of wind and very warm sunshine.
One side effect of the climate was that SWMBO noticed that I stopped snoring for the first time since getting married.
Steve

 

[mjcoon]

Weather will probably be good with slightly weaker trades than earlier in the year. mjcoon's wet weather was unusual as June is normally perfect.

It might have been just the one bad day; that's how (my) memory works! I'll ask my skipper who will remember much more detail...

Mike.

 

[Bradders]

Thanks all for your replies, all very much appreciated.

We have to bid for leave and so cant always get what we want when we want it...

Stewart