After a week in a marina, we were ready to get going again. We continue to have strong winds and some squally days – even the locals are complaining! – but the good news is that it’s given us cool nights. It’s also worth noting that the last week or so has been fairly quiet in the BVI: anyone looking to avoid crowds might be advised to try this time of year.

Looking for a good protected anchorage, we returned to Norman Island for a couple of nights. This time we decided to try Willy T’s. For anyone not in the know, this is (at least) the third incarnation of an infamous floating restaurant/bar. We remember going to a previous version in the late 1980’s, which may well have been before most of the current clientele were born! It’s something of a tradition to drink far too many Painkillers and then jump off the back of the upper deck – we refrained.

The next day we enjoyed a nice hike along the trail along the ridge of the island. When we were there two weeks before, the trail hadn’t been maintained and you couldn’t get far. It was now all clear and we could have walked for quite a distance. We went far enough to be able to see into Money Bay, where we haven’t previously been, and have noted it down as somewhere to try next time. After our hike we rewarded ourselves with a drink at the Pirates Bight.

Next day we sailed over to Great Harbor on Jost Van Dyke in order to check out of the BVI. Customs and Immigration there has the easiest set-up for yachts and isn’t too busy with ferry traffic. We saw fellow Marblehead boat Thirst on the way out, but they had a ferry to catch so we didn’t chat. In the evening we went to Foxy’s restaurant where we had an excellent meal. The next morning before leaving, I bought home-made empanadas off a local boat, which made a delicious lunch. People on Jost in particular have been incredibly friendly and laid back – we love this island.

We expect to return briefly to the BVI before heading back East, since this will give us a better angle to sail, however that will likely only be for a night – so our time cruising in the BVI is done, for this time at least!