BVI Property & Yacht June 2011

PROPERTY&YACHTBritish Virgin Islands

JUNE 201 1

HurriCAne HigH seAsonIf Earl's friends show up this summer, will you be ready?

nAnnY CAY villAge The marina's dockside townhomes continue to sell turn-key luxury.

An-tiki All THe wAYMost sail the Atlantic in a sturdy boat. These guys did it on a raft.

2 BVI PROPERTY & YACHT Published by alookingglass ltd.

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Your dream home becomes reality thanks to one of our tailor-made

mortgages. We will help you to live your dream from the planning stage

to realization. VP Bank – your partner.

TWO EGRETS - US$1,650,000 HUMMINGBIRD HAVEN - US$1,500,000 FAR PAVILION - US$1,300,000

LEMON GRASS - US$1,200,000 CAPTAIN'S HOUSE - US$1,150,000 LAMBERT APTS. COMPLEX - US$995,000

BREWER’S BAY LOOKOUT - US$850,000 BELMONT GROVE - US$600,000 LIME LEAF - US$260,000

British Virgin Islands Sotheby’s International Realtybvisir.com | t: 284.494.5700 | c: 284.340.5555/5559 | Road Town, Tortola VG1110

©MMVII Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Farm of Jas de Bouffan, used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty is a registered trademark to Sotheby’sInternational Realty Affiliates LLC An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated

Managing Director/BrokerMaritha Keilt: 284.494.5700c: [email protected]

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Sales Team


(284) 495-3003 l [email protected]

Dougall & Associates

Real Estate BVI

US $750,000

Great buy! Private 3 Bedroom villa with pool on 0.838 acresof land overlooking Resort and Beach.

Lambert Beach Resort Villa, North East Tortola

US $550,000

Rare beachfront land! One acre on the beachAnegada North Shore-Windlass Bight

US $1,295,000

Just o� the beach, private 3 bedroom villa on 0.773 acres of land

Smuggler’s View Villa - Smuggler's Cove Beach

US $550,000

On the waterfront in Road Town, beautifully furnished, ideal for working professionals or vacationing home owners!

Tobacco Wharf Condominium, Road Town, Tortola

Bonnie DougallManaging Partner

Peaceful Mountain Retreat … Surrounded by Awesome Island Views, West End, TortolaTucked high in the hills on a large lot, this 2 Bedroom home is finished with beautiful tropical wood and surrounds an inviting turquoise pool!

US $795,000

Rawleigh Hill House . . . Caribbean Splendor!Rare property with fabulous island views of both the Caribbean & Atlantic, this unparalleled residence overlooks Soper's Hole, West End, Tortola. 2 Bedroom Main House with 1 Bedroom Guest House US $2,450,000

Long Bay, Tortola- Pool side condominiumIdeal for vacationing home owner, headache free property with full property management and rental income!

US $325,000

We add the professional touch to your BVI real estate needs. Whether you wish to buy, sell, or rent a home, purchase land to build a tropical dream home of your own, or become an investor in a growing and vibrant real estate market, we are here to assist you at every step in the process.

www.bvipy.com June 2011 5

(284) 495-3003 l [email protected]

Dougall & Associates

Real Estate BVI

US $750,000

Great buy! Private 3 Bedroom villa with pool on 0.838 acresof land overlooking Resort and Beach.

Lambert Beach Resort Villa, North East Tortola

US $550,000

Rare beachfront land! One acre on the beachAnegada North Shore-Windlass Bight

US $1,295,000

Just o� the beach, private 3 bedroom villa on 0.773 acres of land

Smuggler’s View Villa - Smuggler's Cove Beach

US $550,000

On the waterfront in Road Town, beautifully furnished, ideal for working professionals or vacationing home owners!

Tobacco Wharf Condominium, Road Town, Tortola

Bonnie DougallManaging Partner

Peaceful Mountain Retreat … Surrounded by Awesome Island Views, West End, TortolaTucked high in the hills on a large lot, this 2 Bedroom home is finished with beautiful tropical wood and surrounds an inviting turquoise pool!

US $795,000

Rawleigh Hill House . . . Caribbean Splendor!Rare property with fabulous island views of both the Caribbean & Atlantic, this unparalleled residence overlooks Soper's Hole, West End, Tortola. 2 Bedroom Main House with 1 Bedroom Guest House US $2,450,000

Long Bay, Tortola- Pool side condominiumIdeal for vacationing home owner, headache free property with full property management and rental income!

US $325,000

We add the professional touch to your BVI real estate needs. Whether you wish to buy, sell, or rent a home, purchase land to build a tropical dream home of your own, or become an investor in a growing and vibrant real estate market, we are here to assist you at every step in the process.

PROPERTY&YACHTBritish Virgin Islands

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JUNE 201 1

Features

Floating Above the BreakBy Dan O'Connor The marina-based townhomes at Nanny Cay Village offer an all-inclusive lifestyle, with a seaside seat.

Designing against DevastationBy Steve FoxLearn from an architect whether your home needs extra attention to protect against strong winds and heavy rains.

Rough Seas AheadBy Lou PattersonLast hurricane season spelled disaster for some unprepared boaters. Learn how to plan ahead this season.

Starting SmallBy Traci O'DeaShe thought she might get dunked, but in her third installment of sailing school, Traci manages to stay dry aboard a dinghy.

Life after RaftBy Traci O'DeaThey made it. Hear how the guys from An-Tiki crossed the Atlantic in a raft built from scratch.

The Evolution of the VanityBy Roy KeeganA trip to Bali proves productive for a man on a mission to find stylish sinks for his Caribbean customers.

www.bvipy.comBritish Virgin islands ProPerty & yacht is published eleven times a year (February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December/January) by aLookingGlass Ltd., Road Reef Plaza 6 and 7, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands VG1110.

Copyright 2010 by aLookingGlass Ltd. All pieces reproduced in this issue are under prior copyright by the creators or by the contractual arrangments with their clients.

Nothing shown may be reproduced in any form without obtaining the permission of the creators and any other person or company who may have copyright ownership.

The publisher of BVi Property & yacht, assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the content placed in its publications. For the avoidance of doubt, aLookingGlass gives no warranty or guarantee in regards to any information placed in its publications.

Direct all inquiries to:Email: [email protected]: 284-494-7788Fax: 284-494-8777Mail: aLookingGlassPO Box 3895 Sea Cows BayTortola, British Virgin Islands VG1110

EDITORIAL AND BuSINESS OFFICE: aLookingGlass Ltd., Road Reef Plaza 6 and 7, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Web: www.alookingglass.comEmail: [email protected]: 284-494-7788Fax: 284-494-8777Mail to: aLookingGlassPO Box 3895 Sea Cows BayTortola, British Virgin Islands VG1110

Cover Photo: Nanny Cay Marina and Village. Photo by Alistair Agerhart/Broadsword Communications

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Articles

Reef PeaceBy Dan O'ConnorReef Checkers comb the waters, pen and waterproof pad in hand, on a mission to document marine health.

A Country of Proud LandownersBy Willa TavernierLearn from a lawyer tips to buying land in paradise.

48 49

Extras

Property & Yacht Directory

Property Listings

Designing for DignitariesBy Hugh WhistlerFrom the Old Government House to new, our handy historian tells us how the famous buildings came to be.

Taking Gardening Leave LiterallyBy Richard May Don't let his grizzly good looks fool you. Our ungroomed gardener is a dirtball at heart.

Sunday SailingBy Brian DuffA local yacht broker takes to the high seas with his family for a Sunday sail in paradise.

Polarized LensesBy Traci O'DeaPolarized lenses make everything, including the person wearing them, look that much cooler.

Mad about MangoesBy Susie YounkleIt's the perfect time of the year to pick those perfect mangoes and start slicing.

Publication Design

aLookingGlass

Chief Editor

Dan O'Connor

Editor at Large

David Blacklock

Writers

Traci O'Dea

David Blacklock

Susie Younkle

Dan O'Connor

Art Director

Nick Cunha

Graphic Designer

Akiya Brewley

Web Developer

aLookingGlass

Distribution Coordinator

Francoise Frank

Advertising Director

Owen Waters

Printing

aLookingGlass

Distribution

C & B Enterprises

General Manager

Colin Rathbun

36

The Sky Is the LimitBy Dan O'Connor Local ariline company BVI Airways turns one year old on a high note.

Your Private Playground Awaits.22 pristine acres surround the distinctive estate houseand slope gently to your own secluded bay. Mooney BayEstate offers nature and luxury in perfect harmony.Now taking reservations for Fall 2010.

Call 1+888.624.3213 or [email protected]

Mooney Bay Estate, PO Box 127,North Sound, Virgin Gorda,British Virgin Islands, VG1150

www.mooneybaybvi.com

The Seduction of Intimacy and Exclusivity at Mooney Bay Estate.

MB10002 Estate Ad_YG.indd 1 10-06-03 6:31 AM

Dan O 'Connor J u n e 2 0 1 1

But that’s okay. I think I’ve got this

summertime island living thing down

pat. Yeah, most of the serious sailors

will head north to harder seas, and the

sun-drenched surfers clear the waters

and go into hibernation. But that just

means there’s more open, glassy water

for me and my motoring friends to

explore. And with the schools out, kids

have opportunities to attend summer

camps both on and off island. Then there

is, of course, the constant threat of a wild

storm or three, as we bore witness to last

summer. But what screams adventure like

a little seasonal suspense? There’s never

really a good reason to complain about

living in paradise.

To be on the safe side, i did a little

research on the hurricane season, which

is now officially upon us. in this issue,

contributing Captain lou Patterson lent

his expertise on sailing securities and put

together a piece detailing marine safety

measures. on the flipside, architect steve

Fox wrote about hurricane protection

on land, within the confines of a sturdy,

secured home.

we also compiled a list of protected

hurricane holes, like nanny Cay, which

provides a safe refuge for its slipholders.

Among them, new homeowners at the nanny

Cay village, where the conveniently situated,

turnkey townhomes have been filling up

fast—even with a global economy as slow as,

say, a beach bar in June.

with the temperature rising, we here at

alookingglass also made sure to get cooled

off on the water at every chance. i joined

the reef Check crew for their 14th annual

dive, which took me to their starting point at

spyglass, off norman island. Along with the

important reef Check exercise, underwater

environmentalists are forming more local

bonds through the reach of the Association

of reef Keepers (ArK). on Tortola, Traci also

got wet—or almost, that is—when she took

her tacking to the extreme and knocked out

her third sailing class, this time on a dinghy.

i suppose there’s never really a drought

of things to do in the Bvi when you put your

mind to it. But truth be told, i’m looking

forward to getting off the rock over the next

few months. My pals at Bvi Airways told

me they’re scoping out new destinations

over the summer, after celebrating their

prosperous one-year marker last month. i’d

gladly take them up on a test run to, say, the

Dominican republic, st Kitts or Jamaica—

who wouldn’t? But in the meantime, while

we weather the storms and find creative ways

to fend off tapping out on the summertime

snooze button, i’ll be right here, taking it easy.

Easy does it

When the water is this flat, the air so thick and street movements sparse and

scattered, it can only mean one thing:

Summer season is once again hot upon us.

Editor's Letter


Your Private Playground Awaits.22 pristine acres surround the distinctive estate houseand slope gently to your own secluded bay. Mooney BayEstate offers nature and luxury in perfect harmony.Now taking reservations for Fall 2010.

Call 1+888.624.3213 or [email protected]

Mooney Bay Estate, PO Box 127,North Sound, Virgin Gorda,British Virgin Islands, VG1150

www.mooneybaybvi.com

The Seduction of Intimacy and Exclusivity at Mooney Bay Estate.

MB10002 Estate Ad_YG.indd 1 10-06-03 6:31 AM


For the past two years, the waterfront townhouses with docks at Nanny Cay

Marina have thrived in a slowly reviving market, gradually appreciating in

value along the way. The promising properties have flourished in an otherwise

floundering global economy, begging the question: What has worked? Within

Nanny Cay, where business bustles and the full-service marina caters to its

clients, the Nanny Cay Village acts as a low-maintenance home to traveling

yachters, savvy investors and resourceful families alike.

nanny Cay village sits in the heart of the marina and, once completed, will

consist of 32 two- and three-bedroom townhouses, each with their own dock. To

Floating Above the Break

By Dan O'Connor

The Nanny Cay Village hovers above sea level. Photo by Dan O'Connor

How Nanny Cay Village defies downward trends


date, 22 homes have been sold, 16 of which have

been completed and are occupied, with another

8 homes due for completion within the next 12

months. As of press time last month, there were 10

homes available for purchase at prices starting

at $850,000. Homeowners and their guests get full

use of all the facilities at nanny Cay, including the

beach, pool, two restaurants, shops and all the

marine and yard facilities for their boat(s).

so who is buying these homes and why? Chris

smith of Coldwell Banker, who’s tasked with selling

the remaining units, said, “our typical buyer

at nanny Cay to date has been that couple

who has been sailing in the Bvi for many years,”

he continued. “This couple probably keeps a

boat down here, and can afford a much more

expensive, larger villa but he doesn’t want one.

He’ll want a bigger boat. she, on the other hand,

would like to be land-based—and the happy

compromise is to buy a well-designed waterfront

townhouse where he gets to park his yacht in the

marina and his riB outside his front door.”

Hill Branscomb, a us resident who has purchased

a two-bedroom unit that is currently under

construction and will be completed by november

of this year said he was was hooked on the idea

to move to the Bvi, after trolling its azure waters.

“After sailing in the Bvi for several years my wife, i

fell in love with the place and wanted to find a

way to spend more time here as we approach

retirement,” he said. “we are both still working and

we didn’t need a maintenance headache. we

were looking for a place that would allow us to

show up, relax and enjoy without any hassles. we

wanted to be able to lock it up and leave, securely

store the boat, maybe rent the place out, if we

choose to, when we’re not using it to cover some

of the expenses.”

For Hill, the dockside homes offered the perfect

accommodations. “we can stay home for a few

days, take the boat out round the islands for a

week when the weather’s just right, and then come

back home to unwind," he said. "we love being

able to stick our runaround boat right off the deck.

what else could we ask for?”

nanny Cay offers owners an entirely optional

rental program which is managed through

nanny Cay Hotel. Most of the nanny Cay village

homeowners said they purchased in part because

they knew their home could be looked after and

rented out—even when they’re off island. After

speaking with gareth Thomas, who purchased

“We were looking for a place that would allow us to show up, relax and enjoy without any hassles.”

An aerial photo, rendered to show the completed townhouses at Nanny Cay. Photo provided by Broadsword Communications.


waterfront Townhouses with Docks

Price range - From $850k

For more info contact:Chris smitht (284)340.3000e [email protected]

Nanny Cay Village summary

a three-bedroom home at nanny Cay village, we

discovered that there is another set of owners who

live and work in the Bvi and who have chosen to call

nanny Cay village their full-time home. "The nanny

Cay complex has really come alive in the past 10 years,

and is now one of the most popular places to be at

the weekend,” he said. “You will see the kite surfers,

windsurfers, young sailors learning to sail and regatta

hard cores all sharing the waters peacefully. with the

amenities, a safe place to bring up small children,

along with a professional approach to management, it

was an easy choice."

For many vacationers and residents alike, the laid

back Caribbean lifestyle in the Bvi is addictive. And for

happy nanny Cay homeowners, life seems just that

much easier within the inclusive marina. PY

Spacious bedroom interior overlook the private docks and the marina. Photo by Dan O'Connor.


For two weeks in May—year after year—Trish Baily wakes with

the rising sun to document the health of the islands’ intricate

reef systems, from the western edge of Norman Island to the

eastern tip of Tortola. Fourteen years ago, the expert diver

and veteran marine preservationist brought the international

marine movement Reef Check to the British Virgin Islands—an

effort that initially started with a few volunteers and has since

netted a group of more than a dozen. Watching her in action

during this year’s opening-day trek to Spyglass off Norman

Island, I could tell the passionate participant has taken the

task to heart. This year, even though she passed on the title

of Reef Check coordinator to Dive BVI’s Casey McNutt, the

tested veteran remained vigilant as a coach for the cause—a

cause which will progress under the enveloping arm of the

Association of Reef Keepers (ARK).

The group’s core efforts and game plan have not changed,

as they remain devoted to the international cause that aims to

collect data from more than 90 countries and thousands of reef

systems worldwide. Just shy of 8:00 a.m. on a drizzly and overcast

Tuesday, when we arrived at the spyglass dive site, Mcnutt

presented the familiar agenda, a concise canvassing of marine

life at three- and ten-metre intervals throughout a carefully

mapped underwater transect. groups of two, two groups at a

time, would sweep the area and would first document fish life,

then invertebrates, then note the substrate at the ocean’s basin.

i shadowed the teams from above for a while as a stealthy

snorkeler, snapping off some photos and admiring their work. i

headed back to the boat and took a seat next to Clive Petrovic,

a local ecologist who has been taking score and analyzing the

data retrieved from the Bvi reef Check since day one. Although

a jovial and persistent member of the team, the researcher

admitted that the project—on a micro scale in the Bvi—would not

necessarily heed significant results in the short term.

“when you do things like [reef Check], you’ve got hard data

to report back to government officials,” the researcher said about

the positives of the project. Continuing, Petrovic said that “too

many variables” in the traditional reef Check method can cause

“too much noise” interfering with data collection. A short-term or

more focused method—like photographing the same reef samples

year after year as Baily has recently embarked upon—would help

to bring forth more accurate and useful results, he said.

so now, along with the long-term monitoring efforts of reef

Check, ArK will move forward as an umbrella group for similar

marine-based projects. Following the usual reef Check protocol,

those devoted to the cause of protecting the reefs will expand

efforts to protect the ecosystem’s fragile existence, while

educating the public—visitors and residents alike—about ways

they can help.

Keeping the PeaceAMonG ThE REEFS

Story by Dan O'Connor


“ArK is being resurrected with new goals and objectives to fit

current needs and issues,” said marine biologist shannon gore, who

oversees the project from the Department of Conservation and

Fisheries. “we need to answer some of the questions now. [reef

Check] takes too long. … [But] it does, however, contribute on a

global scale in terms of reef trends, so it will continue; we’ll just make

it work better for us.”

Focus will shift toward educating the public to become more

aware of the environment, while encouraging volunteer projects that

aren’t dependent on government funding or grants, she said.

“we are looking at a few short-term projects that would have

long-term effects, such as having one of the coral reef Csi courses

held here that teach how to deal with adverse impacts effectively

to bring them to court.” such courses, she said would call on lawyers

and law enforcement agents to educate themselves on the laws that

hold offenders accountable for the environment.

newbie coordinator Mcnutt also has some plans up her sleeve to

rope in youngsters to get excited about reef preservation. “we’ve

got some high school students coming for beginner reef Check

programmess that are incorporated in their science programmes at

school,” she said. “we also want to begin a better programme for

virgin gorda youth to start scuba diving and taking an investment in

their tourism product and interest in their environment.”

Petrovic, who has a Cedar international school son on path to

becoming a marine researcher like his father, agreed that instilling

interest at a young age is key to preserving an environment

increasingly susceptible with the tests of time.

“it’s hard to get people involved—getting that local involvement

and more kids involved,” he said “but occasionally you hook that

one or two, who then make it their life passion—and that’s great.”

For the veteran Baily, who undoubtedly holds an undying passion

for the reefs, the path ahead is indeed a multi-faceted one. A

stickler in her 14 years for accuracy and efficiency, the devoted

diver took moments out of her reef checks to admire the overall

operation—one she has piloted and one she can be proud of. The

draw of reef Check expands across borders, and has become

a newfound form of ecotourism for some divers that participate

year after year. As i chatted with the group of ten divers about the

overall goal of the project, Baily chimed in with her observational

offering of the scenario.

“ecotourism,” she said, nodding at two Britons, who travelled from

new York to be with the group. “You see that? That’s the true form of

ecotourism, and that’s what it’s all about. That won’t change.”

To date, the international reef Check programme has published

poignant articles and reports documenting the atrocious affects from

overfishing, rampant pollution and acts of general neglect that have

caused the world’s pristine reefs to dwindle. And while the work of

many contributes to the widespread action and attention needed to

evoke change, it’s the ambitions of a few from within these watery

borders that bring the battle home. PY

Right: Reef Check divers canvas the substrate at Spyglass. Photo by Nick Seth-Smith.

Left: Reef Check Coordinator Casey McNutt discusses the

game plan. Photo by Dan O'Connor.


For those of you who live on boats, work on boats, or

are somehow involved in the boating industry, there is

no doubt that you are well aware of what time of year

it is. That’s right—we are now at the start of another

Atlantic-Caribbean hurricane season. And like it or not,

preparations must be made.

June 1 marks the beginning of the 2011 hurricane season.

Although the tropical hurricane season officially lasts from June

1 until the end of november, the majority of named storms and

hurricanes usually occur between the middle of August and

october, with the second week of september being the actual

peak of the season. However, it is not unheard of to experience

a major storm in the early part as well as at the end of the

season. For this reason, there is no such thing as preparing too

soon or too much for the possibility of being hit by a storm,

whether it be great or small.

if you are a first-timer planning to ride out a hurricane with your

vessel—whether dockside or on a mooring or anchor—don’t be

shy about asking for information from the local salts. i’ve stayed

aboard for several major storms and have learned something

from each of them. one thing is for sure—they are not fun and

are definitely not for the fainthearted.

Constant weather reports and storm tracking become the

norm between June and november. if you happen to be one of

those people who only gets to see television when you frequent

one of your favorite “happy hour” dockside bars, i’m sure you

are very familiar with The weather Channel. it will now out-rate

cricket and major league baseball. i’ve seen beautiful women

walk into numerous marina bars and be completely ignored

when the “tropical update” was on the tube. There is already

talk that this may be a busy storm season, and although the

storm predictors seem to say this each year, there is nothing like

a little fear to boost your level of self-preservation.

What to know and where to go if Earl’s friends show up

ROUGHSEASAHEAD?

By Lou Patterson

A bewildered man surveys the damage at Soper's Hole, shortly after Hurricane Earl struck last September.

Photos by Dan O'Connor.


According to sharleen DaBreo, director of the

Department of Disaster Management, 112 storms

since 1900 have passed within 300 km of the Bvi. every

three to six years, the territory has the potential to

be affected by a category three or higher storm, she

added. And during the latter portion of last year’s

hurricane season, we witnessed the brunt of that

potential. Hurricane earl came across the territory with

the eventual strength of a category four hurricane,

its significant wind speeds and storm surge causing

significant damage. But it was the torrential rains that

followed—products of passing tropical storms Fiona

and gaston, and hurricanes igor and otto—that would

drench the territory and cause millions of dollars in

structural and infrastructural damage. By the end of

2010, the Bvi would record 92.5 inches of rain—more

than twice as much than average and about 60

inches more than in 2009, according to DDM statistics.

residents may have breathed a sigh of relief to have

the devastating season behind them, but if predictions

hold true, we’ll be running for shelter and battering

down the hatches again soon.

scientists at Colorado state university, who

have tracked storm and hurricanes in the Atlantic-

Caribbean region for many years, have predicted

above average activity for 2011. They are calling for at

least 17 named storms and 9 hurricanes, with at least

5 classified as major hurricanes. The cast of chaotic

characters could include Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Don,

emily, Franklin, gert, Harvey, irene, Jose, Katia, lee,

Maria, nate, ophelia, Philippe, rina, sean, Tammy,

vince and last but not least, whitney—according to

names previously chosen. These potential evildoers

could mean devastation for your valued vessel, so it’s

important to stay aware of their potential presence,

and up to date with weather reports—especially if

you leave your boat here and go elsewhere during

the summer.

if you are planning to keep your vessel in an

acknowledged hurricane zone during the months of

June through november, there is a good chance you’ll

find yourself prepping for at least one of three basic

scenarios. Jera Cameron, manager at Caribbean

insurers Marine limited (CiMl), located in road Town,

provided me with excellent information regarding

what insurance companies are looking for when you

are making arrangements for an upcoming storm.

if your boat will be laid up “on the hard” ashore, will

it be in a cradle? if so, will the mast be un-stepped?

when planning to use stands, be sure to use the

correct number of them as well as chains to tie the

stands together. Also, give serious consideration to the

use of straps and ground anchors. while making plans

to leave your boat in a yard, be certain to make clear

what their responsibilities and liabilities are while your

vessel is in their care.

when securing your vessel afloat at a dock, it is

imperative that you use not only the correct amount of

A large monohull was among a handful of boats washed up at Soper's Hole after Hurricane Earl.


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lines placed in the proper locations, but also the correct size lines.

Another important item for securing your boat is the existence

and size of stainless steel backing plates for your cleats. Also,

don’t forget about the use of correctly placed chaffing gear and

fenders. Perhaps most importantly, when making plans to ride out

a major storm dockside in a marina, most insurance companies

would prefer it if your boat was “double spaced”(tied between

two adjacent slips).

The last scenario to consider when making plans to secure

your boat within the “hurricane zone” is keeping it in an

acknowledged hurricane hole. inside road Harbour, nanny Cay

and Paraquita Bay are three of the better locations on Tortola.

if possible, make an effort to use windbreaks such as mangrove

swamps within these anchorages. when available, plan to use a

combination of both mooring balls and anchors. when mooring

balls are not there, it is essential to use more than one well-placed

anchor. And once again, appropriate cleats; ground tackle and

chaffing gear are extremely important.

no matter how well you have prepared for an oncoming storm,

that does not mean that your boat neighbor has taken the same

precautions. Know thy neighbour: it only takes one or two errant

vessels to wipe out an entire bay full of other boats, no matter

how well these boats have readied themselves. This occurs quite

often each year.There is no time like the present to start on your

hurricane safety plan. good luck and stay safe! PY

Editor Dan O’Connor contributed to this story

STRENGTH

Category 1

Category 2

Category 3

Category 4

Category 5

WIND SPEED

74-95 / 65-82 (mph/kts)

96-110 / 83-95 (mph/kts)

111-130 / 96-113 (mph/kts)

131-155 / 114-135 (mph/kts)

155++ / 135++ (mph/kts)

STORM SURGE

4-5 (ft)

6-8 (ft)

9-12 (ft)

13-18 (ft)

18++ (ft)

At this point hurricanes are classified on the sAFFir - siMPson scale:

Paraquita Bay, Tortola

sea Cows Bay, Tortola

sopers Hole, Tortola

nanny cay, Tortola (private)

Hodges Creek, Tortola

inner Harbour, Tortola

Trellis Bay, Beef island

Hans Creek, Beef island

The Bight, norman island

south sound, salt island

gorda sound, virgin gorda

great Harhour, Jost van Dyke

HurriCAne Holes


Contrary to popular belief, a hurricane in itself is not a

natural disaster; rather, it’s an uncontrollable natural event

which, if unleashed upon an unprepared community, can

lead to a destructive, costly and deadly disaster. Thankfully,

in our technologically advanced times, destruction due to

these kinds of natural hazards is predictable and largely

preventable. When it comes to home building, properties

can be protected from damage if careful thought and

attention is given to good design, quality materials and

decent construction.

A hurricane has huge destructive potential due to very

high wind speeds, the likelihood of torrential rains producing

flooding, and possible storm surges affecting coastal areas. The

most obvious and feared component of a hurricane is its severe

and complex wind forces, which present special problems for

protecting a building. sustained hurricane-force winds can last

for several hours, becoming turbulent and continually changing

direction. every face of the building may be impacted. last

year’s Hurricane earl was a case-in-point, where the winds in

the Bvi started in the northeast and gradually swung around

the north until the most fierce forces were being thrown at

us—some six hours later—from the south west. under these

conditions, no aspect of the structure is spared.

As long as the outer skin, or envelope, of the building remains

intact, the wind will flow over and around the structure. As

hurricane-force winds intensify, positive pressure is created

Designing Against DEVASTATIonBy Steve Fox, Managing Director, OBM International

A building in Road Town bore the brunt of a tree toppled by Hurricane Earl's winds. Photo by Mason Marcus.


on the windward faces, and as the wind flows around the building,

it causes huge lift or suction—negative pressure—on the leeward

faces. The uplift forces from hurricane winds have been known to

pull buildings completely out of the ground; hence, the design of

the foundations can be as critical as the design of the walls and

roofs. Perhaps the most common area of failure is the roof cladding;

metal sheeting, tiles or shingles are ripped off, due to poor quality or

inadequate fixings.

loose objects and debris from damaged buildings are picked up

and thrown around, creating potentially damaging and terrifying

airborne missiles of all shapes and sizes which can be hurled around

at all heights. This presents an additional threat to the integrity of

the building envelope—the most vulnerable part being the window

and door openings. if a window breaks or a door is blown open,

the envelope is breached, and wind enters the building, causing

a sudden and dramatic increase in internal pressure, effectively

doubling the force acting to lift the roof and push the walls outward.

The structural design of the building needs to allow for this possibility,

with special care given to the connection detail between the roof

and the walls.

in the past, Caribbean residents would stick tape across their

glass, in a desperate but fairly futile effort to minimise potential

damage. Today, most new building owners choose to use thickly

laminated impact-resistant glass which, if used in properly designed

and well installed windows and doors, will stay in place even if badly

cracked. wooden shutters have been a distinguishing feature of

Caribbean buildings since colonial times but are becoming far less

common, with the introduction of impact-resistant glass. Another

recent alternative to wooden shutters are heavy-duty fabric sheet

systems which are custom-made to cover openings and to fix

around balconies and decks using stainless steel fasteners; these

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Sound and sturdy structures prevail in strong storms. Photo provided by OBMI.

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BVI PG APR 2011.indd 1 4/28/2011 12:54:40 PM

systems can be fairly easy to install and allow light through, which

is a real benefit, in contrast to being shut up in a house with solid

opaque shutters.

A commonly held belief is that some windows should be left open

during the storm, to allow the internal pressure to equalize with the

external, to prevent pressure buildup inside the building. This theory

seems to have been discredited, and now we’re encouraged

to ensure that all openings are tightly shut. This, however, only

increases the need to ensure that things are totally secure and

that a sudden failure won’t occur. The other component of the

storm, the torrential rain, will be lashing against the building from all

directions and will find its way in through even the tiniest of cracks,

so it pays to keep things sealed up as much as possible to minimise

water damage.

Thankfully, the quality of construction in the Bvi is generally very

good. Architects and structural engineers design for the worst case

scenario, and contractors are experienced in ensuring that

buildings are as robust as possible. Hurricane earl pounded us with

Category 4 strength, but damage to buildings was relatively light.

unfortunately, however, there is still much room for improvement in

the management of storm water; last year, far more damage was

done by rain than by wind, and we saw some serious flooding,

mudslides and sedimentation, wrecked roads and failed retaining

walls. it seems that we’re good at ensuring the quality of our

structures, but we need to understand that all of our construction

and development has a combined affect on drainage patterns,

and the land around our buildings is as prone to damage and

disruption as the buildings themselves. But that’s the subject of

another article… PY

The uplift forces from hurricane winds have been known to pull buildings completely out of the ground; hence, the design of the foundations can be as critical as the design of the walls and roofs.

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Six months ago, I interviewed David Hildred—

Trellis Bay resident, adventurer, and civil

engineer—about his forthcoming transatlantic raft

trip with his childhood hero—the adventurer and

author Anthony Smith—along with two other crew,

Dr. Andrew Bainbridge and John Russell.

A lot has happened since we first spoke—raft

construction and launching, countless global

newspaper articles, flying fish landings, rudders

breaking, whale sightings, backwards sailing, April

Fool’s jokes, plankton collection, a change of

course, a poisonous sea slug visit, an 85th birthday

for Anthony smith, thousands of dollars raised for

waterAid, life-changing revelations—all culminating

in the successful excursion across the Atlantic. These

events were recorded as they unfolded on the An-

tiki website blog, and i devotedly followed them, so

i was thrilled to have a second chance to converse

with a very chilled out yet energized David when he

returned to the Bvi after his voyage.

David and i discussed the four goals that the

An-Tiki voyage had set out to achieve. First, the

journey raised about $16,000 for waterAid, a non-

profit organization that provides potable water to

those who lack a proper supply—not as much as

they’d hoped to collect, but a start. second, the

crew collected plankton samples for the sir Alister

Hardy Foundation for ocean science (sAHFos), as

promised. Third, the trip certainly showed that age

is irrelevant when it comes to adventure; Anthony

smith turned 85 while the An-tiki was at sea.

The last goal, to reach the same beach that the

survivors of the Anglo Saxon had landed on in the

Bahamas, has been postponed. “we still have 800

"It's lovely to live on a raft. We had the sky up there, all speckled with stars, and we used to lay on our backs and look up at them…” —Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain

LIFEafter Raft By Traci O'Dea

an-tiki arrives to a cheering crowd in St Maarten. All photos courtesy of Trish Baily.


284.540.1117 www.oceans7online.comGreat Harbour, Peter Island

Restaurant, sports bar and water park

miles to the Bahamas; some of us just ran out of time,”

Dave said. But, the fact that they didn’t reach that beach,

eleuthera, has only given Anthony smith a new project.

“[The raft] is perfectly capable of doing another trip,” said

Dave, “so, why not? we all said we’d get on a raft with the

same people at the drop of a hat,” but he speculated that

Anthony might choose a different crew—possibly “three

young people or three women.” He predicted that the

next voyage, from st Maarten to the Bahamas, would be

“a shorter trip, but a harder trip" due to weather. “You get

these frontal systems, and you get winds that are going

to take you towards Hispaniola and Puerto rico or maybe

out into the Atlantic,” so Dave proposed changes could

be made to make An-tiki even more manoeuvrable. “i

think with modification to the rig—we had a downwind

sail—but if we had a conventional fore and aft rig we could

actually get it to sail into wind, which would be amazing.”

He mentioned that the raft with its current rigging could

still make it to the Bahamas but would require frequent

deployment of the sea anchor.

After helping to construct the raft and then spending 67

days afloat on the vessel, Dave got to know her pretty well,

saying she “had a very good character.” He was pleased

that, in addition to the original four goals the expedition

had set out to achieve, they’d added the revival of the

raft as a seafaring vessel to their list of accomplishments.

“why not sail a raft?” Dave asked. “not terribly fast, i agree,

but you know what? That’s kind of fun.” rafts, Dave said,

tend to be seen as “something you make from bits of the

vessel that is sinking beneath you…or tree trunks beside

the river to float down the river to safety,” but the An-tiki

proved that a raft “is just another form of construction.” in

his opinion, the An-tiki “was incredibly strong—stronger

than any conventional fibreglass boat.” Both Dave and

Anthony smith have a history of travelling in unconventional

methods of transportation, including gas balloons and

dugout canoes, and all four crewmembers enjoyed the

slow-paced journey across the Atlantic. “we learned a lot

about the sea around us in the way that you don’t on a

yacht because you’re far more closely linked to it.”

The only complaints Dave had about the raft’s equipment

were the more modern, technological aspects. He said he

sometimes “resented a little the modern communications”

which were different from his previous Atlantic crossing. For

that crossing, he said, “i cast off, and i went, and i could

not communicate with anybody until i got to the other side,”

a situation that Dave found very appealing. During An-tiki’s

voyage, though, “the phone was going off a couple times

a day,” Dave said, in addition to emails, blog posts and

Every so often, I think, ‘Which do I prefer?’ If I could take my wife with me, I think I’d prefer the raft.”

The raft sailing at one with the open, blue Atlantic.


comments which occasionally detracted from the solitude of the ocean. on the

other hand, he said he realized “that it was important for our family, friends and

followers to be a part of this adventure.”

other modern gadgets enriched the journey. Dave took with him a small

speaker and his iPod which was full of comedies, plays and music. The crew

would spend an occasional evening listening to Jeeves & Wooster, Yes, Minister,

or Yes, Prime Minister, Dave told me. During night watch, David would listen to

Agatha Christie murder mysteries or Jeff wayne’s war of the worlds. “it’s great

when you’ve got all the stars above you,” he said.

since his return, David misses the simplicity of life aboard the raft. “i don’t

know what reality is at the moment—here nor there. every so often, i think, ‘which

do i prefer?’ if i could take my wife with me, i think i’d prefer the raft,” Dave said.

“There’s no stress on a raft,” he said. He seemed extremely relaxed but also

reminded me of a distracted schoolboy, daydreaming about adventures and

expeditions. According to another daydreaming raft explorer, Huck Finn, “there

warn't no home like a raft, after all. other places do seem so cramped up and

smothery, but a raft don't. You feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a

raft.” i think David Hildred would agree. PY

To show your support for this project and waterAid, please donate here:

http://www.justgiving.com/antiki

He seemed extremely relaxed but also reminded me of a distracted schoolboy, daydreaming about adventures and expeditions.

David Hildred felt at home aboard an-tiki.

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For those of you who have read about my adventures

in learning to sail, you’ve probably ascertained

that I get a bit nervous when a boat starts to heel,

especially when I’m helming. My shrieks can be

heard as far as St Thomas.

After publishing the account of my first experience

on the water, i received the following email from Alison

Knights Bramble from the Bvi watersports Centre: “i was

waiting for an appointment this morning and read your

piece on sailing lessons. i didn't realise that you have

an issue with capsizing, not that this is uncommon. Bear

in mind that all your instincts are screaming at you that

your body should be upright! You need to sail a dinghy

and more than once.”

i accepted Alison’s offer to teach me on a dinghy, so

on a sparkling Thursday afternoon, i drove to Manuel

reef and met up with Alison, along with Jenny gulland

from the Boat House restaurant, for some lessons. My

sailor pals in the us, uK, Canada and Bvi all learned on

dinghies when they were kids. This seemed right to me.

so far, i’d been learning to sail on the Bvi’s signature

one-design racing boat, iC24s. sort of like learning to

drive in a race car. Jenny used to crew on bigger boats,

but, like me, she’d never sailed a dinghy.

when eben Meyers, a sailing instructor at the Centre,

handed me and Jenny our life vests, i wondered how

this was supposed to be less scary than learning in the

bigger boats. The need for a life vest implied that there

was a chance we’d end up in the water. Then, when

eben drove Alison, Jenny and me in the riB to the

dinghy—a 15’10” wayfarer— in sea Cow’s Bay, the first

thing i noticed was that it had no lifelines. And i was

supposed to feel more comfortable in a dinghy? once

we boarded, Alison informed us that our feet should

Starting S M A L L

By Traci 'Salty Dog' O'Dea

Traci and Alison, hiking like they mean it.Photo by Eben Meyers.


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always be tucked under the toe strap—a seatbelt-like strap running

along the floor of the boat. Again, i needed to hold on with my

feet to make sure i didn’t fall in? i wasn’t too sure about this.

we hoisted the main, unfurled the jib and Alison drove,

overseeing the tiller and main sheet. Jenny and i sat on either

side of the wayfarer, each responsible for a jib sheet. it was a bit

cramped ducking under the boom when the sails were on my side

of the boat, but when we tacked, i really got to stretch out—thanks

to that nifty toe strap.

Alison encouraged us to hike out as far as possible. The concept

of stretching most of my body outside of the boat seemed strange,

but i trusted her, so i made sure my feet were hooked under the

strap, hiked my butt over the deck and leaned back into the open

air. The sensation of using my body to counterbalance the boat felt

natural, and the physics of it made sense.

i also felt more connected to the water due to the lack of

lifelines and my proximity of the sea. when sailing on a bigger

boat, i’m often metres above the sea separated by “life lines”

that, well, are supposed to save my life which implies that my life

is threatened when sailing. scary. on those occasions, the sea

appeared to be the menacing force that makes matchsticks out of

masts. when sailing on a dinghy, the sea returned to the state that

i recognized—the pacifying calm i frequently sought for submersion.

i felt more connected to the sea than i ever had on a boat or even

on a windsurfer, for that matter.

After a few more tacks, Jenny and i took turns driving the boat

around the bay, then eben brought the safety boat over to pick up

Alison, and she left us on our own. i got splashed a few times when

crewing, and my boardshorts weren’t made from a particularly

grippy fabric, so i slid around a little bit, but neither of us fell in. we

navigated around Manuel reef until it was time to head back to

the watersports Centre. The lesson just whetted my appetite for

more dinghy sailing, but i think i need to get into something even

smaller, so it’s going to be a Pico next. Alison insists i need to

capsize a few times to definitively dispel my fear. Thankfully, i have

a waterproof camera. PY

Alison (left) on the tiller and main sheet while Jenny minds the jib sheet. Photo by Traci O'Dea.


Old Government House:1925-1926

The old government House (ogH) was designed by Thomas F

Tomlinson AMiCe, an engineer from Trinidad, and was built by his

key workers and local labour Clerk of works Cecil georges, whose

job it was to record all the materials and labour costs for the job.

unfortunately, his detailed records were all destroyed in a fire in

Antigua from where, at the time, the Bvi was under governorship.

now 104 and living in road Town, Mr georges was never the less able

to provide a wealth of details and sketches to provide for historic

displays at the ogH.

Mr georges recollects a time before heavy machinery and high-

tech gadgetry ruled the job site. in the 1920s, hardships were more

prevalent—especially on a small island. in fact, besides a small

concrete mixer, everything else at the ogH was done by hand:

pouring and lifting the concrete by barrow and bucket, pumping

up water from a well in the lower garden (which is still there), raising

the shuttering three feet at a time—it must have been backbreaking

work. sand was collected from the beach and gravel from the ghuts

by boat, mule and cart. steel and cement in barrels came from

Denmark via st Thomas, and were unloaded on the shore below and

carried and rolled up the hill. Fifteen months of arduous work. All a

most remarkable story as told by Mr georges, a modest Tortolian

gentleman—one of many local stories that should be more fully

recorded before the past is forgotten.

Reception Hall: 2002

Brian russ of west end brought out his local crew to take my design

of this facility and turn it into the multi-functional venue it is today.

This 28- by 38-foot hall was designed to seat 70 people, a structure

that could be used with either government House (old or new), or

on its own for investitures, parties, lectures and fundraisers. special

attention was given to the key design elements of the ogH: its

arches and fort-like parapet lines to its flat roof. The reception Hall

had a pitched roof (to cope with the wide interior span), but this

would hardly be visible from close up or in the garden below, so the

gutter would become the top parapet line. These lines were also built

into the divider wall between ogH and the reception Hall. Arched

doors were incorporated and painted the ogH’s trademark vigilante

green. The budget was tight but the skilled workmen chamfered

the edges of the roof beams so that once they and the grooved

plywood roof was stained with a cherry stain the end result was

quite elegant.

From london, the uK Foreign and Commonwealth office and its

architects strongly resisted the reception Hall concept. They argued

that it was not needed, and that the governor of an overseas territory

should not be entitled to such amenities. They went as far to say that

it may not be safe for the governor to enter. After this notion, i sent

my plans overseas for the FCo for approval. However, by this point

in time i had lived to see some ten administrators and governors, so

i felt i knew best what was needed. indeed, the reception Hall has

lived up to the gratitude of its occupants, including the first governor

to use the facility, Tom Macan, who told me upon departing office

that he had recommended to the FCo that all governors and high

commissioners have such a reception hall.

Designing for

DignitariesBy Hugh Whistler MBE late Royal Engineers


New Government House: 2003-2004

This building was designed by stephen gorton riBA of onions

Bouchard & McCulloch, and built by Meridian Construction;

and i was clerk of works and Bvi project manager. gorton

had the difficult task of using an existing set of drawings that

needed to be altered to cater to a newly desired elevation.

Three sets of elevations were drawn, from which one was

chosen to be built. some arches were added, and some

planned sandstone columns and stained wood doors were kept

in areas where the pitched roofs gave a more modern look—

but the parapet detail was the clincher.

each individual building was kept white, which helped to

create a unifying result throughout the landscape so that all

three buildings fit comfortably on the hillside overlooking road

Harbour. when the projects were finished, then-Chief Minister

ralph o’neal, who lent his continuous support to the project,

commented that he admired the buildings as he rode in on the

ferry from his residing district in virgin gorda—a satisfying

compliment given to difficult projects that came in on time and

under budget. PY

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miths Gore opened its office in the British Virgin Islands in 1965. The firm was established in the UK in 1845 and currently operates from 26 offices. While the Caribbean practice is based in the BVI, there has been a tendency to specialize in the sale, management and valuation of properties throughout the region.

“Tis not too late to seek another world”

British Virgin IslandsBritannic Hall, P.O. Box 135, Road Town, Tortola T 1(284) 494 2446 E [email protected]

United Kingdom17-18 Old Bond Street, London W1S 4PTT +44 (0) 207 290 1616 E [email protected]

Real Estate

www.smithsgore.com

–Tennyson

By Traci O’Dea

Polarized sunglasses have changed my life. I know I’m a little late

in the game on this one, but it’s not the first time that I’ve made

a life-changing discovery decades after the rest of the world. In

2009, I saw REM in concert for the first time, and I was blown

away—um, two decades after all my friends had discovered the

band.. So I'm used to being out of the loop.

This time, i unceremoniously picked up a pair of sunglasses with

polarized lenses at nanny Cay before i went out for my sailing lesson,

not realizing how my life was about to improve. i will never buy non-

polarized lenses again. Polarized lenses work, according to wisegeek.

com, “much like a venetian blind controls sunlight through a window.”

so you can see through them, but they are still blocking the sun with

ray-deflecting strips of polarization. sailors wear them because they

greatly reduce the sun’s glare on the water. Fishermen wear them

because they allow visibility through the water. i wear them because

they make everything look pretty.

A few weeks ago, when motoring over to the north sound, i noticed

that some low clouds in the distance seemed to be emanating a

turquoise glow then realized it was the reflection from the sea onto the

clouds that was making them appear to have a bluegreen tint. i took

off my sunglasses and could barely see it. i put them back on, and the

green clouds returned. Trippy. Then when we navigated between the

channel markers in the eustatia sound, i could see the reef below like i

never had before.

Driving has also improved. not because i can see the road better

but because the vistas that i pass every day are suddenly more

stunning—bluer and clearer waves touch the north shore beaches,

azure waters surround Buck island on the south side, and even road

Harbour looks inviting. That, i think, is reason enough to buy a pair. PY

Polarized Lenses Improve the Views

I wear them because they make everything look pretty.

Above: The aLookingGlass team sports polarized shades. Photos by Dan O'Connor.

With you every step of the way.Real estate in the BVI is at a premium and tightly regulated.

Our expertise is practically unmatched. From conception to completion, we understand the challenges of both booming markets and down-cycles, and have the depth and experience to advise on a broad range of issues – from title verification, planning and design approval, to corporate structuring and financing. This is why hundreds of buyers and sellers, including every five star resort in the BVI, have turned to us for representation in virtually all real estate and development matters.

A leading BVI law firm

Simmonds Building, 30 DeCastro Street Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

tel: +1(284) 494-5808 ˚ fax: +1(284) 494-5811 www.onealwebster.com

Contact: Mrs. Willa Tavernier [email protected]


What was once a group of islands thought to be

settled by accident rather than by design, has

now, rather aptly, been termed “the treasure

under our feet.” The latter phrase was used by

JR O’Neal, a noted BVIslander, entrepreneur and

environmentalist, to describe land in the BVI. It is

this type of sentiment which provided the impetus

for the enacting of the Non-Belongers Land Holding

Regulation Act (in its current form) in 1960. That

Act regulates the purchase of property in the BVI by

non-nationals by requiring a licence to be issued in

respect of any (and each) property purchased.

Many long-time or first-time visitors to the Bvi

fall in love with the islands and look into buying

property here. it’s usually a real estate agent who first

acquaints them with the licensing requirement, but

ever so often as attorneys, we too get the confused

question from interested purchasers: “A what licence?”

A non-Belonger’s landholding licence (nBlH) is

obtained by application to the Ministry of natural

resources. Applicants must supply personal details,

inform whether they have previously purchased land

in the Bvi, and give details of proposed usage. The

application must be supported by character and

financial references, a police record, identification

documents and various other documents. Any good

lawyer can handle this on your behalf. Purchase and

sale agreements usually allow 12 months to obtain the

licence, but it typically takes about 6 months. simply

put, that’s how to get an nBlHl.

But many purchasers wonder: why the need

for licensing?

To fully appreciate why the licensing regime was

introduced, it is worth looking at the history of land

ownership in the Bvi. The Bvi has been described by

local historians as a west indian anomaly, for reasons

too many to explain here. nevertheless, that sentiment

is quite accurate with respect to land ownership.

unlike other present and former British Caribbean

islands, where most of the land is owned by the

government, in the Bvi the land is largely, and almost

exclusively, privately owned by the local population.

let’s zoom in on the significant historical events that

contributed to this.

A Country of Proud LandownersBy Willa Tavernier, Property & Business Attorney, O’Neal Webster


T: 284 494 [email protected]

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The earliest of such events were various land grants to freed slaves

by plantation owners, such as the nottinghams, who granted 50 acres

of land in long look in 1778; edward Harrigan, who granted 300 acres

of land on guana island in 1811; and Miriam Harragin, who granted 40

acres at east end in 1816. A government grant of lands at Kingston to

free Africans between 1828 and 1831 should also be mentioned.

going forward to 1841, the legal restrictions on the purchase of land

by non-europeans was lifted. not surprisingly then, the records office

which holds deeds of conveyance, has such deeds dating as far back

as 1849!

By 1858 it was reported that the native population was in

possession of comfortable houses and was well-clothed with an air of

independence, accompanied by a respectful demeanor. i found that

historical tidbit interesting, as i am sure visitors to these shores even

today would find that description still holds true.

it is certainly not unusual in real estate practice to come across

such deeds—just last month the administrator of an estate i was

dealing with on behalf of a beneficiary, proudly showed me a copy

of the deed dated March 5, 1910, conveying 13 acres of land to her

predecessors. she said she’d have it framed.

i also remember a colleague of mine recounting a story told by her

mother of a great auction of all the lands in Tortola, and local families

coming together to buy large tracts. This, she said, accounted for the

predominance of particular families in particular areas, such as the

Penns or lettsomes in east end, Dawsons in Ballast Bay, or Donovans

in Carrot Bay. Historical texts confirm the essence of this story—the

economic and social stresses of the late 19th and early 20th century

prompted the return of many european settlers to their homelands. As

a result, many heavily indebted plantations were put up for sale by

the government under the encumbered estates Act—and the local

population bought most of these lands.

The Bvi is therefore a country of proud landowners¬—it’s a

fundamental part of their identity and patrimony. so, land in the Bvi is

valuable on many levels. it’s no wonder then that such a precious

resource is appropriately regulated. PY

Unlike other present and former British Caribbean islands, where most of the land is owned by the government, in the BVI the land is largely, and almost exclusively, privately owned by the local population.


BVI Airways CEO Luke Smith blew out the candle on a slice

of cheesecake, served chilled, from a seat overlooking the

breathtaking views of Pagua Bay, Dominica. He’d celebrate

the one-year birthday of his company alone at the Pagua Bay

Restaurant, almost too busy to stop and thoroughly admire the

view—and the budding company’s accomplishments.

A year earlier, the established pilot and business co-founder would

launch the first Bvi-based company to take roots with regularly

scheduled flights from the Terrance B. lettsome Airport. A bold move

from outside appearance, at the time the American pilot said the Bvi

provided the ideal grounds to hatch his ambitious plans. A year later,

with a new plane added to the fleet and more proposed destinations,

luke said his vision hasn’t changed, and his view of the Bvi as an

ideal target market hasn’t swayed.

“My vision is a little more focused now than it was a year ago,” he

said, sitting in the Beef island terminal, taking a quick break between

scheduled flights from st Maarten and Dominica. “i’m looking at the

world from a different perspective now.”

That perspective, he explained, allows him to view the Caribbean

region as a paradise playground full of opportunity. “we had a very

good year—the first year—and the first year is the most important for

any airway,” he explained, continuing with a chuckle. “You could

even say we doubled our fleet from one to two. … And in reality, that

really does represent a great increase in growth over the year.”

indeed, their expanding reach around the Caribbean could

attest for the success of the company. initially, Bvi Airways took off

to st Maarten, offering rates as low as $99 for a round trip ticket. it

wouldn’t be long before word would catch on in the Bvi that flights

to the popular French/Dutch island were at an all-time low, hinting to

the possibility of regional relationships to come. now, the airline also

offers regular flights to Dominica and Antigua, and is breaking into

other regional markets, including the Dominican republic, Anguilla

and st Kitts.

Asked what the future holds for the company, the Ceo responded

optimistically. “we’re looking to improve our branding and our

accessibility from the rest of the world to here,” he said. “The local

market knows us now—they trust us and know what we’re capable of.

But what we’re looking to do now is increase access from the rest of

the world to the Bvi.”

luke remains busy as a captain and Ceo for the young and

budding company, but he also keeps his cool, trusting where his

company is headed. next year, he said, with more pilots and more

available resources, he hopes to occasionally coast on cruise control

and enjoy the view.

“next year, i see the cake with two candles—more destinations,

more airplanes and our well-developed brand,” he predicted. “we’ll

be bigger and stronger—a very attractive airline—and i’ll hopefully

have more time to enjoy it.” PY

The Sky is the Limit How a local airliner strives to bring it all together

Captain and CEO Luke Smith boards the first ever BVI Airways flight from Beef Island in May 2010.

Photo by Mason Marcus.


Get on board this summer.Beef Island to St. Maarten as low as $99.

Booking Agent

Romasco Place, Admin Drive, Road Town, Tortola, BVI VG1110 1.284.494.2347/8 and 1.284.340.2347Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda, BVI VG1150 1.284.495.5580 and 1.284.340.5580 [email protected]

Book online


Over the last few years, sideboards and cabinets have snuck

off the showroom floor and out of the warehouse. Homeowners,

builders, contractors and interior designers, unable to find

bathroom vanities, purchased these larger furnishings for their

sturdy design and high quality wood. Then, instead of installing

them in dining rooms, they cut holes in them for double sinks

in master suite bathrooms or removed the back panel and refit

them into powder rooms.

Customers have confessed, guiltily, that they didn’t want me

to know that they’d hacked apart the handmade furniture, so

i decided to spare them that guilt by having bathroom vanities

custom designed and handcrafted by my partners in indonesia.

i continue to get countless requests for sink vanity units—

especially those that perch nicely atop a sturdy, solid

wood cabinet—and i’ve found that the Balinese

style offers homeowners the perfect solution. My

Caribbean customers seem to have a strong

connection for the simple—yet undeniably

unique—Asian pieces that are not standard off-the-shelf items,

or mass produced in a Home Depot or ikea-like style. in a similar

tropical climate zone, the indonesian atmosphere and style

has become a staple here in our designs, from the courtyard

to the living room to the bathroom. The designs allow my crafty

customers to keep it simple yet elegantly refined.

on my last buying trip to Bali, i met with one of my furniture

suppliers, and over a morning Java coffee, (strong enough to

blow your socks off, and that's before they put a bucket of sugar

in it), we came up with a few alterations to sideboards and

console units, that could be used for multiple purposes, including

as a vanity.

After that, still wired on coffee, i made a quick side trip to a stone

supplier who makes custom sinks—with the shape and colour to

the specifications of the buyer—and the new vanities are

born. so now my clients don't have to feel guilty. PY

Evolution of the VaNITy

By Roy Keegan

+1.284.494.5240Road Reef Plaza, Road Town, Tortola


Drakes Traders Ltd.’P.O Box 623 Road Town, Tortola, BVI | T(284)494-3282 | F(284)494-4382 | E: [email protected] | W: www.drakestraders.com

You don’t have to walk for

miles, Drakes traders has the

best in building supplies.


I’m on “gardening leave” from work for a

few months, so I thought I should do some

actual gardening. If I can do it (with my

corporate rather than green fingers and

my left-handedness), you certainly can,

and the end result is delicious. Here is a

brief guide on how I got started.

First i bought some basic equipment—

gardening gloves and shoes, shovel, trowel,

rake, trays, bamboo sticks, good soil and,

most importantly, seeds. You might also

consider growing a beard to help get you

in an “at-one-with-nature mood.” (note:

Beards are not recommended for women

and should be strongly discouraged.)

The majority of the hard work is making

the beds. Because i had no idea what i was

doing, it took me about three days to dig

out the area and refill it with decent soil, but

with help from friends, you could prepare

beds in a day. ideally, you need somewhere

with good drainage and decent shade.

short of space, i rented a power chisel and

cut out some hillside behind my house. A

rake breaks up the soil and helps you pull

out rocks and stones. For soil preparation, i

found that potting soil mixed with peat moss

works well.

After my first attempts, heavy rainfall

washed away the soil, but i’ve since solved

this problem by lining the bottom of the

beds with fabric from potato sacks and

building rock walls around them. i also

dug small trenches between the beds

and the hillside, encouraging rain to wash

around rather than over the beds. one

bed could not accommodate rocks, so i

used wood to box in the soil nearest to the

hill. Alternatively, you can make raised,

wooden-framed beds, set them over some

landscape fabric and place them anywhere

(even on a balcony). This is what i plan on

doing for my next beds. (note: Do not use

treated wood in your beds as it contains

harmful chemicals which somewhat defeats

the purpose of growing your own food.)

i bought various different seedlings

and started them in seedling trays. so far,

rocket, beetroot, bok choy, basil, peppers,

aubergine, celery and lettuces seed easily. i

gently water them before sunrise and after

sunset and keep them in a well shaded area

that gets a little morning sun. if you find that

your seedlings get too tall and spindly, plant

them deeper next time.

once the seedlings were well established

(two to four weeks), i carefully transplanted

them into the beds. Transplanting when they

look like they are outgrowing their pot is a

pretty decent rule of thumb. i also do it in

Taking Gardening Leave LiterallyBy Richard May

Richard negotiates his way around the garden. Photos by Traci O'Dea.


the evening to give them a chance to settle before the

sun attacks them. After transplanting, i start new seedlings

so that i always have something new on the back burner.

if you don’t do this, you’ll probably have one crop and

never do anything again.

To reduce the full force of the Caribbean sun, i bought

fabric to filter direct sunlight and tied it above the beds.

These canopies make a big difference and also make it

look like you know what you are doing, so you can impress

your friends. (note: if you have friends that are impressed

by this, you might consider getting new friends.)

it’s now a couple of months from inception, and i eat

something from my beds nearly every day. i learned fairly

quickly how much water and sunlight to give plants by

whether they remained dead or alive. Dead plants are a

pretty decent indicator that something has gone wrong.

Bok choy and rocket have been prolific and delicious,

and all the vegetables and leaves mentioned above are

growing well.

My hope is to whet your appetite to garden or at least

to support local farming and buy veg that tastes of veg. i

recall the Pick Your own farms of my childhood and regret

that i’ve forgotten what most vegetables are supposed to

taste like due to years of consuming mass-produced, pre-

packaged produce.

if you know anyone who is an experienced gardener,

take his or her advice if it confl icts with mine. But if

there is enthusiasm for more from me, i’ l l let you know

how a left-handed novice with power tools made a

tumbling composter. PY

Dead plants are a pretty decent indicator that something has gone wrong.

www.bvipy.com MAY 2011 43


Tortola to St. Maarten fares as low as $99

284 494 2347/8 and 284 340 2347 [email protected] Place, Admin Drive, Road Town, Tortola BVI. VG1110

284 495 5580 and 284 340 5580 Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda, BVI VG1150

Travel Plans

Booking Agent

We awoke early Sunday morning: squalls were on the horizon to

our south and windward, too. Grey, but it would be sunny soon.

The previous day's bike ride had been great, and we all slept

very well in the gentle surge of Anegada Harbour.

Breakfast, coffee.

My friend Tim departed on his Beneteau 32 from just to weather

of us: we followed shortly. our boat tidy; the anchor brought

short, we raised the main. while Kim leaned against the boom

to starboard and my son held the tiller over to port; i broke the

anchor free by windlass and we slipedp away onto port tack. out

of the harbour, we sailed using only our main. Kim was driving our

westsail 32 as i set the blue spinnaker up on the foredeck and ran

the sheets.

As soon as we crossed the last channel marks, Kim gybed for

scrub island and i hoisted the kite. she already had the sheet

trimmed so the set was easy and painless. Absolutely another

perfect day for sailing as we ran from Anegada in smooth seas.

The boat handled very well under just main and spinnaker. we

found that the genoa tended to collapse and snap when sailing

deep; whereas, the spinnaker remained full while better balancing

the pressure on the hull to require less rudder correction. in short,

Kim was happy to drive with kite and main in 15-18kts. so i was

happy, too.

Before we gybed around scrub we sailed by another small

cruising boat enjoying the same superb day on the water here in

the Bvi. if you want some pictures of your boat, Bambouche, email

me. You looked great out there!

As we had taken our bikes up to Anegada and back on deck, a

stop into Marina Cay to wash them (and the boat) seemed

responsible. our friend Jerome was there getting water, so we took

a mooring and went in for lunch ashore; awaiting an open dock.

Chris and Karen simpson were on island, the place was hopping

and we had lunch. A Prindle 17 sailed in, and out too. our bellies

full, we motored onto the dock for water and a wash—boats and

bikes alike. Then onward, by mainsail alone to Trellis, where we put

the boat away again. weekends spent doing this, on days like this.

That's is why we live here, own a boat and sail here. i hope to see

you on the water soon. i'll take your photo, you take mine, too! PY

Sunday SailingStory and photo by Brian Duff, BVI Yacht Sales

Brian's son Rayne plays it cool on the main sheet.


Riteway Food Markets provisioning service offers a number of services to help your visit to the British Virgin Islands be a fuss-free, enjoyable experience. Time is of the essence for you and our 20 plus years' experience in provisioning has enabled us to tailor our services to suit the needs of all concerned by providing a wide selection of choice foods, beverages, liquor and dry products. So, whether it is your private getaway schooner, or a Super Mega yacht, each order, no matter how large or small, is given the same amount of detailed attention and delivered directly to you. After all, it's the Riteway way of doing business!

Summer has arrived and with it comes another much-awaited

mango season in the BVI. Residents have had plenty of time for

anticipation to build, as a few months pass from the time rust-

coloured flowers appear on mango trees until the fruit is finally

ready to be eaten.

After moving to the Bvi, i was delighted to discover four mango

trees on my rental property, and i eagerly anticipated summer

mango season. The tree with the tastiest mangoes grew on the

edge of a steep drop-off. Although that single tree yielded more

fruit than i could possibly eat, i still hated to see even one precious

mango roll down the hillside, destined to rot or become a meal

for birds. every morning for weeks i followed the same ritual: after

breakfast, i put on old shoes, grabbed my fruit picker and scoured

the trees for mangoes that were ready for picking. soon my kitchen

countertop was covered in mangoes, with different piles for

mangoes at varying stages of ripeness. My husband and i ate what

we could (which turned out to be A loT of mangoes), packed our

freezer with more and shared the rest with friends.

Months later, just as i had eaten the last of my frozen fruit and

was mourning the end of my supply of homegrown mangoes,

a friend gave me her tattered copy of “An embarrassment

of Mangoes,” by Ann vanderhoof. My friend knew i enjoyed

Caribbean cooking and sailing, and she assured me that i’d

appreciate how the two intersected in this book. The reader learns

the meaning of the title on the first page of this delightful book,

part travel diary and part cookbook. The Canadian author writes

about the time she and her husband lived aboard their sailboat

in grenada: “Mangoes are in season, and literally falling off the

trees—an embarrassment of mangoes, to someone from the north.

we feel duty bound to try as many varieties as we can.” The odd

title accurately captures my own sentiments about mangoes. i

grew up in a northern climate where snowy winters are the norm

and where mangoes were an exotic treat during my childhood.

Faced with the prospect of an “embarrassment” of mangoes

falling off the trees in my Bvi backyard, i couldn’t help but

become a mango fanatic, eating the fruit for breakfast, lunch and

dinner when in season.

Fortunately for my fellow local food enthusiasts, mangoes

are one of the easiest locally grown foods to find, since mango

trees abound in the Bvi, and a single mango tree can produce

hundreds of mangoes. supermarkets and roadside vendors sell

local mangoes, typically tiny kidney-shaped “Julie” mangoes,

which are a deep yellow-orange colour and very sweet.

Mangoes are incredibly versatile in sweet or savoury dishes.

Colour ful salsas showcase mangoes with savoury ingredients, and

are a festive use of an abundance of in-season mangoes.

Mad about

MangoesBy Susie Younkle


Mango and Red Bell Pepper Salsa

1 C chopped mango

½ red bell pepper, chopped

¼ C finely chopped red onion

2 Tbl finely chopped cilantro

1 Tbl rice vinegar

2 tsp olive oil

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir well. serve over

grilled pork or fish (particularly rare grilled tuna). Can be made one

day in advance.

Avocado and Mango Salsa

1½ C peeled and chopped avocado

1 medium mango, peeled and chopped

1½ Tbl finely chopped cilantro

1 Tbl lime juice

salt, to taste

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir well. serve

immediately, with tortilla chips or on chicken or pork. PY

T (284)545-8015E [email protected]

By Susie Younkle

Susie picks, sorts and slices her mangoes to perfection.

Ma

ngo

Salsa

Rec

ipes


ACTIVITIESD'Best Cup (sH) - (284)545.8015Dolphin Discovery (Pr) – (284)494.7675oceans seven (Pi) - (284)4540.1117

ALTERNATIVE & BACKUP POWERAlternative energy systems (PP) – (284)494.1478 Caribbean Technology (rT) - (284)494.2762

ARCHITECTS oBM international (rr) – (284)494.2148

ELECTRONICSCay electronics (rT) – (284)494.2400

FURNITUREArawak interiors (rr) – (284)494.5240Poolworks (PP)– (284)494.0989

HEALTH Crown Dental (rr) - (284)494.2770sole spa (rT) - (284)494.5999

HOME IMPROVEMENTSClarence Thomas lTD. (rT) – (284)494.2359Drakes Traders lTD. (FB) – (284)494.3282euroCarib (PP) - (284)495.9616Think simple (rT) - (284)494.2801Tortola Commercial & Home Automation (rT)- (284)541.1245

INSURANCECaribbean insurers ltd. (rT)- (284)494.2728Colonial insurance (rT) – (284)494.8450nagico insurance (rT) – (284)494.6433/4

INVESTINGvP Bank (rT) – (284)494.1100

LAW FIRMSHarneys (rT) – (284)494.2233o'neal webster (rT) - (284)494-5808

MARINE & YACHT CLUBS nanny Cay Marina & Hotel (nC) - (284)494.2512royal Bvi Yacht Club (rr) - (284)494.3286Manuel reef (sB) - (284)495.2066 YCCs Marina (vg) - (284)346.2000

PHOTOGRAPHERSYacht shots Bvi (nC) – (284)495.7550

PROPERITESBaraka Point (vg) – (800)969.9713 Mooney Bay (vg)– (888)624.3215oil nut Bay (vg) – (284)495.5400

PROVISIONINGoneMart (PP)- (284)494.4649riteway Food Markets (rT) – (284)494.2263

REAL ESTATE AGENTSColdwell Banker real estate (nC)– (284)495.3000Dougal & Associates (rT) – (284)495.3003smart Home Bvi (PA)- (284)542.7000smiths gore (rT) - (284)494-2446sotheby’s international realty (rT) – (284)494.5700Trude real estate (rT) – (284)494.2500

RESTAURANTSBrandywine Bay (BB)- (284)495.2301

SHIPPINGTamarind Consolidated - (954)763.2234Tortola express (rr) - (284)494.0707

TRAVEL Bvi Airways (rT) – (284)494.3247 Travel Plan (rT) - (284)494.2347

YACHT CHARTERS & BROKERSCharterport (rT) - (284)494.7955Conch Charters (rr) - (284)494.4868 Pro valor (ee) - (866)776.8256racing in Paradise (nC) - (284)494.6781

southern Trades (rT) -(284)494.8003sunsail (rT) -(888)416.8420The Moorings (rT) -(888)416.8420TMM (rr) - (800)633.0155

Property & Yacht Directoryuse the legend to reference the businesses listed.

Legend: Regions

Brandywine BayEast End Fish Bay Nanny CayPasea

Peter IslandPort Purcell Prospect Reef Road ReefRoad Town

Sea Cows BaySoper's HoleTrellis BayVirgin GordaWest End

BBEEFBNCPA

PIPPPRRRRT

SBSHTBVGWE

BVI Charter yacht Society (RT) - (284)494.6017

Representing the finest selection of luxury crewed char-ter yachts in the BVI | bvicrewedyachts.com

BVI Charter Yacht Sales (RT) - (284)494.4868

est. 1986 | Fleet size: 46 | Sells Boats: Yes | Charters Boats: Yes | Brand(s): Beneteau, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Leopard, Norseman, Island Spirit, Athena, Hunter | Year Make: 1996-2004 | Type(s): Sailboat Cats and Monohu-lls | www.charteryachtsales.com

BVI Yacht Charters (RT) - (284)495.4289

est. 1974 | Fleet size: 45 | Sells Boats: Yes | Charters Boats: Yes | Brand(s): Beneteau, Lagoon, Leopard, Foun-taine Pajot, Seawind | Year Make: 2000 - 2009 | Type(s): Sailboat Monohulls and Catamarans | bviyachtcharters.com | www.bviyachtcharters.com

BareCat (SB) - (284)495-1979

est. 1993 | Fleet size: 10 | Sells boats: No | Charters Boats: Yes | Brand(s): Fontaine Pajot, Lagoon, Leop-ards, Island Spirit, Robertson & Caine, Privilege, Voy-ages | Year Make: 1997-2005 | Type(s): Catamarans | [email protected]


Property Listings

TORTOLAH9 LOVELY LOT AT BALLAST BAY: Beautiful Ballast Bay lot now available. glorious views of Cane garden Bay and Jost van Dyke. us$120,000 | (284)495 3000 | [email protected]

G10 TWO AND THREE BEDROOM HILLSIDE VILLA – LONG BAY RESORT: Cleverly designed villas with fantastic views, great beach and full use of all resort facilities. lock off units designed to maximize income potential at Tortola’s leading beach resort. From us$435,000 | (284)495 3000 | [email protected]

PRIVATE LOTS FOR SALES 0.8 ACRES: located on the north shore are two parcels of land, with stunning views, available to build your own dream home. us $155,000+ | (284)494-2500 www.trudebvi.com

I10 WATERFRONT HOMES WITH DOCKS, NANNY CAY: 2/3 bedroom waterfront townhouses with docks now available at nanny Cay, Tortola’s premier marina. Full resort facilities and competitive rental program available to offset costs of ownership. us$750,000 | (284)495 3000. | Contact [email protected].

LONG TRENCH ESTATE HOME: situated on .623 acres this split level home has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and a separate 1 bedroom unit which has rental income. This home is set on .3 acres so an additional house can be erected giving two for the price of one. This is a must see!! us$715,000 Monica at (284)494 2500 | www.trudebvi.com

H8 1 ACRE LOT, GLORIOUS CANE GARDEN BAY VIEWS: A rare lot on luck Hill with fantastic views of Cane garden Bay. Beautiful sunsets. very buildable. one not to be missed! us$225k | (284)495-3000 | [email protected]

H8 CANE GARDEN BAY COTTAGES: Two delightful cottages set within landscaped palm fringed gardens, less than 50 yards from the beach. set in under 2 acres, prime investment property. us$1.295k | (284)495 3000 | [email protected] | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

J8 3 BEDROOM RIDGE ROAD HOME WITH 3 BED APT: lovely 3 bedroom family home with rental income potential from 3 bed apt beneath. great views of north shore and guana island. lush mature garden filled with coconut palms and fruit trees. Motivated seller. us$750,000 | (284)495 3000 | [email protected] | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

JOST VAN DYKE LAND: There is a 1 acre lot located about a mile east of Foxy’s restaurant. it has utility access, road access and stunning panoramic views of Tortola and st. Thomas. us$110,000 | Monica at (284)494 2500 | www.trudebvi.com

G10 HUMMINGBIRD HOUSE: located in the prestigious Belmont estate only moments from smugglers Cove and long Bay beaches, this delightful home has been extensively remodeled by the current owner, an english Architect with over 20 years island experience designing first class, luxurious homes. Pleasing proportions and scale, elegant finishes and fixture choices of the highest quality and wonderful ocean, island and sunset views. us$2,495,000 | (284)495 3000 [email protected] | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

VILLA ASOLARE AT MANSION HALL: This stunning home is located around a point which gives panoramic views of the outer islands from scrub island to norman island. There are stone steps that lead to each of the three buildings, the two beaches and thru lush flowers, fruit trees and the historic ruins of Fort Hodge dating from the 1740’s. There is also an infinity pool with an out door kitchen, perfect for entertaining! Monica at (284)494 2500 | www.trudebvi.com

H9 ROSE LODGE, 3 BEDROOMS WINDY HILL: Beautiful hillside setting with exceptional island and sunset views. Two bedroom main house with lovely gardens and lawn. Delightful views of Cane garden Bay from very private guest house. us$1.1m | (284)495 3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.com | [email protected]

H9 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY: 1.04 acres of hill side land just 200 feet beyond the picturesque beaches of Cane garden Bay. The property houses six buildings containing 5 one-bedroom, 2 two-bedroom and 1 three-bedroom units. us$2,500,000 | (284)495 4825

VIRGIN GORDA HOME FOR SALE: This charming Home comes furnished with all modern amenities and enchanting views overlooking the ocean and a lovely garden. This location is prefect for this price. us$300,000 | (284) 494 2500 | www.trude.com

CANE GARDEN BAY 0.5 ACRES: This land is above the hills in Cane garden Bay with road access and spectacular views and no covenants attached. us$150,000 | (284) 494 2500 www.trude.com

G10 3 BEDROOM, 6 BATH CARIBBEAN STYLE HOME: located on over 1.5 acres, this sprawling villa is ideal for indoor and outdoor living with three detached pavilions including kitchen, living room, library, master bedroom suite and two guest bedrooms. spacious swimming pool terrace, covered dining area, charming porches, verandahs and courtyards. us$1,550,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com

nGreat Tobago

Little Jost

Guana Island

Great Camanoe

Norman Island

Peter Island

Salt Island

Cooper Island

Ginger Island

Little Camanoe

The Dogs

Moskito Island

Prickly Pear Island Necker Island

Eustatia Island

Beef Island

Scrub Island

Buck Island

Marina CayGreen Cay

Sandy Cay

Great Thatch

Frenchman’s CayDead Chest

Carval Rock

Fallen Jerusalem

Round Rock

Flannigan Island

Pelican Island

Nanny Cay

Cane Garden Bay

Long Bay

Oil Nut Bay

Road Harbour

RoadTown

SpanishTown The Valley

The Settlement

Little Tobago

Jost Van DykeTortola

Anegada

Virgin Gorda

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T

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Tortola

Virgin Gorda

Jost van Dyke

Northern Islands

Southern Islands

Anegada

Legend: Regions


G10 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH CONDO: set within long bay Beach resort and operated within the hotel rental pool, the apartment has one full kitchen and one kitchenette and affords beautiful ocean views. Direct access to the hotel amenities and within walking distance to the beach. us$299,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com

K8 CHARMING PROPERTY AT GREENBANK: overlooking Brewers Bay and built as semi detached pavilions around the swimming pool terrace, this beautifully designed villa features living room, gourmet kitchen, spacious covered porch with living and dining areas, game room, private master suite and two guest suites all with private patios and majestic views. Two bedroom one bath caretaker cottage with separate driveway. us$3,550,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com

J9 SPACIOUS 3 BEDROOM VILLA AT KINGSTON: Two separate buildings connected by a swimming pool terrace with split level living-dining area and large kitchen. Master bedroom suite and two guest suites. Prevailing breeze and expansive channel views only five minutes away from road Town. us$1,099,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com

K9 5 BEDROOM BEACHFRONT VILLA WITH PRIVATE DOCK: Beautifully positioned on historical Fort Hodge Point, with extensive water frontage including two sandy beaches and full serviced dock. The 5 bedroom residence with swimming pool terrace encompasses approx. 4,500 sf and captures spectacular views of the sir Francis Drake Channel. spacious great room with covered dining porch. master bedroom suite and separate pavilion with three guest suites and game room. self-contained lower studio apartment. us$5,900,000 | (284)494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com

LIzARD’S LEAP *REDUCED*: Desirable location; convenient for road Town. view over road Harbour and Drake's Channel, with Cooper and ginger islands. Ample parking, spacious garden. open-plan design, welcoming and cozy. three-bed, two-bath. us$675,000 | (284) 494 5700 | Bvisir.CoM

SMITTY’S RETREAT: two-bed, three-full bathroom home in Havers Hill on Tortola's south shore, with views of Drake’s Channel and many islands. Built in 1979 this strong Caribbean home is built on 0.3 acres with mature tropical gardens. us$565,000 | (284)494 5700 | Bvisir.CoM

G10 WAVELAND: waveland is a uniquely private, three-bed, two-bath luxury villa with a spectacular elevated position and a magnificent view. A covered lanai with full wet bar connects the living area, two guest bedrooms and master bedroom with unique his and her bathroom suites. us$750,000 | (284)494 5700 | Bvisir.CoM

MAARIB HOUSE *NEW*: Four-bed, four-and-one-half bath, private villa with swimming pool in luscious shannon estate. wonderful sunset views and mature tropical gardens. us$2,400,000 | (284) 494 5700 | Bvisir.CoM

CAPTAIN'S HOUSE *NEW*: Two-bed, two-bath private villa with swimming pool overlooking long Bay Beach, Jost van Dyke and sandy spit. us$1,150,000 | (284)494 5700 | Bvisir.CoM

VIRGIN GORDAQ6 MOONLIT SEA: Amazing 180 degree unobstructed sea views. sunsets and gentle breezes. four min. walk to pristine beach, swimming and snorkeling. Beautifully landscaped. 2Br/3BA, open concept, large deck. More photos at www.virgingordahouseforsale.com. Priced below market yet still negotiable. us$695,000 | Bonnie Dougall at (284)495 3003

P9 CHARMING TWO BEDROOM, TWO BATH HOME AT WINDY HILL: set on 0.4 acres in a quiet neighbourhood the property enjoys beautiful views of Tortola and Beef island and a lush tropical garden. | us$550,00

Q7 A DreAm Come True, PonD BAy: A five bedroom, cliffside/waterfront home above virgin gorda’s most spectacular beaches at Pond Bay and savannah Bay. simply stunning. Ask to see the rental history and figures on this property. A phenomenal story. us$3.5m | (284)495-3000 [email protected] | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

P8 THE VILLAS AT LITTLE DIX BAY: A rare opportunity to own a permanent home at little Dix Bay resort managed by rosewood Hotels. situated on the dramatic hillside above the world-renowned resort these 3-4 bedroom villas offer a magnificent setting, luxurious amenities and remarkable privacy. rental pool option. From us$3,300,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com

R6 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM VILLA AT LEVERICK BAY: located on a 0.74 acre ridge site. This spacious windward villa has been designed as an open floor plan,

with rooms all on one level, complemented by patios and a 35ft pool terrace. us$1,550,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com

P9 STEPS FROM THE BEACH: Boasting 180 ft of beach frontage, this Mediterranean-style villa offers direct access to the pristine waters and smooth sands of spring Bay. 3 bedroom main house and detached master suite. open and covered terraces. Boat house, garage, workshop and various outbuildings. Total built area: 5,050 sq ft. in all about 0.52 acres. us$5,750,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com

T6 THE JEWEL BOX AT OIL NUT BAY: luxurious 2 bedroom, 2 bath villa with infinity edge pool with direct access to the beach at oil nut Bay. encompassing approx. 2,800 the villa is elegantly appointed with travertine and hardwood floors, mahogany cabinetry, granite counter tops and state-of–the art appliances. us$3,500,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com

P9 HOME SITE AVAILABLE AT CROOKS BAY: located a few minutes’ walk to the beach, on a quiet residential estate, this 1.4 acre site boasts spectacular views of the Atlantic ocean and benefits from cool tropical breezes. utilities to site. us$500,000 | (284) 494 2446 | www.smithsgore.com

JOST VAN DYKEE8 JOST VAN DYKE LAND: There is a 1 acre lot located about a mile east from Foxy’s restaurant. it has utility access, road access and stunning panoramic views of Tortola and st. Thomas. us$110,000 | Marianne at (284)494 2500 | www.trudebvi.com

NORTHERN ISLANDSM7 VERY PRIVATE 2+ ACRE LOTS ON EXCLUSIVE SCRUB ISLAND MARINA & SPA RESORT! Part of an upscale island resort, waterfront land is available to build your own dream home. us $1,500,000+ | Monica at (284) 494 2500 | www.trude.com

M7 CHARMING 5 BEDROOM VILLA ON GREAT CAMANOE: Delightful 3 bedroom Main House with 2 Bedroom guest house on great Camanoee. lots of character. Fantastic island and ocean views, incredible panorama. easy access to dock. Approx 2 acre lot. us$1,.200,00 | (284)495 3000 | [email protected] | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

M7 DIAMOND REEF ESTATE, UNIQUE 10 ACRE PROPERTY: A fabulous property, full of character and charm. upon this 10 acre site sits a magnificent 3 bedroom main house, built largely from local stone in 1968 by the upjohn Pharmaceutical family. A delightful one bedroom guest house built in later years. residents treated to glorious views yet completely private. wonderful landscaping, beachfront, private swim dock. Absolutely one of a kind property. us$6m | (284)495 3000 | [email protected]

ANEGADALOBLOLLY BAY LAND: great investment opportunity!!! walking distance to the beach and Flash of Beauty restaurant, this freehold 3.88 acres lot is ideal for any investment venture. There is a road access and utility poll next to the property. us$550,000 | Monica at (284) 494 2500 | www.trude.com

Bareboat & Captain Charters• Monohulls: Beneteau & Jeaneau (35-50 ft.)• Catamarans: Admiral, Lagoon, R&C Leopard,

Voyage (38-43 ft.)• $275-$745/Day Low to $400-$1145/Day High &

Seasonal Specials

Services• Yacht Management• Mooring Balls

British Virgin Islands

1-866-PROVALOR (776-8256) | provalorcharters.com | [email protected]

Harbourview Marina, Fat Hogs Bay, East End, Tortola | Rite Breeze Grocery Store next door | Five-Minutes from Beef Island Airport (EIS)

Smiths Gore Limited : : British Virgin IslandsT 1(284) 494 2446 F 1(284) 494 2141 E [email protected]

US$8 Million

SOL Y SOMBRAVirgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

This spectacular beachfront villa boasts four beautifully

decorated air-conditioned suites, each furnished with

custom-made teak furniture. Outside amenities include

an ocean-front infinity pool and lit tennis court, bound

within lush tropical gardens. Inside, take advantage of a

European-style kitchen, private movie theater, daily maid

service and state-of-the-art gym. An in-villa cook is

available upon request. www.solysombrabvi.com

2010 Winner, “Best Vacation Experience.”–Fodor’s Gold Choice Award


In the serene, protected waters of North Sound, nature created the perfect deepwater sanctuary. We took it from

there. We’re pleased to introduce the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Marina Virgin Gorda, a state-of-the-art

superyacht marina developed by Victor International. The marina will offer up to 38 slips for mega yachts ranging

in size from 30 to 100 meters. Situated in a protected harbor, it is the ideal Caribbean base from which yacht

owners can experience the beautiful cruising and racing waters throughout the BVI and beyond. A beautiful

clubhouse is scheduled to open by late 2011. Operated in partnership with the storied Mediterranean club, Yacht

Club Costa Smeralda, it will be a place where the grand tradition of yachting is celebrated throughout the year.

www.yccsmarina.com [email protected] 284.495.5400

The Yacht Costa Smeralda Marina Virgin Gorda is partnered with Oil Nut Bay resort,

a prestigious Victor International resort community and Biras Creek,

A Relais and Chateau resort.

www.OilNutBay.com / www.Biras.com

VICT-110 YCCS AD BVIPG.indd 1 12/23/10 3:27:42 PM

BVI Property & Yacht June 2011

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Transcript of BVI Property & Yacht June 2011