Back from the BVI

[Tighe]

Just returned from a few weeks in the British Virgin Islands. What a beautiful place. Many small sparsely populated mountainous islands surrounded by turquoise water. A steady 14-17 kt trade wind. A sailors paradise. Each island has numerous bays to anchor out of the trade winds for the evening or the week. Snorkeling is amazing. I saw sting rays, barracudas, sea turtles. I was surrounded by huge schools of fish. very cool.

The kiting scene is challenging down there. You are prettty much left to dingy launch since most of the beaches are in the bays on the leaward side of the islands. There is a few decent spots up on the North Sound of Virgin Gorda.

An ideal spot which we didn't get to is an island called Anegada, 18 miles north of Virgin Gorda. Unlike the other volcanic virgin islands, Anegada is built on a reef. The highest point is 28 ft above sea level. You could probably kite off shore winds. There are miles of beaches on almost every side of the island. The reef provides some of the best diving, with many sunken ships that didn't quite make it. There is camping on the island as well as some simple cabins (or more posh if you like). You can fly directly into Beef Island off of Tortolla, and hope a commuter up there for $59 round trip. I hope to return and check it out.

I also put some more time in on the new Slingshot Fuels. They are amazing. The big kites turn like kites 2 sizes smaller from last year. The range has also been seriously increased. I keep changing the attachment point configuration each time I go out and each one seems to have its benefits. Check them out.

Sounds like everyone has been getting out in the new snow. I can't wait. Good to hear the Kite Freeze is back on. And, it sounds like there have been quite a few additions to the community. Welcome.

I returned to a frozen house and burst radiators so after I clean up the mess, I hope to get out and enjoy some of this fluffy stuff.

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[Matt H]

I took a day trip (by speed boat-it took less than an hour) from Virgin Gorda to Anegada a few years back. Aside from being one of the most interesting places I have ever been, Anegada is ideal for kitesurfing. The perimeter of the island is mostly perfect, soft, white sand beaches. I believe side-shore conditions are possible no matter the wind direction. The beaches are essentially deserted. It was blowing an incredibly steady 20 knots while I was there, and I think that is typical for the winter.

The downsides:

It is not the easiest place to get to in the world (of course, that is why the world-class beaches are empty).

There is not much to do on Anegada (except sail, snorkle/dive, drink beer, eat incredibly fresh and incredibly inexpensive lobster and relax). Oops, that sounds more like an upside than a downside. Nevermind.

Big planes do not fly to Virgin Gorda or Anegada, so it may be difficult to transport a board.

Anegada is beautiful and fascinating, and I will be back for an extended stay!

Matt H