| Letter From The Editor: Snorkel Away Stress
I have found a method that not only alleviates stress, but also induces a calming sense of tranquility. Yes, this relief method is completely legal and it may even be considered a crime to not try snorkeling given the opportunity.
All of our yachts include snorkel equipment for guests. After some basic instruction, you can put on a mask and fins and in minutes you'll be in the water connecting with an entirely new world. Suspended on the surface being propelled like a frog with your flippers you will glide over a kaleidoscope of vibrantly colored coral reef and fish. With your ears in the water you experience a cozy silence and disconnect from your thoughts as you watch giant fan coral sashay in a gentle current. The beauty of three dimensional travel becomes apparent as you are enveloped in a school of glorious blue tang. For a moment you feel more like a fish than a person and you dream of being a mermaid or encountering one.
There are many outstanding snorkel spots throughout the islands and each charter yacht captain takes personal pride in knowing all the secret spots. I recently explored Diamond Reef and highly recommend it, the healthy coral gardens with large fans are teeming with countless species. This reef is off the southwest shore of Great Camanoe in the BVI and only accessible by boat.
Once back on dry land, you'll never look at an aquarium again without dreaming of being in that world of weightlessness and tranquility. That is until your next yacht charter.
Barometer: Highlights Of An Island Bar
Not far from Diamond Reef on Scrub Island is one of the better kept restaurant secrets in the Virgins, Donovans Reef. As the only establishment on the island it is operated by twin bothers from Pennsylvania, Jim and Bob, whose family owns the island. The high ceilings, lively colors, and African safari decor create an exotic ambiance a step up from the usual beach bar offering.
Named after the classic John Wayne movie, Donovan's Reef is a great place for dinner or a casual drink, especially if you want to enjoy some interesting company. You can tie your dinghy to the dock or have your captain radio for a launch service and dinner reservation.
The Bubbly Pool: Nature’s Jacuzzi
Recently on a visit to Jost Van Dyke I set out for a first hand experience with the "Bubbly Pool”. A captain of one of the charter yachts had described this unique spot to me and piqued my curiosity. I began at Foxy’s Taboo to ask the bartender for directions, he pointed off in the distance and described the series of turns and landmarks. Then he said, “better yet I’ll have Bubbles lead you”. With a whistle and a call a cute little dog named "Bubbles" with a slight limp came running.
We headed in the right direction and "Bubbles" trotted ahead to lead the way. He took us along the coast, past the salt pond, through the rocks, and up a hill. Here we enjoyed a magnificent view of the charter yacht, Duduza, moored in a cove. Nearby anglers were enjoying fly-fishing in the teal and sea foam green waters of the flats.
Continuing to hike further down from our vista we emerged at a small pool in a rock outcropping. Here the waves from the North Shore broke and surged through a crevice into the pool creating a spa with tiny air bubbles rising to the surface. Our refreshing dip surrounded by the tropical wilderness was worth the hunt.
“Bubbles” patiently waited while we relaxed in our private oasis. When we were ready to return he led us back to the dock.
If you decide to hike to the “Bubbly Pool” be sure to hire the most qualified guide on the island. But make sure you pay "Bubbles" her fee. A few french fries or maybe a good belly scratch is the best currency.
Featured Yacht: Duduza
I recently spent three days on board the yacht, Duduza, a 48 foot Fountaine Pajot Catamaran. The crew, Chef Madeleine and Captain “Blackie”, hail from South Africa. This experienced crew previously sailed and hosted charters in the Seychelles but are now proud to call the BVI their home. They are easy going and caring people who truly enjoy their lifesyle and have many inspiring stories to share from their adventurous travels.
Blackie even taught me to water ski. The placid water in the cove made this a lot of fun and I was impressed with his patience and knowledge. We returned to Duduza in time to shower and enjoy sunset cocktails followed by a candlelit dinner with friends. The lively conversation lingered through dessert of Maddie's bananas flambé followed by stargazing on the large deck. Upon sighting one of the many shooting stars I made a wish that I could share this wonderful experience with others.
Duduza comfortably accomodates 6 guests in equal staterooms. Make sure to plan in advance as this yacht books up fast.
Please click here for a link to more information about Duduza
Calendar Of Upcoming Events
August 9-10: Grenada Carnival
October 29-31, Foxy’s Cat Fight (Multihull Race) Foxy’s Tamarind Bar, Jost Van Dyke, BVI
December 30/31: Old Year's Eve and New Year's Eve Party at Foxy's Tamarind Bar, Jost Van Dyke, BVI
Bomba’s Surfside Shack Full Moon Party, Tortola
Full moon dates: August 29, September 28, October 27, November 26, December 26
Fine Upstanding Member Of The Island Community
Sea stars also known as starfish are not fish at all, but rather echinoderms. Echinoderm is their family and is Greek for “spiny skin”.
Sea stars are characterized by radial symmetry, several arms radiating from a central body. The Sea star normally has five arms but may have more arms, because after an injury an arm divided may grow into two arms. Starfish are well known for their powers of regeneration. A complete new animal can grow from a small fragment such as an arm.
The upper surface is often very colorful. Minute pincer-like structures called pedicellaria are present. These structures ensure that the surface of the arms stay free from algae. The underside is often a lighter color.
The starfish lives everywhere in the coral reef and on sand or rocks. The majority of sea stars are carnivorous and feed on sponges, bryozoans, ascidians and mollusks. Starfish have no hard mouth parts to help them capture prey. The stomach is extruded over the prey, thus surrounding the soft parts with the digestive organs. Digestive juices are secreted and the tissue of the prey liquefied. The digested food mass, together with the stomach is then sucked back in. This method can be observed, if you turn around a starfish, that sits on prey or sand - you will see the stomach retreating.
A fantastic colony of Cushion Starfish can be found on the sandy bottom of Leinster Bay in the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John
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