It’s been more than two years since the hurricanes devastated much of the British Virgin Islands, and the recovery has been difficult. Many marinas, charter fleets and resorts were hard hit. But now some of our favorites are open again or getting back to normal. “Normal,” of course, is a high bar to reach, since the BVI are one of the best, easiest and most attractive cruising grounds in the world. Here’s an update from The Moorings, the worldwide charter powerhouse, on what’s open now.
Pusser’s Marina Cay, probably high on the list of everyone’s favorite destinations in the BVI, opened a small beach bar after the hurricanes but this didn’t work out. It now has opened a new location at Cane Garden Bay on Tortola as part of Myett’s Restaurant and Hotel.
Meanwhile, Pusser’s on Leverick Bay on Virgin Gorda is as busy as ever, as is Pusser’s Painkiller Bar in Roadtown. A Pusser’s Landing and Store is scheduled to reopen in early December, just across from the Custom’s dock in Soper’s Hole.
The Soggy Dollar on White Bay on Jost van Dyke, perhaps one of most cruiser’s favorite beach bars of all time, is open, and bartender JJ is still serving painkillers, and lots of other things too. The roof is now lined with first-responder badges from all around the world. A new addition: A Snack Shack with ice cream and baked goods. Soggy Dollar also has its own line of rum and clothing. If you want to get in the mood, watch the Soggy Dollar live webcam at http:soggydollar.com.
The Willy T swim-up bar washed ashore in the hurricanes and was destroyed. The owner launched a new vessel in May, 2018, but the local government said he couldn’t return to its old location at The Bight off Norman Island because of environmental problems. So the new Willy T moved to Great Harbour off Peter Island. But this past July the government relented and the Willy T moved back to its original spot and the bar and restaurant are open once more at Norman Island.
The Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda was destroyed by the hurricanes, and while the owners started clearing and rebuilding they launched Bitter End Provisions, with a line of boating gear and clothing. A new Quarterdeck dock and dockside bar are scheduled to open by the end of this year. Read more:
https://www.moorings.com/blog/bvi-update-latest-news
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