The Bitter End Yacht Club, one of the premiere cruising and charter destinations in the world, is open again. The club, on 65 acres on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, was wiped out by Hurricane Irma in 2017.
The rebuilding has been difficult. All new building supplies had to be ferried in from other areas of the BVI and the U.S. Virgins that also were hit by the hurricane. And then the worldwide Covid pandemic shut down the islands for a while.
But now the BEYC is back. Founded in 1969 at “the end of the line” in the BVI, where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic, it was a worldwide favorite for cruising and charter boat captains and crews for years. Indeed, Travel & Leisure once described it as “the place to stay in the most beautiful place on earth.” I’ve stayed and visited there many times over the years, and I certainly wouldn’t disagree.
The reconstruction is still going on, but the first phase is over. The BEYC is welcoming guests again; it even has dates for ten flotillas for later this year. The Clubhouse is open for dining along with a Sail Bar and Quarterdeck Club.
A new Watersports Center, with Wi-Fi, is open with a rooftop Observation Deck where you can order drinks or snacks while watching the sunset. The docks have been rebuilt at the 25-slip marina, and 70 mooring balls (including 15 available for reservations) are set in the mooring field.
You can get a kayak or a Hobie Cat or a SUP to take out on North Sound, or sign up at Sunchaser Scuba for a variety of diving options, everything from basic instruction to Divemaster certification.
A new provisions market is open, where you can order food or restock your supply of rum or tequila or whatever, and a new boutique offers a variety of sportswear, including selections from the BEYC’s own brand. And the Sand Palace outdoor movie theater is back.
For accommodations, two of the new marina lofts (overwater bungalows) are open, while others are under construction. Read more:
