A Look Back At Hurricane Irma
I compiled a short video with images of the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria in the British Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands.
*Friends and Catamaran Guru fans in the islands sent these images to me just after the storms. I have no idea who they belong to or where exactly some of the images were taken (mostly the BVI or S’int Maarten), so if you recognize any of the pictures, please help us identify them. Leave a comment of location and owner of the picture in our comment section below this article.
This video reminds us of the utter devastation that these hurricanes left behind in the Caribbean and the Herculean task that now face the people left with the cleanup and rebuilding. All the locals know that devastation is part of the natural cycle of life in the islands and in the past four decades, the Caribbean has been hit&by m re than 200 major storms. The 2017 season was particularly bad, but as bad as these storms are, they also revive and renew nature and people. Both come back stronger and smarter than before.
President of onelovebvi.org [now closed down], Jim Scott, says in an interview with Facebook group BVI Abroad – Hurricane Irma: “I have been coming here, sailing since the late 70’s and one could always find pristine beaches and secluded bays to drop your anchor in and it was wonderful. So all I am thinking now, is that the hurricanes has knocked us back a few years. So, if people want to come down here it will be like it was back then…”. From all the reports that we have heard, indeed it will be paradise again!
A lot of islanders lost everything. But even so, we hear reports from all over the Caribbean about how these people support each other, how some are
doing heroic work to uplift their communities, and how donations have poured in and volunteers are flocking to the affected islands. The charter boat community has also come together vowing to support the islands in any way they can, including going back to the islands to charter. It is truly inspiring!
Post-Hurricane BVI Sailing & Anchorages
Crewed Charter Anchorage Report From s/v Allende
You guys have all heard of our clients from Allende (Fountaine Pajot Helia 44), a very successful fully crewed yacht, owned and operated by Kristiann and Graham Gips. They operate out of the BVI, but went south before the hurricanes hit the BVI. The Allende is back in the BVI and the Gips have cruised to all the anchorages to scope things out and to plan their itinerary for the upcoming charter season. They have graciously shared with us their perspective on the state of some of the most popular anchorages and what the charter season will likely look like for visitors to the BVI.
Kristiann says: “The physical damage in the islands is worst in areas of heavy development, whereas the natural wonders are mostly unaffected. Roadways on Tortola are in poor shape and you should allow extra time for taxi transfers. In Road Town, provisioning is unaffected; the local grocery stores and liquor stores are very well stocked. This includes fresh produce, imports and specialty items. Bareboat charterers in the BVI should consider planning a slightly different itinerary than the ‘classic’ sailing routes”.
The Locals Invite You Back To The BVI In This Video
The local boat captains, ferry drivers, pilots, charter companies, bars, restaurants and grocery stores are open and operational. These guys have declared the BVI OPEN for BUSINESS on November 1st, including Anegada where the 5th annual lobster festival and scavenger hunt will kick off on November 25th.
Send Us Your Pictures & Reports!
Please send us your pictures and reports of how your favorite anchorages, restaurants, bars, and businesses in the BVI are reviving, rebuilding and if they are open for business!
Update: State Of Puerto Rico
This from one of our owners (Dennis) with his boat in Puerto Rico: “I was in Puerto Rico (November 14th, 2017) last week to check on my boat at Puerto del Rey in Fajardo. I didn’t get out on the water but there was a fair amount of boat traffic in and out of the marina. Culebra and Vieques are still mostly without power but as in the BVI if you are self-sufficient the anchorages are still there. I did hear that a few of restaurants and bars along the Esperzana Malecon on Vieques are running on generators and are at least partially open.
On the main island itself I traveled the north eastern corridor from the airport to Fajardo and it looked far better than I imagined. The power is still out in most places but due to the previous state of the power grid many places already had generators in place. The grocery stores in San Juan and Fajardo were well stocked, home depot and many larger stores are open, rental cars and fuel was not a problem, and there were a far amount of restaurants and fast food open. The main and secondary roads are open but signals are not operational making driving a bit of a challenge. The bigger intersections had police officers directing traffic during rush hours but I did not venture out on the roads after dark.
At Puerto Del Rey itself the marina is on generator and is fully operational with the exception of no power on the docks.
Please note that my comments above are restricted to a small portion of the island. There are a lot of places where conditions are still very difficult and there was a steady parade of military .helicopters ferrying supplies to the rest of the island. Although the island is green again and things are starting to return to a somewhat normal state in San Juan and the surrounding area there is still a long way to go for the majority of the island.”
