2005: "Five Families, One Sea"

Hello Friends of OBT:

Captain Mark here, reporting on the latest greatest sailing adventure to the British Virgin Islands in late June! It was a huge success with incredible sailing, snorkeling, kayaks, dinghy racing, food, drink and of course T shirts! The Fab Five Flotilla, as our theme as called, left Beef Island on three nearly new yachts, a 38' catamaran, a 43' sloop and a 45' sloop. Twenty six people, 13 kids ages 7-15, from five really special families had the sailing adventure of their lives.

Brought together by the five wives, all of whom were sorority sisters at UC Berkeley not too long ago....the trip's slogan: "Five Families, One Sea " says it all. (See OBT Tie dyed T shirt below.) When they weren't feeding their hungry and extremely active kids, they were kayaking, hiking, snorkeling or just hanging out in the trampoline reading a novel. And the husbands enjoyed the same when they weren't consuming mass quantities of adult beverages (though the ladies had their share as well!) This group had a togetherness and camaraderie that was clear and overwhelming, even the kids were the best of friends spanning all age groups.

Really excellent weather, a steady 12-16 knots of wind from the ESE during the day, and a refreshing two minute rain shower every other night, provided a comfortable, though hot, environment for summertime sailing in the Caribbean . From the first day when we sailed to The Baths (See photo) and everyone snorkeled and hiked the giant boulders hovering precariously above the hidden caves and their emerald tidal pools, to the last when the older kids accepted the challenge of jumping off the roof of the infamous floating boat bar, the Willie T, this group never missed an opportunity to go crazy! They hiked through the rain forest of the tallest mountain, Mt. Sage , they snorkelled with giant tarpon and sea turtles, and they discovered not one but two underwater tunnels to test their breath-holding skills.

Upscale living was also in the mix as The Fab Five dined at the Peter Island Yacht Club, the Bitter End Yacht Club and a place called Pirates, (twice). Some marvelous home cooking was enjoyed aboard the yachts as well with grilled mahi mahi, snapper, flank steak and 25lbs of cold cuts among the meals. An amazing amount of water, soda, beer and ice was consumed along the way. By the end of the trip, the OBT food and beverage consumption record was easily shattered!

Here are a few comments from the guests after they returned home:

"We can't thank you enough for making our trip wonderful! The kids absolutely loved the snorkeling, especially at the Indians and at the caves at Pirates Bight. We felt like we had dropped into our own private aquarium."

"Your knowledge of the area and knack for being in the right place at the right time (Willy T's with the sun up) were invaluable. There is no doubt that even an old lady with hemorrhoids would have fun on one of your charters."

"The shirts were a surprise and brought tears to more than just my eyes. Great touch, great memory and souvenir. "

"I have to imagine that the dynamics of 5 families and 3 boats are a bit different than one boat. You did very well in accommodating such a large herd."

"Dylan says you might want to refrain from the seafood salad on future outings."

Favorite spots included: snorkeling Monkey Point, limbo at Foxy's, tunnel challenge at The Indians, hiking The Baths and exploring Gorda Sound. Foxy's sold the most T shirts with Norman Island a close second. My favorite moments were watching the excited faces of the youngsters while riding on the bow of the boat as we plunged through the waves, reminding me of when my father took us to Catalina Island when we were just kids on the first Lord Jim.

May your tide rise high, may your boat always float and may all of your vacations be compared with Ocean Breeze Tours!!

Click to see larger images

1997: "Two Boats, One Party"

A Typical BVI Itinerary:

There are four private staterooms, each with double berths on board the 46-ft yacht (24' beam), sleeping eight guests (with crew's quarters forward). There are four heads. Linens, pillows and bath towels are provided, but you must bring your own beach towel(s) and teddy bears. There is no electricity on board so please leave hair dryers and electric toothbrushes at home unless they will run on 12-volt system.

Snorkeling equipment is provided. However, if you have a favorite mask (or fins) you should bring it because if they don't have a mask that fits you, you will not be happy sitting on the boat while the rest of us snorkel. If you want to dive, equipment can be rented for the week or for just Virgin Gorda. I need to know this well before arrival to reserve the tanks, guides, etc. You can hire a dive boat out of Virgin Gorda (best bet) on Day 3 during the play day there.

Everyone is encouraged (and expected!) to try their hand at both steering and sailing the big boat as well as operating the dinghy with outboard motor. Dinghy beach and dock landings will be taught though the captain is not responsible for any damage that occurs to either the dinghy or the charter boat due to crazy guests or forgetful memory lapses.