Overview

Join us on the trip of a lifetime spending 2 weeks onboard a catamaran exploring and kitesurfing the stunning British Virgin Islands. The islands feature a choice of flat water or wave riding locations in 15-25 knots of wind as well as white palm fringed beaches, azure waters and a chilled out vibe. The catamaran features multiple living areas, ample deck space, a swimming platform, an on-deck shower, a sound system and spacious accommodation with private bathrooms. This, our third voyage in the British Virgin Islands is to take place late January, early February 2009 which is post peak holiday season, the middle of the windy season and also the middle of the surfing season. So, if you are interested in spending two weeks in paradise kitesurfing, surfing, snorkelling, swimming, exploring, partying or simply relaxing, read on…

The Islands

The British Virgin Islands are an archipelago of over 50 islands all located within a 20 by 20 mile area at the top end of the Leeward Island chain in the Caribbean. The islands vary greatly in character from lush green volcanic islands to pristine coral atolls and palm fringed sandy islets and cays, yet all share the same azure waters, abundant marine life, consistent winds and laid back vibe. The islands enjoy a balmy sub-tropical climate with temperatures moderated by the cooling trade winds, which also provide ideal sailing and kitesurfing conditions. The islands and their coral reef fringed lagoons offer a choice of flat water or wave riding kitesurfing locations as well as good surfing conditions. Crystal clear waters and diverse marine life provide stunning snorkelling and diving opportunities whilst palm fringed white sand beaches provide the ideal setting in which to relax or go swimming. In terms of nightlife, the islands have a chilled vibe; yet can be really festive with unique beach bars and all night beach parties.

The Catamaran

The Leopard catamaran chartered on our previous voyages features a spacious layout with plenty of user-friendly features and has proved to be an ideal sailing and kitesurfing platform. The generous sail plan, efficient hull design and high-powered engines allow for great performance under power and sail. The foredeck has an uncluttered layout and features a large trampoline net, bow seats and steps to the hardtop roof, which covers the cockpit area. The cockpit incorporates an outdoor dining and seating area and leads through to the rear swimming platform and on-deck shower. Internally, the saloon features wrap around windows, a comfortable seating and dining area, shore powered air conditioning, a sound system and a fully equipped galley including a large fridge and freezer. Down below, the spacious accommodation includes 2 double cabins and 2 triple berth cabins all with private toilets and showers. Having the multiple living areas of the saloon, the cockpit, the trampoline and the bimini roof in addition to your cabin means that the boat never seems crowded and you are always able to find a quiet spot. The ample deck space of the catamaran allows for kites to be set up on deck and the twin tender boats provide safety cover when kitesurfing or wakeboarding. The catamaran we charter for our 2009 voyage will be the same as or similiar to the catamaran described above.

The Voyage

The voyage is to take place late January, early February 2009, the ideal time of the year for a charter in the British Virgin Islands as it is post peak holiday season, the middle of the windy season with the wind typically ranging from 15 - 25 knots and also the middle of the surfing season with 6 foot Atlantic swells common. Arriving at our charter base in Road Town, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, you spend your first night onboard before leaving harbour the following morning as we embark on our voyage to the outer islands. Life onboard is pretty relaxed, get up when you like and dive in the ocean for a morning swim, followed by a shower and breakfast on deck. Typically, we set sail mid morning for the days destination where we kitesurf, surf, snorkel, swim, explore or simply relax before sailing to our evening anchorage where we usually go ashore to sample the local cuisine. Our sailing itinerary is never fixed as we always head to the location best suited to the wind and water conditions on any one particular day, however our voyage typically follows the island chain in a North East direction to the sunken isle of Anegada, our ultimate kitesurfing destination, before heading South West exploring the windward shores of the islands. Our itinerary should see us dropping anchor at; Sandy Spit, Cane Garden Bay, The Caves, Peter Island, Salt Island, Cooper Island, The Baths, Mosquito Island, North Sound, Bitter End Yacht Club, Anegada, Setting Point, Marina Cay, Guana Island, White Bay, Foxies Bar & Sandy Cay amongst many other destinations before returning to Road Town.

Details

Included in the £1200 price for the two week voyage are airport transfers, cruising taxes and breakfasts & lunches on board the boat. You will be sharing either a double or a triple berth cabin and due to the limited number of single berths available onboard, you may have to share a double berth, however what most people do, is book a cabin and share it with their partner or with a mate. Sole occupancy of a cabin is possible, however it would cost you almost twice the price. To keep the trip open to international riders, flights have not been included in the package price, however we do have access to cost price flights from the UK and can assist you with your travel arrangements. At the moment return flights from Gatwick to Tortola via Antigua are priced in the region of £500.

If you are interested in joining us on the voyage, you can make an online reservation. Places onboard the boat will be allocated on a first come first served basis, however not to worry if you are making a late reservation as, we can always organise a second boat and crew should there be sufficient demand. Reservations are non-binding and no deposit is required at this stage. The current departure date is scheduled for the 31st January 2009. Finalised dates and details will be published on the 30th September 2008 and those with reservations will be contacted in order of the date their reservation was made and given the option to confirm their place onboard. If you are still not convinced, check out the activity and scenery photo albums and read the comments of passengers from previous trips below, or contact us for a chat and to ask any questions that you may have.

"The trip run by Ocean Fusion was absolutely fantastic. The seascape and landscape was spectacular but it goes so much further than that, with endless possibilities to kite, snorkel, dive, swim, surf or simply chill out on the boat or on a small sandy Island. Ocean Fusion had everything so well organized including booking my return ticket, however one small gripe... they didn’t organize counselling to help me cope with being back and overcome the post holiday blues. Basically if you were to do only one trip in your lifetime this would be the one! I still remember the sunsets to this day!" Alex Wallis

"If you are thinking of getting away in the depths of winter, grab a place onboard with Capt Royce and the crew at Ocean Fusion on an action packed adventure to the BVI's. Such a great way of exploring what the BVI's have to offer and plenty of activities to keep you occupied along the way. The Kitesurfing in Anegada is not to be missed, huge flat water downwinders on the southern side or wave riding on the waves in Loblolly Bay. Kiting past Richard Branson's Necker Island at the top of Virgin Gorda is one of my fondest memories." Martin Hook

"Wow, what better way to experience the Caribbean than living on its waters with Ocean Fusion. Sailing the Virgin Islands with the friendly chilled crew gave us the freedom to explore the huge variety of islands. Around every bay was yet another unique slice of what the islands had to offer; postcard beaches, amazing snorkelling, freshly caught lobster, barbecues on the back of the boat and the ultimate kiteboarding experience; Anegada and its huge reef. To sum it up... Awesome!!!!" Jason Lowther

"Amazing amazing trip. As my first time sailing a big catamaran on open water, it was unforgettable. Royce’s planning was genius, and he was great at introducing us to the ins and outs of sailing and life aboard the catamaran. The British Virgin Islands were beyond expectation. Rates as one of my best trips abroad, ever!" Michael Wittenburg

"Awesome trip! Well organised and a good way to completely unwind from the strains of daily life. If you enjoy kitesurfing, sun, marine life, exploring islands, freshly cooked lobster, rum cocktails and sunsets, then the trip is perfect! Can't say much more... the pictures say it all!" Tracey Heath

"Turquoise seas, abundant ocean life (friendly), stunning islands, super nice locals, catamaran sailing, surfing and the best kiteboarding location I have ever had the privilege to experience. I could not recommend a better holiday!" Andrew Henwood