Leaving BVI. Our Epic Farewell Sail Through the British Virgin Islands

Leaving BVI. Our Epic Farewell Sail Through the British Virgin Islands 

Oh, darlings, grab your sunscreen and a stiff drink because we’re talking leaving BVI and let me tell you, it’s equal parts heartbreaking and ridiculously fabulous. If you’ve ever dreamed of BVI sailing adventures, this is the bit where the credits start rolling, but not before one last whirlwind of catamaran chaos, epic snorkelling in the BVI, and saying goodbye to friends who now feel like family. (Spoiler: there were tears. Proper ones. But we’ll get to that.)

We kicked off our final days from Peter Island, four boats strong, heading back to glorious Virgin Gorda. And yes (cue the triumphant music) our trusty catamaran absolutely smoked the monohulls. Sturdeee overtook everyone like we were in some sort of yachting Fast and Furious. Catamaran vs. monohull? Catamaran wins, hands (and hulls) down. We dropped anchor in Malone Bay, but one of our lot decided anchoring advice was optional. Let’s just say the “epic line of boats” became more of a comedy sketch. (Picture attached, you’re welcome for the laugh.)

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We piled into dinghies like a pack of excited puppies and zoomed to shore for those jaw-dropping Virgin Gorda views, followed by seriously delicious food. If you’re ever sailing in the British Virgin Islands and find yourself on Virgin Gorda, you must hit Hog Heaven. The barbecue? Life changing. The vibes? Pure bliss.

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Next morning, we waved a bittersweet goodbye to some of the crew (Infinity, we miss you already!), and the rest of us nipped just around the corner to anchor between Prickly Pear Island and Eustatia Island. The snorkeling here? Fantastic. Like, “I might grow gills” fantastic.

We’d barely dried off from some world-class BVI snorkelling when along comes the Rum Runner, this legend of a guy who motors up to your boat, takes your order for frozen cocktails, and delivers them like a floating barman hero. His puppy? Adorable sidekick material. If that’s not the dream service on a catamaran sailing BVI trip, I don’t know what is.

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Another Night, another Morning and after more snorkelling and passage planning (because apparently we do adult things sometimes), we headed to Saba Rock for farewell drinks with the gang. Then it was off to the iconic Bitter End Yacht Club for pizza that should come with its own fanfare. Honestly, that place is nautical heaven, rebuilt, reborn, and still serving up the best vibes in the British Virgin Islands.

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Come morning, it was time for the big leaving BVI moment. We sailed up to Spanish Town, checked out like responsible sailors, then pointed the bows toward Necker Island, yes, that Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson’s private paradise. We anchored there because it’s the perfect departure spot for an early morning exit. (Pro tip for your BVI sailing itinerary: proximity to luxury never hurts.)

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Branson’s team has these cheeky fake palm trees on a tiny sand island nearby, so naturally, we lowered our dinghy, popped over with our friends, sipped soft drinks, and watched the sunset like we owned the place. Absolute magic.

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Back on board, we cooked our last meal in the BVI, a proper feast for our boat family. We reminisced about meeting in Las Palmas, how we’ve stuck together through every squall and sunset since. Our French wonder Muriel whipped up amazing crepes for dessert (because of course she did, she’s basically a crepe goddess). Then came the goodbyes. Our friends are heading back to the UK; we’re pointing south for hurricane season. Cue a few tears, okay, more than a few, but we made a promise: we’ll reunite in 2-3 months back home. And we will. That’s not just talk; that’s commitment.

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So there you have it, our whirlwind end to an unforgettable BVI sailing adventure. From catamaran victories to Saba Rock sunsets, Bitter End Yacht Club pizzas to Necker Island sundowners, it’s been epic. If you’re planning your own British Virgin Islands escape, do it. The views, the friends, the frozen cocktails – they’ll steal your heart (and maybe make you cry a little when it’s time to leave BVI).

Right, who’s joining me for the next one? Bring your own dinghy. And maybe a puppy.

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