What to wear in the BVI?

[BoxedUp]

We'll be chartering in the BVI in June 2007 and this will be our first trip there. When planning to dine ashore, what's the acceptable dress code?

[Valdare]

Depends on where you go.... the fancy places of which there are not too many, require long pants (no jeans) , shirt with collar (not polo) and a few a jacket...the beach places require your body only and the ability to pay. Most places you will be accepted with shorts and a shirt. Maybe a collared polo shirt. Even at places like the Bitter End Yacht Club they have casual restaurants. I never bring a jacket and never a pair of dress pants, we haven't starved yet :-))

Where ever you eat I am sure you will have a great time.

John

[Zanshin]

I concur with Valdare - for men a collared shirt is almost considered "dressed up"; that includes places like the Bitter End and Peter Island. Much more than that is tough on the apparell since you'll almost always be coming in via dinghy. I like a pair of those ultra light long pants since they perform the functions of (a) insect barrier at dusk/dawn, (b) "long pants that are not jeans" for discerning establishments and (c) SPF coverup for sunburn protection or coverup.

[Irwin32]

Most places will accept shorts, flip flops, a t shirt.

[nelsonsmoody]

I agree with all above suggestions I never had a problem.

W H A T ever you do don't wear socks you'll look funny.

[tdw]

Originally Posted by nelsonsmoody

I agree with all above suggestions I never had a problem.

W H A T ever you do don't wear socks you'll look funny.

Ah come on !!! Nothing is quite so fetching as white socks under a pair of sandals. The Brits and the Germans carry this look off with considerable aplomb. Combined with lily white legs it cannot be beat.

[kimberlite]

The only place i have ever had to wear long pants and a collared shirt is Peter Island for Dinner.
In better restaurants shorts are acceptable, but out of respect for the locals i usually wear long pants.
i have made 35 trips to the caribbean and do not have a jacket on board.

ps dont miss C&F BBQ in tortola.
fair winds,
eric

[camaraderie]

Of course clothing is optional at Willy-T's...

[Zanshin]

I made the mistake of trying to anchor next to Willie T's. Noise level was quite high but the scenery was nice. Next time I'm at Norman I'll make sure to use the diametrically opposed side of the harbour. But I'll still have a drink or three there! Perhaps I'll even join the hoi polloi at the Bomba Shack during one of their full-moon parties. I suppose that slacks, collared shirt and shiny black shoes might be somewhat out of place there.

[administrator]

my wife and I are happy to report that we'll be cruising the florida keys over xmas & new years and all I'm bringing is 4 pairs of shorts, no long pants and about half a dozen various sailing tshirts.....and toiletries of course....