Route to Marina Cay from west?

[sapadeni]

Hello,

We'll finally be heading to the BVI's this Saturday for a week of sailing. I do have one last question, however. I've been checking the charts and sail guides for a route from the west to Marina Cay over the north side of Tortola. I thought the logical route would have been between Beef Island and Little Camanoe. I've since noticed on one of the cruise guides that that route is not recommended and they adivise using the narrow channel between Little and Great Camanoe. Any thoughts??

Thanks

Scott

[camaraderie]

Scott...I would suggest going over the top and then east of Scrub and approaching Marina Cay from the East rather than trying to thread the needle. It is pretty narrow with some coral on either of your two proposed routes if unfamiliar with the territory.

[btrayfors]

Scott,

I agree with Cam...

The passage to Marina Cay from the west, around Guana Island then between Little Camanoe and Beef Island is certainly do-able, but I wouldn't try it for the first time except in very settled weather.

Much better to go all 'round Guana, Great Camanoe, and Scrub Islands and approach from the East.

And, hey....if the Trades are blowing up you'll have one heck of a beat to windward, followed by a lovely downwind leg :-)

Watch out for that long reef which extends from just southwest of Marina Cay to the North East for over half a mile!

Bill

[sapadeni]

Thanks Cam and Bill,

Over the top it is. I wasnt' too crazy about what I was seeing on the charts through that southern route. Maybe I'll try it next time ;-).

Thanks again,


Scott

[Zanshin]

I always travel between little Camanoe and Scrub, but I do use the engine. The passage isn't as narrow as it appears on the chart, the only worry I ever have is on the north end with the semi-exposed rock off Little Camanoe.

The approach from the south and west isn't as safe because of the hidden shallows, particularly with a deep keel. With a cat you don't need to worry.

[RealityCheck]

I've run the all but unless I have a strong reason not to, I run the Little Camaoe/ Scrub channel. Note this should never be done at night but even with Christmas Winds the channel is doable with out much problem if you keep an eye on the chart/ GPS and the area the pointy end is going.

If your only use to how problem area are marked in the US then you may not want to do the Camanoe channels... both have next to no markings of very large rocks but you can see them if you keep a watch, best with someone on the bow but I have single handed more than a dozen times with no problems and in some swells I would not have elected to encounter if I had know they were present... a bit bouncy.

I agree... always have the iron genny on and if the winds are up, drop the sails as you will get some very confused directions as they venturi through the channels.

ALSO... you should consider taking some time around Monkey Point if possible. Snorkeling is great and you will see lots of different stuff as soon as you drop from the boat. Note these are Day Moorings only!!!

[chucklesR]

Only time I ran aground going that route is the one time I took a crewed charter. I've done it 3 times alone, 1 time with skipper. "Qualified, and Certified" Skipper ruined the pretty bottom of a Voyage 50 coming around from Monkey Pt. Too busy checking out bikini's on board.

I posted the story in the "boneheaded" thread I think.

[RealityCheck]

chucklesR... Now... we have warned you about putting on that bikini....!!!

just kidding... would have probably had the crew hanging over the sides chumming the waters.... LOL

BTW... across the way in Trellis Bay is a more kicked back sailors/ cruisers place... da loose mongoose where Marina Cay is more of a touristo haven, you may even get into the horse shoe shoot out... more interesting people hang around that you can talk to and you have a limited but still fare provisioning capability.

[FarCry]

I also prefer the vibe at Trellis Bay. Marina Cay is very nice. With a decent chartplotter and open eyes it is not that difficult to navigate in and out of the area via the motor. The winds are pretty shifty to be trying to sail through the barely marked chanels.