Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, this archipelago of 50 islands - only 16 of which are inhabited - has had a turbulent history: colonization and repeated piracy in the tropics before being annexed by the British... Today, the BVI are a well-known tax haven (zero rate of tax for companies). These islands are also a popular tourist destination and boating area for Americans, but less well-known to Europeans. Hard hit by Hurricane Irma in September 2017, the BVI have managed to get infrastructure and the economy back on track.
From the point of view of navigators, the archipelago is well exposed to the trade winds (from northeast to southeast) but generally protected from the swell; the islands protect a vast body of water and the lagoon of Anegada, very extensive on a north-west/south-east axis, screens the heaviest of the ocean swell. Departing from The Moorings - Sunsail base, heading to Norman Island, Cooper Island, The Baths, Spanish Town, Pricly Pear Island, Bitter End, Saba Rock, Anegada, the superb anchorages of Jost Van Dyke, Cane Garden Bay, Guana Island , Beef Island, Marina Cay, Salt Island and Peter Island to finish!
