BVI Sailing Adventure 2026 - Day 7
We were up and off the mooring ball by 7:30 am. We lost the Boatyball lottery for Saba Rock so we selected a Boatyball a mile or so away from Saba Rock in Oil Nut Bay.
Our first stop was the Baths on Virgin Gorda. We picked up a day mooring and took the dingy near the beach and tied up to the dingy mooring line.
Unlike most of the Caribbean islands, which are primarily volcanic or coral-based, The Baths were made of granite that formed 30 to 45 million years ago. Magma pushed up into the Earth’s crust but didn't erupt. Instead, it cooled slowly underground, forming hard crystalline granite.
Christopher Columbus sighted Virgin Gorda in 1493, naming it "The Fat Virgin" because the island’s profile reminded him of a woman lying on her side. The Baths became a landmark for sailors and merchants who used the area as a resting point and a source of fresh water from natural springs
Colonial records suggest that the pools were used as a "wash point" to clean and "prepare" slaves after the brutal Atlantic crossing before they were taken to nearby markets in Road Town or elsewhere to be sold.
We swam to the beach from the dingy. There are huge boulders all around the beach. The water is crystal clear.
There is a Baths trail that goes through several caves. There are ladders and rope railings to help with the access. It is quite a challenging terrain. The cost is $3 for adults and $2 for children. Since everyone has to swim to shore not everyone has cash to pay the entry fee. Several people had to go back to their boat to get cash. The beach bar and restaurant are also cash only. The last time we were at the Baths in 1996 we landed the dingy on the beach and toured the caves for free. We were also I. The BVI in 1978. We returned to Chicago after the cruise and were welcomed by a massive blizzard. I remember climbing over a huge snow bank at the end of our driveway. Priscilla and I were still wearing shorts and Topsiders. That was almost 50 years ago. Yikes!
We departed the Baths and headed for Gorda Sound. We passed by Moskito Island on our starboard side. Richard Branson bought two islands near Virgin Gorda . They are Necker Island and Moskito Island. Both island have been turned into ultra rich resorts. We could see many of the villas as we sailed past.
This villa on Moskito Island can accommodate up to 22 guests.
Our mooring for the evening is at Oil Bay. We have to pass by Saba Rock to get there. The channel is narrow and shallow passing Saba Rock. The controlling depth is 8 feet. We only draw 3 feet so no worries. The channel is well marked with navigational buoys. We found our Boatyball and went ashore to the Oil Nut Bay resort. There was a villa for sale for $24 million. May it ever be so humble.
We passed by Saba Rock on our way to Oil Nut Bay resort.
We found out our Boatyball and tied up, First stop was the alleged grocery store. Not much of a selection. The second stop was much better. The bar had great drinks. Oscar had a Zombie - The Zombie is all about the "Rule of Three": three rums, three juices, and three syrups. I had a Painkiller. I must admit it was in close competition to the Painkiller made by my friend Dan. Alison had a Moscow Mule. It was a most delightful tropical setting.
We returned to our boat the Jaxnjoe.com. Yes the name of our boat is a URL. The owners have a lease arrangement with Navigare. You can go to their website and order a pair of shorts for $325.
It was a quiet night on the mooring. No bugs at all so we can keep the boat opened up for airflow.
Tomorrow is another Boatyball challenge. We are confident that have figured out the key to success.
