F.A.Q's
Following are a list of questions submitted by North South guests over
the years. If the answer to your specific question is not here, please
go to…Submit A New Question
Question…
- What’s
the advantage of ordering provisioning through North South?
- What
precautions should I take to minimize the harmful effects of the sun in
the BVI?
- I’ve
never sailed in the ocean before. What problems will I meet in sailing
the BVI?
- Can
boats from North South be sailed “down island”? What are the considerations?
- How
can I obtain detailed charts necessary to make the crossing to the Anegada
Reef?
- Are
North South sail boats equipped with any type of roller furling gear?
1. Question…What’s
the advantage of ordering provisioning through North South instead of taking
care of it ourselves?
Since relocating to Tortola in 1989, North South has continued
to offer exclusive gourmet provisioning packages expertly prepared by
Rite Way, one of the largest operators in the food industry. While charter guests
are encouraged to investigate alternative provisioning arrangements, our packages are designed to save guests the hassle of time, taxi
fares and depending upon the day of the week, disappointment with a lack
of available fresh fruit or vegetables.
North South has two provisioning plans based upon 7 days; breakfast
and lunch; or breakfast/lunch and four dinners. Both plans are designed
to take advantage of the many fine restaurants throughout the BVI.
For guests who wish to shop on their own, or, perhaps, to augment their
North South provisioning package, Road Town grocery stores offer a wide variety of food stuffs. Food prices are
about 20% higher than you might be used to in Canada or the U.S.
Considering that a typical 8 day charter vacation really boils down
to 5 1/2 or 6 days of actual sailing after allowing for travel, boat preparation,
loading, stowing and last minute shopping, our provisioning packages can
be a real time saver. And considering North South’s and Rite Way’s
combined 65 years of experience in serving the needs of the charter market,
we know you'll like the quality and value of our provisioning products.
2. Question…What
precautions should I take to minimize the harmful effects of the sun in
the BVI?
For most vacationers, the main reason for choosing a holiday in the
BVI is to escape the cold, harsh weather associated with the fall, winter
or spring seasons. As most would agree, there's nothing like a cloudless
BVI sky dominated by a bright Caribbean sun to warm the heart and uplift
the soul.
Unfortunately, those same seemingly benevolent rays from a warming
Caribbean sun also have the potential to severely harm the skin, if certain
precautions are not taken.
First you should know the following facts about the sun…
• UVA rays are present all day, year round • UVA rays easily penetrate
glass and plastic • Up to 80% of the suns rays penetrate thin clouds, mist
or fog • Reflected UV rays are as potentially dangerous as those received
directly • sand reflects up to 25% of UV rays • The top 12 inches of water
transmit between 60 and 80% of UV rays • Tight knit clothing stops almost
all UVA and UVB rays • 50% of UV rays penetrate wet clothing
Following are recommended precautions according to the Canadian Dermatology
Association, “Office of the National Director of sun awareness and screening
programs”…
• Keep sun exposure to a minimum, especially between the hours of 11
AM and 4 PM, when rays are strongest • Shade your skin with a hat and shirt,
and other protective clothing • Use a sunscreen liberally and reapply every
two hours when working, playing or exercising outdoors. Sunscreens with
an SPF of 15 or more, which screen out most UVA and UVB rays , are recommended
• Avoid tanning salons and sunlight. The resulting UVA rays cause sunburn
and premature aging of the skin, as well as increasing the risk of skin
cancer • Protect children. Keep babies under one year old out of direct
sun. Use a suitable sunscreen for children • Examine your skin for any
changes in moles or other skin discoloration.
3. Question…I’ve
never sailed in the open ocean before. What problems will I meet in sailing
the BVI?
Right off the bat, we have to tell you that sailing the BVI is nothing
at all like sailing in the open ocean. The major sailing area in the BVI
is called the Sir Francis Drake Passage, which is really more like sailing
in a large sheltered lake, defined by a scenic perimeter of approximately
one hundred islands. All year round, sailing conditions in the BVI are
distinguished by gentle 15 knot trade winds. And since the area is mostly
volcanic, there are few hidden shoals to worry about.
Even if charterers choose to circumnavigate the BVI, which means sailing
in less sheltered waters to the North, the only noticeable difference will
be a slightly larger swell.
Generally, depending upon the chosen destination, the duration of a
typical sail can range from one to four hours. Happily, the greatest problem
faced by most charter crews is trying to decide and agree upon the next
beach, anchorage, beach club, or dive site to visit.
4. Question…Can
boats from North South be sailed “down island”? And what are the considerations
and implications?
Although ocean sailing between islands can be difficult and sometimes
challenging, certain precautions can be taken to ensure a safe passage.
Apart from the common sense necessity of obtaining a current weather forecast,
all sailors are required to file a sail plan detailing departure and estimated
arrival times.
From the BVI, destinations can range from St. Croix to the South, or
St. Marten and St. Barts to the East, all of which can be reached within
18 to 24 hours.
Besides basic experience, confidence and a good crew, all that's really
required for ocean sailing is a compass and a portable GPS.
At North south, we encourage anybody who has the time and interest
to travel “down island”, It's what sailing in the Caribbean is all about.
Please Call for details.
5. Question…How
can I obtain detailed charts necessary to make the crossing to the Anegada
Reef? Updated April 4, 2000. Most charter guest now can make the
trip, check with the Base Manager.
Its stark beauty and splendid isolation make the Anegada Reef a highly
attractive destination. However, Anegada is only part of a massive, overall
coral reef system which extends miles southeast toward the BVI. As a result,
the "Anegada Passage" has unfortunately become the final resting place
for perhaps hundreds of vessels of all sizes, who have succumbed to its
treacherous waters. For North South charter guests, Anegada use
to be considered "off limits" unless accompanied by a licensed skipper,
but now if the charter guest can demonstrate familiarity, experience and
common sense, he will be allowed to make the visit. Recently navigation
aids have been installed to allow the better skippers to more easily find
the entrance and safely navigate the channel inside the reef. This is the
best part of a three day commitment though, so be sure to leave enough
time to enjoy.
.6 Question…Are
North South sail boats equipped with any type of roller furling gear?
Absolutely yes! All North South sail boats are similarly rigged
with manual roller furling systems to facilitate foresail management. In
terms of foresails, all North South sail boats are also similarly
equipped with large Genoas, which, in conjunction with the roller furling
gear, provides maximum flexibility for sailors. In typical BVI weather,
the "Genny" can be completely unfurled to take greatest advantage of the
steady 10-15 knot trade winds. However, in stiffer breezes, or in the event
of an occasional squall, roller furling gear facilitates quick "reefing"
of the foresail to a more manageable size and configuration. Despite the
rigorous demands placed upon them, roller furling systems are considered
to be both reliable as well as easy to operate However, charterers are
also advised to ensure that the all-important "furling line" is, at all
times, free from snags and close at hand, to ensure that the system is
always ready for use when needed. Main sail roller furling, which is variously
configured to furl the sail against either the mast or the boom, is the
epitome of sailing ease. Although main sail furling was originally designed
for larger sailing vessels, it is becoming an increasingly popular option
on today's modern racer cruisers. At the time of this edition of the North
South News, North South offers three boats equipped with main sail
furling, two Jeanneau 44's and a Jeanneau 36.
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