There’s a certain adrenaline rush that kicks in around 6:59 AM in the British Virgin Islands. If you know, you know.
That’s when the daily BoatyBall reservation frenzy begins. At precisely 7:00 AM, dozens—sometimes hundreds—of skippers across the BVI hammer the refresh button on their phones or tablets, all vying for a coveted mooring ball at their ideal anchorage. You blink, and it’s gone. You hesitate, and it’s someone else’s. You have a momentary delay in Wi-Fi? Game over.
Oddly enough… I love it.
There’s something thrilling about that race against the clock. It’s the island version of competitive clicking—a caffeine-free jolt of excitement that sets the tone for the day. I even like that I do it the old-school way: just me, one device, no crew-wide attempt to game the system. Win or lose, it’s a fair fight.
What Is BoatyBall?
BoatyBall is an online mooring reservation system used in select BVI anchorages. Unlike traditional first-come, first-served moorings where you pick up a ball when you arrive, BoatyBall lets you reserve a spot in advance—but not too far in advance. Each morning at 7:00 AM, the balls open for booking for that same night.
It was designed to offer peace of mind. In theory, you know you have a ball waiting for you later that day, which means no stressing out about getting to an anchorage early or circling endlessly while hoping one opens up.
In reality? It’s sparked its fair share of controversy.
The Stress Is Real
For some sailors, the stress of the BoatyBall “race” has become a real mood killer. There are stories of people waking up bleary-eyed, fumbling with spotty marina Wi-Fi, tapping like mad on multiple devices—all to score a single mooring ball.
Others have voiced frustration about fairness. Is it right that a single crew with five smartphones has an edge over a solo sailor doing it by the book? Should mooring balls be first-come, first-served or should everyone just anchor like they always were?
These are fair questions. And I get it—the stress is real. A lot of people feel like mooring balls in general have become a source of unnecessary anxiety, especially when they’re central to your itinerary. Throw in limited availability, competition from charter fleets, and varying policies across locations, and yeah—it can feel like a high-stakes game instead of a vacation.
The Case for a Lottery System?
So here’s a thought: what if BoatyBall experimented with a lottery system?
Picture this—you submit your 1st, 2nd, maybe even 3rd choice by 8:00 PM the night before. Then, by 7:00 AM, you get a notification letting you know which (if any) anchorage you “won.” No bleary-eyed clicking. No device-fueled showdown. Just a less stressful way to start your day.
Would it take away some of the excitement? Sure. But it might also return a little sanity to those just trying to sip their coffee and figure out if the wind is shifting before breakfast.
But Let’s Not Forget—BoatyBall Isn’t the Only Way
Here’s the truth: you’re free to sail the BVI however you like.
You can reserve a BoatyBall. Or use Dockwa in certain locations. Or just show up and grab a first-come, first-served ball like we’ve done for decades. You can anchor. You can tie up at a dock. You can even sail until you spot that perfect cove with no one around.
There’s no single right way to do it—despite what a handful of “anchoring purists” on Facebook may preach. Most of us are just out here trying to have a great time, not win some imaginary award for moral mooring superiority.
A Bit of Nostalgia
Do I wish the BVI were like it was in the late ’80s? Absolutely. Fewer boats, more open moorings, simpler decisions, and no need for a morning Wi-Fi drag race.
But just like I’m not getting my svelte 20-something body back, I know those days are gone. The BVI has changed—and so have I. And I wouldn’t trade the memories for anything.
Sail Your Way
So whether you love the thrill of the BoatyBall 7am scramble, dread it, or just ignore it completely—sail your own way. There’s room in the BVI for early birds, slow movers, and anchor drop artists alike.
And if you ever feel the stress creeping in… just look out at that horizon, take a breath, and remember: you’re already in paradise.
