Exploring Necker Island with Gumption: A Wildly Wonderful Afternoon

Liz and I joined Gumption’s Necker Island Nature Walk on Sir Richard Branson’s private paradise one sunny afternoon, where we met lemurs, kangaroos, parrots, flamingos, peacocks, and even a giant tortoise — a walk that turned into a true Caribbean safari.

Back in Our Happy Place — First Day in Tortola, BVI

Our smooth trip back to Tortola kicked off another perfect sailing escape. From breezing through DFW with CLEAR + TSA PreCheck to landing in paradise aboard our substitute catamaran Catatude, the day unfolded exactly how we like it — calm seas, good food, and an empty beach at Pirates Bight.

BoatyBall, Morning Scrambles, and a Hint of Nostalgia in the BVI

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…

Starlink Mini at the Beach – Staying Connected in Paradise 🌴📡🍹

I had my Starlink Mini set up at Cooper Island Beach Club (CIBC) in the BVI, and it worked flawlessly. While CIBC does offer WiFi, it’s only available at the rum bar—meaning there’s no internet access at the main restaurant, on the beach, or anywhere else open to the public. That’s why I always bring…

Our New Cooper Island Strategy… and It Works! ⛵️

(Well, it works for us anyway!) In February 2025, we tested out a new approach to snagging a mooring ball at Cooper Island Beach Club (CIBC)—and it worked like a charm. Instead of stressing over the ultra-competitive BoatyBallp or FCFS balls at Cooper, we booked a backup ball at Marina Cay, which tends to be…

Marina Cay to The Moorings Base – Wrapping Up Another BVI Adventure ⛵🌴

Last day of sailing in the BVI. We left Marina Cay a little after 11 AM and headed toward The Moorings Base in Road Town. It was a beautiful downwind sail with steady 10-12 knot winds—nothing crazy, just a smooth, relaxing ride. A few jibes, and before we knew it, we were sailing past the…

Refined Relaxation and Farewell at Peter Island ⛵🌴🍽️

We left The Bight at Norman Island this morning around 11 AM, taking our time since we were heading to Peter Island, just under an hour away. It’s Antonio and Tia’s last night, so we wanted to keep it close to the Moorings base in Road Town, Tortola. Plus, we enjoyed our stay here last…

Returning to Peter Island: A Nostalgic and Luxurious Experience

Peter Island Marina Pool We recently visited Peter Island in February 2025, just months after its long-anticipated reopening. This island has always held a special place in our hearts—Deadman’s Bay was the very first anchorage we dropped a hook in during our honeymoon, which also happened to be our first bareboat charter in the Caribbean….

A typical Day at The Soggy Dollar May 26, 2024

In May of 2024, we spent the morning sailing from Anegada to Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. The light winds made it a longer trip than expected, but once our catamaran Why Knot was firmly secured to a mooring ball, we took a taxi to the famous Soggy Dollar Bar on White Bay. This beach…

🌊✨ Efoiling Fun at the Bitter End! ✨🌊

In November of 2024, Lou and I decided to mix things up with some eFoiling lessons at BVI eFoil, located at the stunning Bitter End Yacht Club in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda. It was Lou’s first time and my second attempt, and we couldn’t have asked for a better instructor than Naia! 🙌…