Navigational Assessment of BoatUS Flotilla
Let's Set Sail with BoatU.S. and The Moorings!
Ever wanted to abandon land for a week and take to the seas with like-minded individuals who share a common passion for boats? Enter the BoatU.S. Flotilla, an annual event hosted by The Moorings that brings boat lovers together for a week-long adventure in stunning destinations.
In 2017, our BVI flotilla set sail from The Moorings' base in Road Town, exploring the breathtaking British Virgin Islands. What ensued was a fantastic week filled with laughter, story-swapping, and, of course, plenty of time spent on the water.
By: Tina Huewe (with some modern flair)
Sail away with us as we tackle the high seas and create memories that'll last a lifetime! Essentially, our flotillas act as social gatherings for individuals with one thing in common – a love for boats. Throughout the week, we discovered numerous shared interests, from careers and travel tales to children's antics and lively parties.
None of our participants owned a boat as massive as their charter vessels, but they acclimated swiftly to their new vacation platforms. Thanks to the presence of our skilled lead flotilla skipper, Captain Dunbar, everyone felt confident to dive headfirst into this new adventure. Sailing in the Caribbean requires a different skillset compared to the lakes and rivers most of our BoatU.S. Members are familiar with, but the BVI offers an excellent cruising ground for first-timers, given its short sailing distances and line-of-sight navigation.
At each stop, Skipper Dunbar hopped into his dinghy, lending a helpful hand with mooring or anchoring when needed. Moreover, flotilla boats are not obligated to stay together, but most of us did, making for a fun group to meet up at our anchorages for the night. Not only did we usually cross paths at the night's most popular restaurant ashore, but we also made friendly visits to other Flotilla participants' boats to share some adult refreshments, exchange cruising experiences, or engage in spirited card games.
Our festive Welcome Cocktail night at the base immediately demonstrated that we had an excellent group of people together to explore "Nature's Little Secrets" during the week ahead.
The first overnight at Marina Cay offered us the opportunity to sample Pusser's Rum and - for those who dared - try their water sports equipment. A word of advice: mind the currents!
Our next stop was The Baths, where it's advisable to arrive early. That day, the dinghy line separating the cruising area from the swimming/snorkeling area was utilized well. Lesson for the day: Remember your dinghy number!
And on we went for an overnight stop at Leverick Bay. Our encounter with "pirate" Michael "Beans" made for a fantastic show with live music, and the food in the upstairs fine dining area was simply out of this world! The excellent music selection even inspired some dancing...
After a quick pit-stop at Bitter End Yacht Club we set out for the BVI's most northern island – Anegada.
Though the northern swell made for a rough ride on our way back from Anegada, this island was certainly one of the week's highlights. The long, deserted beaches there presented picture-perfect photo opportunities and invigorating beach walks, and the famous Anegada lobster ensured an unforgettable dining experience. As the night wore on, we also realized that we had some talented limbo dancers among our group ...
Thanks to weather conditions, we skipped a planned overnight stay in Cane Garden Bay and opted instead for Jost Van Dyke, home to its well-known beach bars, Foxy's and the Soggy Dollar Bar. Painkillers! Who needs more?
Due to the continuing northern swell, we chose to spend a night at the more protected Peter Island, allowing everyone to relax, snorkel, paddle-board, or explore the private island, home to the beautiful Peter Island Yacht Club.
Our last unforgettable day (and night) we spent in The Bight on Norman Island. Some daring souls set out to Willy T's swimming bar in the afternoon, and it sure got wild... There were shots, (temporary) tattoos in places we cannot picture on this site – and of course, there was jumping! And yes, after witnessing many from our group jump over and over again, I decided to give it a try myself, fully dressed, of course 😉
In the evening, the cozy interior design of the Pirate's Bight Restaurant and its upscale-yet-relaxed atmosphere with live music was a wonderful finish for the 2017 Flotilla.
We eagerly anticipate seeing everyone, and hopefully some new BoatU.S. Members, again on the water soon! Come on board, it's a bloody good time!
2025 Flotilla UpdateNo comprehensive itinerary for the BoatU.S. Flotilla in 2025 could be found in the data, but keep an eye out for updates or check directly with BoatU.S. resources for specific destinations and event information.
In the meantime, consider the 2025 Gulf Islands Flotilla with San Juan Sailing, an event hosted by San Juan Sailing that takes place from June 21-27, 2025. Embark on an 8-day adventure cruising through the San Juan Islands to Sidney, British Columbia, then through the Gulf Islands along the east coast of Vancouver Island. This flotilla offers an opportunity to visit beautiful destinations, wildlife sightings, and a chance to mingle with other boat enthusiasts[1].
Sail away to new horizons, and make some unforgettable memories aboard The Moorings with BoatU.S.!
[1] Gulf Islands Flotilla with San Juan Sailing (June 21-27, 2025)
Embark on a week-long travel adventure with the Gulf Islands Flotilla, where sailing enthusiasts can gather and share their love for boats, as well as their stories about careers, travel experiences, and more. During this eight-day journey from June 21-27, 2025, participants can experience beautiful destinations, wildlife sightings, and lively social interactions while sailing through the San Juan Islands, Sidney, British Columbia, the Gulf Islands, and along the east coast of Vancouver Island.
Sailing in the Gulf Islands offers a unique combination of striking landscapes, exciting water activities, and the camaraderie among fellow boaters, making it an unforgettable lifestyle experience not to be missed!
