Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
Any day aboard the spectacular three-masted barque Sea Cloud II is outstanding!
Friday morning was spent at sea. After a delightful breakfast we began crossing the Francis Drake Channel in the British Virgin Islands. This area regaled us with beautiful scenery dotted with both large and small islands such as Tortola, which owes its name to a type of dove that outnumbers its human population. The landscapes are remarkable due to the volcanic origin of the archipelago. The islands have impressive, steep hilly shapes with little villages here and there dotting the greenery.
Later on, still at sea, theSea Cloud II crew gave us a demonstration of their skills in the art of sailing as the winds were reliable and strong enough to deploy several of both square and stay sails – a scene reminiscent of the golden age of sailing vessels but with the enormous advantage of being on a modern five star ship, where sailing can be a life time experience.
Having spent the morning at sea and learnt a tremendous amount about the sailing maneuvers that involve a complex set of lines and pulleys operated from the decks, it was time to head for lunch, which is always served out in the open on the so-called lido deck in order to make the most of the balmy tropical weather.
In the afternoon we landed at Jost Van Dyke, on a couple of beautiful white sand beaches lined with character-filled bars that offered shelter under lush green trees, cool drinks and unusual Caribbean cocktails for the thirsty visitors. Those who opted for some additional activity took a hike with our Wellness Coordinator over a hill to the island’s small town whilst others donned snorkeling gear and jumped in to explore the underwater world.
This was a beautiful spot for snorkelers: the waters were calm, warm and clear and the corals are very shallow. There is not just one attraction, rather many as you swim away from the shore and explore the reef. The majesty of the underwater world captivated those who tried – once we were immersed we encountered myriad organisms forming part of a complex ecosystem. Among the most noticeable of the tropical fish were the parrotfish, their brilliant colors bringing to life an environment that could be considered almost a city in the ocean. Another great attraction of snorkeling in the Caribbean are the invertebrates: enormous tube sponges, sea feathers and elkhorn corals, which are home and shelter to a number of small colorful fish in the early stages of their life cycles and other creatures.
The blending of these experiences with our sailing activities made of this day a dream that came true aboard the Sea Cloud II.
Any day aboard the spectacular three-masted barque Sea Cloud II is outstanding!
Friday morning was spent at sea. After a delightful breakfast we began crossing the Francis Drake Channel in the British Virgin Islands. This area regaled us with beautiful scenery dotted with both large and small islands such as Tortola, which owes its name to a type of dove that outnumbers its human population. The landscapes are remarkable due to the volcanic origin of the archipelago. The islands have impressive, steep hilly shapes with little villages here and there dotting the greenery.
Later on, still at sea, theSea Cloud II crew gave us a demonstration of their skills in the art of sailing as the winds were reliable and strong enough to deploy several of both square and stay sails – a scene reminiscent of the golden age of sailing vessels but with the enormous advantage of being on a modern five star ship, where sailing can be a life time experience.
Having spent the morning at sea and learnt a tremendous amount about the sailing maneuvers that involve a complex set of lines and pulleys operated from the decks, it was time to head for lunch, which is always served out in the open on the so-called lido deck in order to make the most of the balmy tropical weather.
In the afternoon we landed at Jost Van Dyke, on a couple of beautiful white sand beaches lined with character-filled bars that offered shelter under lush green trees, cool drinks and unusual Caribbean cocktails for the thirsty visitors. Those who opted for some additional activity took a hike with our Wellness Coordinator over a hill to the island’s small town whilst others donned snorkeling gear and jumped in to explore the underwater world.
This was a beautiful spot for snorkelers: the waters were calm, warm and clear and the corals are very shallow. There is not just one attraction, rather many as you swim away from the shore and explore the reef. The majesty of the underwater world captivated those who tried – once we were immersed we encountered myriad organisms forming part of a complex ecosystem. Among the most noticeable of the tropical fish were the parrotfish, their brilliant colors bringing to life an environment that could be considered almost a city in the ocean. Another great attraction of snorkeling in the Caribbean are the invertebrates: enormous tube sponges, sea feathers and elkhorn corals, which are home and shelter to a number of small colorful fish in the early stages of their life cycles and other creatures.
The blending of these experiences with our sailing activities made of this day a dream that came true aboard the Sea Cloud II.
