Both the British and the US Virgin Islands are very popular sailing destinations. Easy access, waters largely protected from the ocean swell, and reliable trade winds all combine to make these spots magnets for charter boats.
Less well-known are the Spanish Virgin Islands. The small archipelago of Culebra, Culebrita, Vieques, and numerous small rocky outcroppings sit about 20nm from the east coast of Puerto Rico, and about 20nm west of St Thomas in the USVI. Christopher Columbus likely made landfall on Culebra during his second voyage, and archeological records indicate that the islands had been populated for about the prior 1500 years.
The Spanish Virgins became US territory after the Spanish-American War in the late 1800s, and for the following 100 years the US military reserved this islands for artillery and bombing practice. Today, the islands have been largely returned to civilian purposes, and numerous bays and inlets make them a fantastic cruising ground.
As frequently happens when traveling under sail, Oso’s visit was cut short because of the weather forecast. So more exploration of the Spanish Virgins will have to come next time, and we hope to be back.
