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Bitter End Yacht Club (ID: 57260)
tional, LLC ~~ BEYC News Details ~~ home > the buzz > gordo's news Check out Bitter End's New Dock! January 4, 2006 Untitled Document Bitter End Yacht Club is proud to announce a new concrete megayacht pier that now welcomes boats visiting North Sound! The demand for more dock space has encouraged Bitter End to supply the best megayacht pier in the BVI. As all our visiting yachtsmen know, the Quarterdeck Club has always been seen to have beautiful sailboats, powerboats and megayachts at their docks. With this new construction, Bitter End can accommodate up to three two hundred foot megayachts at the same time. The new dock will supply visiting yachtsmen with 30amp, 50amp and also 100amp electrical service. The dock will also be used for the numerous Rendezvous that the Bitter End hosts throughout the year. If you would like to have more information on the Quarterdeck Club, including how to become a member, please contact the Quarterdeck Manager Brent Hollink . Silver Shalis out of Palm Beach, FL, was our first guest to use the dock, above left. Go Back home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC News Details ~~ home > the buzz > gordo's news BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival: Cosmic Warlord Does It Again! April 6, 2005 Untitled Document photo by AJ Blake Bitter End s own Cosmic Warlord continues to turn heads with another year of strong finishes at the 2005 St.Thomas Rolex Regatta and the 2005 BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival. Mick Schlens and his tight knit crew of sailors took 3 rd spot in St.Thomas, racing in a small but very tough fleet. Cosmic Warlord won the Bitter End Cup race from Nanny Cay to the North Sound. A strong field of 34 boats succumbed to Cosmic s magic, including super sloop Equation and the very slick Swan 42 Crescendo . With a third place finish in the race back to Nanny Cay, Cosmic Warlord wrapped up first place overall in the distance events of the more laid back BVI Sailing Festival. The BVI Spring Regatta took place in beautiful Sir Francis Drake Channel, and it was a titanic battle in the Racing C division between Cosmic and Crescendo . With both teams taking three bullets, Crescendo s consistency paid off with first overall. CosmicWarlord placed a close second with Peter Newland s Anticipation placing third. Wednesday, March 30, of the Sailing Festival included some very tight match racing in the 2 nd Annual Nations Challenge Cup at Bitter End, where Team Ireland took first place. In addition to the Hunter 216 racing, guests took advantage of Bitter End's other watersports toys and beaches. photo by A Abrehart, Broadsword/www.caribbeanracing.com photo by AJ Blake On April 1-3, 134 yachts, beach cats, Lasers and windsurfers competed in the 34th annual BVI Spring Regatta. Spread between three courses and 14 classes, 128 races were held during the three-day event with winds ranging from 8-14 knots. 'We had three days of excellent racing,' said Bob Phillips, regatta chairman. 'The wind held and we managed to get a phenomenal amount of starts away. With the great weather, wind . . . I think it was one of the best ever!' Join us next year to race in this great mix of low-key and serious racing, or come down to watch the big boats in action! Go Back home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC Featured Kids Program ~~ home > things to do > staying ashore > family fun > featured kids program Junior Watersports Program and Kids Camp While you take the Introduction to Sailing Course , or head off for a morning snorkel , your children can take part in the variety of watersports activities Bitter End offers in the Junior Watersports Program, for kids ages 13-17 years old, or in Kids Camp, for kids 5-12 years old. Kids are organized into smaller groups, with an instructor for each small group, and take part in learning to sail, snorkel or windsurf, or just having some fun. In the afternoons, they can paint, join in on guided walks, or take part in impromptu snorkeling trips. By the end of the vacation, you and your children will have learned new skills to enjoy being in, on or under the water, and you may even discover that you have a young Russell Coutts, JJ Isler or Jacques Costeau in your family! And of course, serious fun is guaranteed!   Kids' Camp Sample Schedule (subject to change, to accommodate the kids' interests!)   Monday Morning Beach Games – Since most families arrive over the weekend, Kids Camp-ers (and their parents) who have not yet met each other or the Staff can get to know each other shoreside playing fun games such as capture the flag, ring toss, and hide and seek. Afternoon Hobie Sailing Adventures – kids can snap on a lifejacket and set out around North Sound, learning to tack and jibe, and understand the wind. Dock Jumping and beach games – pure afternoon fun for the whole group!   Tuesday Morning Sail or Kayak to Blue Beach for Virgin Gorda Hike Adventure – Don't forget your hiking shoes or water bottle! Starting off at the Watersports Center, kids can take the helm on their own (or the paddle, if so inclined) and practice a short sail, landing on the south end of the property. From there, a hike up behind Bitter End reveals Turk’s Cap and Pipe Organ cactus incongruously growing right along with oleander, bromeliads and orchids. Did you know that orchids get all of their water and nutrients from the air?    Afternoon “Sharks and Minnows” at the pool – an afternoon delight – join your kids poolside. Arts and Crafts: Anouk, a local artist who specializes in beading and painting, leads these afternoon sessions. Evening Kids Limbo and Musical Chairs – The Latitude Stars lead the evening’s activity at the Almond Walk, entertaining both kids and parents.   Wednesday All Day - for the whole family! Day Trip to Anegada -- this is an excursion not to be missed by anyone! Anegada is a flat coral and limestone atoll, unlike the rest of the islands in the BVI, which are built on volcanic rock. The staff brings along water toys and plans for a variety of activities for kids to take part in during the trip. Dine on freshly caught lobster!   Evening Families sail and race together in the Wednesday evening Relaxed Regatta on North Sound. Kids can put to use the skills they’ve picked up already aboard Bitter End’s Club fleet, and even share a trick or two with you in this laid-back racing.   Thursday Morning Conch Discovery Sail and Vixen Point swim – Conch are more than just a unique animal or a big pretty shell – they play a role in the ecosystem, as well as in the history of the islanders’ existence and development. Kids will visit a conch mound in the Prickly Pear National Park that is still used by local fishermen, and swim and snorkel in the calm waters off Vixen Point, where fish can be seen underwater just feet from the shore. Kids can sail west from Bitter End to Vixen Point on the south side of Prickly Pear Island National Park. The entire 243 acre island was established as a national park in 1988, and it is home to the amazing flora and fauna of the British Virgin Islands. Day visitors (it is otherwise uninhabited by people), can hike a trail across the island, or visit its beaches. All three mangrove trees (white, black and red) grow on Prickly Pear, providing the necessary habitats for migratory and resident birds, as well as a variety of sea life, including sea urchins and hermit crabs! Afternoon Scavenger Hunt with prizes – kids will have to put on their thinking caps and remember their Bitter End trivia! Clues will lead them around the resort, from one end to the other, in search of more clues and prizes. Evening Kids Cruise and Dinner with Kinto and staff – while you have a romantic dinner a deux, your kids will be entertained and well-fed by Captain Kinto and his crew.   Friday Morning Coconut Race! Kids put what they've learned to the test in this relay race where they sail to a destination, pick up a coconut, sail to the next destination, plant the coconut, and sail home. It's fun for all!   Afternoon Beach Olympics - Parents welcome to participate – From a Caribbean log roll, to tug of war, to an amphibious obstacle course (start and end on shore, paddle and sail on the water) and more, the Beach Olympics are for everyone! Each evening, the Sand Palace outdoor movie theater features a Kids' Movie at 7:30.     More Information about . . . Junior Watersports Schedule Introduction to Sailing Course Meet Mike and Bernice!                              home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC BEYC Events ~~ home > the buzz > beyc events 30 Years of Serious Fun! February 28, 2005 30th Anniversary Celebration a Blowout! As the sun set on North Sound, Bitter End's friends and family gathered to celebrate 30 years of serious fun! Some of the best memories we have come from our trips here. Some our best memories to come (I m certain) will be from our trips to the BEYC. Happy Anniversary! P&G S We are honored and excited to be part of your fabulous 30th celebration. With a staff this attentive and a site so superlative, it is not hard to imagine another 30 plus! J&P W Resort Director Ross Justice welcomes BVI Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism, the Honorable Ralph O'Neal and his wife Edriss O'Neal at the boat, and Mary Jo catches up with them at the Almond Walk. What a place. It is unbelievable to see the transformation from bush and scrub some 40 years ago to such a wonderful haven of rest and peace. BVI Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism, the Honorable Ralph O'Neal Congratulations! The Bitter End is an old friend to us from sailing the islands. This is our first stay and it s been wonderful. Staff is great. Thank you! H&S F Guests look back on Bitter End's history captured in photos, and leave their wishes for another 30 years. Gordo catches up with guests while others share tall tales. We love it here! Congrats on your 30th! We hope to be here for the 60th! RM and TW We have been coming to our favorite vacation place since 1975 when it opened. We call it Paradise and we re happy to come and see all our friends, the Bitter End family. My Son was 3 years old when we first came and this week he became a Quarterdeck Club member with his own boat. Thanks to the owners for this beautiful place! B & C M Highlights of the evening's addresses included the blessing from Edriss O'Neal and an extemporaneous performance of Danny Boy by Gordo Overing. Ross and Mary Jo presented John Emanuel, Virginia Emanuel and Algernon 'Gunny' George with special awards for their 30 years of service at Bitter End. Justin Hokin entertained and moved everyone, including his father Richard (above, in green). Party goers enjoying live music by The Reflections and the Latitude Stars and the fine company of fellow revelers. The Mako Jumbies wowed all. The celebration went into the wee hours for Peter Brill (left) and Mitchell Lennard, Justin and Chloe Sevigny (left), and Dhani Jones and his special guest. The evening's festivities were punctuated by a spectacular fireworks display over North Sound. To 30 more years!!! Go Back home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC Shopping ~~ home > the resort at a glance > shoreside > dining & shopping > shopping Shopping  Bitter End Gear Available Online!              Our new online catalog is up and running!  Check it out! Reeftique Pick up one of Bitter End's world famous logo t-shirts, totes, baseball caps, belts, coffee mugs and more. We have art and artifacts from all parts of the Caribbean as well as a wonderful selection of jewelry and souvenirs. From our famous logo items and sunscreen, to locally made Sunny Caribbee scents, Bitter End's shops provide such variety that you can pick up essentials you left at home or mementos and gifts unique to Bitter End. Captain B's Film, snorkeling gear, magazines, postcards and stationery. Famous Sunny Caribbee scents and spices, Caribbean art, decorative crafts and music. Popular over-the-counter items. Standard brands, sundries, first-aid needs, sting and itch relievers. Emporium Restock your galley. Purchase wine, beer, liquor and an assortment of fresh baked goods, meats and fish. Chandlery The Chandlery is located across from the marina. We stock many maintenance items as well as charts, boathooks, and other useful items.   home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC Testimonials ~~ home > about us > testimonials Testimonials NEW! Read recent letters from guests! What Our Guests Say 'This is second vacation to BEYC. We enjoyed it even more this time. The family atmosphere makes it so relaxing. There are plety of actvities, as well as places to just sit down and do nothing. Our family did more sailing this time. We all improved and gained more confidence. . . . Thank you so much . . . .' William B, Spring 2003 '... What a great escape from the America's Cup! After 4 years of non stop work on our America's Cup campaign I was able to enjoy a fantastic honeymoon at the Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda, and I was finally able to have fun with lots of good sailing. A special thanks to Gordo and all the sailing staff who made us so welcome! Maybe we should plan a getaway/conference/regatta event for all the PR people involved in sailing to share our knowledge and experience!...' A Ghezzi, Team Prada, October 2001 'Our BEYC vacation was full of memorable moments and making friends among the guests and staff that I'll always remember. I'm sure I did leave a part of myself there, because I can't wait to come back.' M. Shutrump, 2001 'Thank you again, to the Bitter End, for another great vacation. We stayed two weeks at the end of July with our three kids and loved every minute of it! There's so much to do and see and we took advantage of it all. Loved the excursions on the Corinthian and the snorkel trips. Loved the day sails and the day on the Bradley 22 as well. My kids enjoyed Kid's Sail and Kid's Art and the watersports staff really made us all feel welcome. You do a great job personalizing the experience for different families and we felt very much at home. Highly recommend poking around the area in a Whaler. Oil Nut Bay and Prickly Pear were lots of fun to explore. My husband and oldest son got pretty confident on the Hobies and used them almost daily. Beachfront Villas were great again. Can't beat the view from that porch! Food and bar were excellent and we so enjoyed seeing many of the same waitstaff and bartenders that had been there two years ago! Some even remembered us...and we sure remembered them! We'll see you again, I'm sure!' C & T L, August 2004 General Comments 'My family just had a great time. We have been coming to Bitter End for years and found this vacation to be especially good . . . just walking on the dock from the North Sound Express with a cold refreshing towel - wow. The rooms we stayed in, the food, the water sports fleet . . . the staff, from the reception welcome experience at the Lobby to the Carvery and water sports . . .the taxi drivers were nice. . . and stopped every time they passed by us. This was the first time we took a drink, from the many offered free in the room, sat on the hammock and just did not want to leave and do anything. We will be back.' J & J W, January 2005 'We were looking for a romantic place to spend our honeymoon and the BEYC was recommended through a family member. We made our decision to go to the BEYC. It was the best vacation we have ever had. The views from the Beachfront Villa were breathtaking and the atmosphere was very relaxing and peaceful. The BEYC had everything to offer in the BVI. If I had to do it all over again I wouldn't have chosen anywhere different. I give the BEYC an '11 out of 10.'' B & J F, Summer 2003 We enjoy the wonderful staff, the easy accessibility of your sailing fleet, the natural beauty and the snorkeling. It is such a warm experience -- brimming with positive energy. Honestly, we end every day by saying that it was just perfect -- there was no way it could have been better. Thanks for keeping it the same, whilst making minor improvements!' RM 'Thanks for a great week at the Bitter End. As I said on Saturday, I am quite impressed with the level the event and the property have grown to. You have done an impressive job and Lisa and I appreciate being part of it all. We look forward to coming back already. Take care, Ed ' Pro-Am, November 2001 'Most fabulous vacation ever! The people of Virgin Gorda were so warm, welcoming -- absolutely perfect! We can't wait to plan our return trip and hope to entice more of the family!' K & J M, Summer 2003 'Best family vacation we've had! We'll look forward to returning as soon as we can. Thanks to everyone . . . .' T & M T, Spring 2003 'A million thanks and good wishes to . . . your marvelous team at the North Sound. A BEYC vacation is incomparable.' M Shutrump, November 2001 Active Travelers ''Outstanding' is the first word that comes to mind. As a repeat guest for the last 8 years it truly gets better every year. Reuniting with all the staff each year warms my heart every time I get off the North Sound Express at the Bitter End dock.I enjoy being able to sail several different classes of boats during the day. My sailing resume has been updated again this year with another boat that I sailed for the first time. The Laser. After sailing one day I fell in love with it and two days later I signed up for my first Laser Regatta. It was so exciting and a great experience.My kudos for the new path up Biras hill - loved it!' L Coleman, December 2001 'The freedom to walk, paddle and sail around this paradise on our own schedule made our vacation very interesting as well as relaxing.' February 2002 'Sailing 101 an excellent start.' February 2002 'We loved the casual yet very romantic atmosphere . . . .We loved the friendly staff . . . . We loved dancing at the Almond Walk to the sounds of your wonderful steel drum band . . . . We loved stargazing at night, listening to the surf, stretched out on the lounge chairs . . . . We loved doing everything -- we loved doing nothing!' February 2002 THE sun is dazzling, the trade winds are blowing, and the sea spray is tingling my toes. My husband is captaining a tiny Hobie catamaran skimming over the crystal-clear Caribbean, with only me for crew. The rest of our family is scattered across a vast waterfront playground: our older son is windsurfing, our younger son is tubing, our daughter is paddling a kayak. My parents race around the harbor in a Hunter 216 sloop, heeling sharply as their sails swell with the breeze. We are on a three-generation holiday vacation and everyone is happy. New York Times, February 13, 2005 Romantic Honeymooners 'There are so many different things that we could praise the BEYC for. Obviously, the watersports program and excursions are fantastic but what truly sets the Bitter End apart are the people. No matter where you are, in the Clubhouse, at the Front Desk, in a Guest Taxi, everyone is always smiling and willing to help. The Bitter End would be a nice place regardless of who worked here but what makes it a place we will never forget was the kindness and friendly attitudes we found in every corner of the Bitter End. Thanks for a wonderful honeymoon and we will see you soon!' C & M E, Summer 2003 'We love Bitter End! Waking up in the morning and having coffee looking over Sound; the friendly staff; . . . the Paranda; finding secluded beaches on a Hobie or a Whaler; and slowly letting 'island time' take over. It's all a very rejuvenating and romantic experience.' November 2001 'We loved the casual yet very romantic atmosphere . . . .We loved the friendly staff . . . .We loved dancing at the Almond Walk to the sounds of your wonderful steel drum band . . . .We loved stargazing at night, listening to the surf, stretched out on the lounge chairs . . . .We loved doing everything -- we loved doing nothing!' February 2002 What Kids Say 'My favorite day at Bitter End is a day when I wake up and have a beautiful breakfast with my parents.Then I go to the Sail Caribbean camp and play with things like the Banana Boat, Tubes, Dominoes and beach balls. We do stuff like Hobie sailing and scavenger hunts.For dinner, I love Italian night and Monday night.I love to go to the Sand Palace to watch the kids movies.Bitter End is the best!' A Overing, March 2002 What Our Visiting Pros Say '... What a great escape from the America's Cup! After 4 years of non stop work on our America's Cup campaign I was able to enjoy a fantastic honeymoon at the Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda, and I was finally able to have fun with lots of good sailing. A special thanks to Gordo and all the sailing staff who made us so welcome! Maybe we should plan a getaway/conference/regatta event for all the PR people involved in sailing to share our knowledge and experience!...' A Ghezzi, Team Prada, October 2001 'Thanks for a great week at the Bitter End. As I said on Saturday, I am quite impressed with the level the event and the property have grown to. You have done an impressive job and Lisa and I appreciate being part of it all. We look forward to coming back already. Take care, Ed ' Pro-Am, November 2001 'hank you to you and all of your team from Keith and myself for a fantastic few days spent at the Bitter End. We both felt that this years regatta was the best yet, benefiting not only from a large influx of Yachties, but also from a well thought out format with the 10 pros, and combining it with the Scuttlebutt event. Great Job.It's now about 5 degrees , raining, still dark at 7.30 am and dark again by 4pm. Sailing this weekend was far from swim shorts and t's, it was dry suits and full thermals together with the hats and the gloves. And the bad news is that we all know it's going to get a lot worse over the next 4 months before it starts to get better again. I'll keep the picture of the BEYC handy.' Nigel and Keith Musto, Pro-Am, November 2001 Travel Pros 'Of the two wonderful weeks we spent here the most memorable experience definitley has to be when we took out a motor boat and set off to find a secluded beach for the day. Bitter End Yacht Club is located on VIrgin Gorda and amongst many watersports facilities has a fleet of Boston Whalers that guests are encouraged to take out and explore the neighbouring islands with. 'Our first morning we set off early armed with just a map of the islands and a picnic lunch kindly prepared for us by the Chef. It was a glorious day and, as we sailed through the strikingly blue waters searching for the perfect beach, I was immediately struck by the sheer beauty of the islands. There are so few places in the world where you can enjoy such a sense of absolute freedom and after an hour at sea we were delighted to find a deserted stretch of sand . . . . It was a memorable day spent snorkelling with a friendly Sting Ray and a family of Turtles. Truly unforgettable.This day will stand out in my memory for many years to come. The name of the island we found? Well, that will just remain my BVI secret . . . .' P Cleary, Caribtours Fall 2002Just ask our Watersports Staff -- they can direct you to the most secluded beaches in the neighborhood! 'I've worked for BVI Yacht Charters for one year and always advise our charter guests to visit BEYC based on what I've read and heard.Now I can offer the same recommendation based on first hand knowledge!' H, Summer 2003 'Men love the Bitter End Yacht Club because though it's chic, they never have to wear anything more formal than a pair of shorts.' Philadelphia Magazine, September 2003 home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC BEYC Store ~~ home > beyc store BEYC Store click on an item for details Dress Code: For BEYC, It's about comfort and functionality, with some great color. Whether it's boating season or not, this gear is great! Leather Man Flip-Flops BEYC Dog Collar BEYC Leash Pro Am Special Jacket by Henri Lloyd Trump shirt from New Aura Ultra-light Fleece Buck & Cutter Polo Denim Shirt Classic Logo Tee Map Tee Shirt All Hats On Deck: Whatever your preference, we've got a topper for you! Sailing Hat BEYC Caps Bucket Hats home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC Lookout ~~ Sales Office: 877-846-0030 email us at Lookout@beyc.com . As you may already know, we embarked last year on a major multi-year renovation of Bitter End and its infrastructure. Considering the realities of “island time” and other practicalities, we concluded that it is going to take some more planning to deliver the top quality residential product that is complementary to and consistent with Bitter End’s environment and lifestyle, that also requires not stressing the sensitive resources that make it such a special place. We sincerely appreciate your enthusiasm for The Lookout and your deep passion for Bitter End and North Sound. Once we have a plan, it will be posted here, and we will contact all of you who have expressed interest in the project. Please feel free to fill out the contact form (if you haven’t already done so) to receive more information when it is available. In the meantime, you can keep up with Bitter End’s going’s on in our North Soundings newsletter and by regularly visiting the web site home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC Newsletter ~~ Newsletter Sign Up Send me the North Soundings! E-mail: Please remove my name from your email list. E-mail: home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC Online Tour ~~ Take The Online Tour On this page, you have the option of taking 2 online tours, one Flash and one QuickTime (you will need the QuickTime plugin). Click here for Flash tour Click here for the QuickTime tour Lo-rez (56k) (3 Mb) Hi-rez (T1) (11.5 Mb) Windows users may need the QuickTime plugin rather than Windows Media Player. Flash 5 QuickTime 5 home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ Request a Brochure ~~ Request a Brochure * Indicates Required Field * First Name: * Last Name: * Address: C/O: * City: * State/Province: * Zip/Postal Code: * Country: Telephone: E-mail address: Yacht Club: Check one or more of the following to indicate your interests Admiral's Package Sailing School Fall Clinics & Regattas Weddings Honeymoons Special Events/Meetings Family Vacations Caribbean Vacation Windsurfing Scuba Diving Yacht/Villa combination Vacation Have you been to the Bitter End before? Yes No Have you received information from the Bitter End Yacht Club before? Yes No How or where did you find out about Bitter End? 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Yes No Comments: home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC Careers ~~ home > about us > careers    Bitter End has no openings at this time.                                                                           home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC Buzz Press ~~ home > the buzz > press releases Bitter End in the News April 7, 2004 In Conde Nast Traveler Bitter End has been seelcted as one of 10 Active Caribbean resorts featured in the April issue of Conde Nast Traveler: 'Well-positioned for every kind of sailing, it's the top choice of serious sailors at play. . . . Every week, the Bitter End hosts different sailing events and races, which flavor the experience. . . . 'he extremely nice man who offered to give us a lesson when the other instructors were already booked turned out to be a three-time winner of the America's Cup.' Where else on earth can you get an introduction to sailing lesson from an America's Cup sailor? There is a lot to do at Bitter End, including relaxing in a hammock or sailing with a pro. Go Back home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC Accomodations ~~ home > the resort at a glance > shoreside > accommodations Accommodations Every accommodation ashore at Bitter End has spectacular sea views and is surrounded by lush tropical gardens. And of course, on our Freedom 30s, you cannot get any closer to the water! Our accommodations are one of the reasons why Bitter End is among the World's Greatest!   Beachfront Villa     North Sound Suite     Estate House   Freedom 30 Yachts home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC Beachfront Villa ~~ home > the resort at a glance > shoreside > accommodations > beachfront villa Beachfront Villa The unique architectural design of our famous original cottages offers you the opportunity to truly enjoy the natural environment for which they were built. All villas have two twin beds or one king-size bed, ceiling fan, refrigerator, coffee maker, large dressing area and shower with sea views, and a wrap-around porch with a double-size hammock. They are designed to catch the balmy trade winds night and day.     home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC Northsound Suite ~~ home > the resort at a glance > shoreside > accommodations > northsound suite North Sound Suite Our most spacious accommodations are located on the south end of the property in twenty secluded bungalows spread across a flowered hillside of bougainvillea, hibiscus, and oleander rising high above a white sand beach and palm-shaded pool. They boast panoramic views of the Bitter End anchorage and North Sound. Suites have air-conditioning, ceiling fan, refrigerator, coffee maker, TV/VCR available upon request, either one king bed or two queen beds, and a front deck with table and chairs.     home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC Estate House ~~ home > the resort at a glance > shoreside > accommodations > estate house Estate House A spacious two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom private house with spectacular views of the anchorage of North Sound and the Caribbean. The living room and screened-in porch make these accommodations perfect for two couples or a family of up to six. One king bed and two double beds with up to two roll-away beds, air-conditioning, refrigerator, coffee maker, and wet bar.         home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC Freedom 30 Yacht ~~ home > the resort at a glance > shoreside > accommodations > freedom 30 yacht Freedom 30 Yachts The Freedom 30 yachts are berthed at the Quarterdeck Marina and are fully equipped for inter-island cruising. They accommodate four people and receive full hotel services and amenities while docked at Bitter End. Fully equipped and provisioned galley, head with shower and pressure water, navigation station, diesel engine, and easy-to-sail rig make the Freedom 30 ideal for cruising and living aboard.  Yacht-Villa Combination Admiral's Packages  are available, where you spend some nights aboard the boat (cruising where and when you choose!) and the rest ashore in one of our land accommodations.   home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC History ~~ home > about us > history History In the summer of 1964, the Hokin family visited Little Dix Bay and brought their 24' sportfisherman, REM , to explore the British Virgin Island's angling opportunities. They spent many days in North Sound, Virgin Gorda. The Sound was remote and quiet, much as it had been three centuries before, when the English pirates and freebooters, Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Hawkins, anchored in its shelter, planning daring raids. The natural beauty of the Sound captivated the Hokins and during the sixties, they returned in the chartered ketch Tontine , and later in their own ketch, Alianora . One year they found that a shorefront pub and five cottages, called Bitter End, clung to the unlandscaped hillside. Basil Symonette, a pioneer Virgin Island yachtsman, had built the place for charter captains and adventurous sailors. During construction, teenage circumnavigator and author of Dove , Robin Lee Graham, sailed into the Sound. He wrote, "Some people here at a place called The Bitter End are building a resort. They have found a really lovely spot and they've hauled in all the material they need." His stay turned from days to months as he lent a hand in the construction. The walls, windows and tiles he installed still stand in the resort's five original cottages. Accommodations were rustic. Beds were made with paper sheets, and only cold water ran in the bathrooms. Evening lights were provided by an old diesel generator and water was collected on the roofs and stored in cisterns that doubled as cottage foundations. If visiting yachtsmen came for dinner, they were required to approach a long wooden pier and sound their boat's air horn. If Basil, the eccentric son of the last colonial governor of the Bahamas, felt sociable, he would respond by megaphone and the visitor would be allowed to come ashore and buy a meal. The evening would last until Basil would abruptly decide it was time for lights out and shut down the generator. Early aerial view The bar circa. 1973 As Myron and Bernice Hokin became frequent visitors to the Bitter End during winter cruises in the Virgin Islands, they had many lively conversations with Basil. Bernice suggested that it would be nice to have a place to go ashore for a day or two, so during one conversation, Myron said that he would like to buy or lease an acre to build a cottage for himself and Bernice. Basil needed time to consider the proposition but promised an answer when the Hokins next called at Bitter End. A few weeks later, the Hokins returned to find that Basil had decided against their offer. Instead he offered to sell them the whole place. The Hokins couldn't refuse. They realized that Bitter End would make a perfect family retreat. In 1973, the Hokins became the new owners and Don Neal, the charter captain of their sportfisherman Reef Sampler , became the major domo. While none of them had any experience running a hotel, they had plenty of enthusiasm. Granddaughter Ali with Myron Granddaughter Ali Granddaughter Dana With their grandchildren and picnic basket in hand, they explored the islands from Anegada to the Dogs. The surrounding reefs offered spectacular snorkeling and diving. Neighboring islands and cays had beautiful deserted beaches for shelling. The flats, reefs and offshore waters had abundant populations of bonefish and other game fish. The area was ideal for sailing, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving and beachcombing. As their interest and familiarity with the islands grew, so did their desire to share their experiences. All excursions the Bitter End offers today are inspired by these family outings. Boardheads, Richard and son Justin, 1984?     The first postcard Back of the first postcard Reef Sampler British Virgin Islanders were just as excited as the Hokins to share their love for the islands and sea. With their help through the years, the Hokins have been fortunate to share their retreat and create a special place for many to enjoy. Architect Peter Brill, who gave up the world of city skyscrapers for a sunnier life sailing the Caribbean, worked with Myron to design Bitter End's breezy buildings and cottages. The entire resort is intended to be organic, comfortable and beautiful. Bitter End still generates its own electricity, collects and distills its own water, utilizes solar power and uses treated grey waste shower water to irrigate the hillside gardens.     Today Bitter End has grown into the world's finest watersports resort. Top of the line sailboats, skiffs, windsurfers and other equipment, along with roomy excursion boats and exciting day trips have been added over the years. Word of mouth has given the resort a worldwide reputation and a loyal guest base of families, friends and couples who enjoy the watersports and relaxation that are a way of life at Bitter End.   While the resort has grown over the years, its main purpose has never changed. The Bitter End is still a family run resort, with the Hokins all participating in its growth and dedicated to the enjoyable vacation of every guest. NEW! Read more about the early days , as seen by an eyewitness! home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC Basics ~~ home > about us > basics Basics 85 ACCOMMODATIONS Beachfront Villas - island-style villas with private wrap-around verandas, hammocks, refrigerators, telephones, ceiling fans and unobstructed sea views. North Sound Suites - air-conditioned, secluded, hillside bungalows with ceiling fans, refrigerators, telephones, private verandas and panoramic sea views. Freedom 30 Yachts - Live-aboard 30-foot sailboats, that sleep up to six. Estate House - air conditioned, chalet-style, two-bedroom private house with two baths, a powder room, dining and living areas, porch and wrap-around veranda with sea views.   SPORTS AND RECREATION Sailing Windsurfing Snorkeling Kayaking Regattas Private charters Scuba diving Swimming Hiking Rowing Beachcombing Deep sea and bone fishing Kiteboarding DAILY EXCURSIONS Exclusive captained, blue-water excursions to islands and coral reefs such as Anegada, The Baths, Horseshoe Reef and the Dog Islands. With more than 100 watercraft, the Bitter End’s Club fleet is the World’s Largest available for guests’ complimentary, unlimited use. The fleet includes: RESORT CLUB FLEET: Sailboats - Laser - Optimist - Hobie Wave - Sunfish - Hunter Xcite - Barnett 1400 - Vanguard 15 - IC-24 - Getaway - Rhodes 19 - Hunter 216 - Hobie 405 Windsurfers (Mistral) - Competition - Superlight II - Escape - Hi Fly Primo Wide Other boats - Boston Whaler tender - Alden Rowing Shell - ocean kayak PREMIUM FLEET: The resort’s premium fleet is available for an additional charge or as part of a package. The fleet includes: High performance Mistral windsurfer fleet: Mistral Energizer - Malibu 335 - Flow 266 - North Monofilm Carnless Sail - Fiberspar Mast - Explosion - Superlight II - Bic Techno One Design - North Boom 30 ft Freedom 30 sailboat Pontoon snorkeling boat 48 ft. racing catamaran 59 ft. Corinthian catamaran 22 ft. Bradley power-excursion Flats boat Express 37 ocean racer BITTER END SAILING AND WINDSURFING SCHOOL Established in 1985 Free Sailing 101 course for all guests Classroom, dockside and on-the-water lessons offered for sailors of all levels, from beginner to advanced. Certified instructors RESTAURANTS The Clubhouse Steak and Seafood Grille , open-air restaurant The English Carvery , open-air restaurant featuring roasted meats, poultry and steaks. The English Pub , serving snacks, pizza, sandwiches and imported beer. Poolside luncheons can be arranged. CONVENTION / MEETING FACILITIES 1,500 square feet of convention and/or meeting space Largest room capacity is 80 people, classroom style Latest audio/visual equipment Full catering services Various group packages available OTHER FEATURES AND AMENITIE S One mile of waterfront Three secluded beaches Tropical gardens (tours daily) Hiking Trails Freshwater pool Fitness Course with 1/8 mile jogging track and 16 exercise stations The Clubhouse Terrace and cocktail bar The Almond Walk seaside restaurant that is a delightful place to dine or dance under the stars to contemporary or island music Two computers available for guest use (to access the internet and email) MARINA SERVICES 70 moorings and 21 slips Fuel dock - Gas, diesel fuel, outboard oil, water and ice Electric hookups - 30 Amp 120V or 50 Amp 208V Free launch service Private showers and toilets dockside Yacht repairs Garbage disposal 24-hour security Quartedeck Yacht Management Program SHOPPING Reeftique - island-style clothing, jewelry and Bitter End mementos Captain B’s - Caribbean crafts, diving/sailing equipment, drugstore items The Emporium - a wide range of yacht provisions The Chandlery - boat maintenance and repair supplies  NIGHTLIFE Dancing under the stars to the music of local bands Movies shown in the Sand Palace open-air theater Complimentary weekly Guest Cocktail party (Monday evening) home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC Location ~~ home > about us > location Location The Bitter End is on the North Sound of Virgin Gorda- beautiful, remote and protected, 12 miles from Tortola, 30 miles from St. Thomas and 75 miles from Puerto Rico. Bitter End is situated on 75 acres of land and more than a mile of waterfront on the northeast extremity of Virgin Gorda. It fronts North and Statia Sounds. The property is accessible only by water. Bitter End is the last island outpost before the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Click the thumbnail below to view a map. North Sound is filled with beautiful coral reefs and endless beaches. Marine life is abundant and snorkeling sites are spectacular for their color and variety. Brilliant fish such as wrasses, grunts, damselfish and parrotfish abound, and the variety of colorful sponges and corals is umatched. Bitter End’s major attraction is its lively and well-maintained waterfront with active marine and watersports facilities, restaurants , and shops. The setting is enhanced by lush, well-tended landscaping that features a wide variety of flowering ornamental shrubs, trees and other tropical plantings. The curved strand of waterfront includes three white sand beaches, deep, crystal-clear water, and abundant fish and bird life. Constant tradewinds provide a reliable and comfortable, humidity-free, naturally air conditioned climate.   ABOUT THE BVI The British Virgin Islands are a British Crown Territory with the capital city of Road Town, Tortola. They are part of the Greater Antilles made up of a string of more than 60 islands, rocks and cays bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south. Except for Anegada, which is of coral formation, the British Virgin Islands were created by hot volcanic material, which rose slowly upward out of the sea bed some 70-100 million years ago. As recently as the last ice age (15,000 years ago), when the sea level was 300 feet lower these islands were connected by land to Puerto Rico and the U.S Virgin Islands. Today, they stand as peaks of a drowned mountain range. Virgin Gorda, spread over 15 square miles of mountains, boulders and beaches, is the second largest island in the BVI. home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC Weather ~~ home > about us > weather Weather Year round, the temperature ranges from mid 80s during the day to mid 70s at night. Steady breezes keep the island balmy and cool, and the Caribbean current keeps the ocean warm. During the summer season, wind speeds range from 10 to 15 knots. Winter season winds average 15 to 25 knots. Sun. Hi: 85 Lo: 76 Mon. Hi: 85 Lo: 75 Tue. Hi: 85 Lo: 76 Wed. Hi: 88 Lo: 76 Thu. Hi: 85 Lo: 79 Last Update: 5/14/2006 8:37:35 AM home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC How To Get Here ~~ home > about us > how to get here How To Get Here Recommended Route: We recommend booking to Tortola's Beef Island airport (booking code = EIS) and connecting with the North Sound Express (NSX), high-speed ferry for a 30-minute scenic trip direct to Bitter End. American Airlines, United Airlines, and British Airways all fly to the Caribbean. Check out the  airport at Beef Island. Ferry transfers are $30 per person each way. Children ages 12 and under receive complimentary transfers. Schedule is subject to change. Late departures are available for arrivals after 7:30 PM. There is a $30 surcharge per person. Please call in advance: Bitter End: 284-494-2746 or NSX Airport: 284-495-2138 . Late departures are available for arrivals after 7:30 PM. There is a $30 surcharge per person. Please call in advance: Bitter End: 284-494-2746 or NSX Airport: 284-495-2138 . NSX Scheduled Departures from Tortola Airport: 8:15 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:45 PM, 4:15 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM NSX Scheduled Departures from BEYC to Airport: 6:45 AM, 9:00 AM, 12 NOON, 3:15 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM We recommend that your departing flight be scheduled to depart after 8:15 am. Alternate Route: If you book to the Virgin Gorda Airport (booking code = VIJ), Potter's Taxi will pick you up at the airport. The same transfer fee applies. Virgin Gorda Airport closes at dusk. There is a BVI Airport Departure Tax of U.S. $20.00 per person. home | about us | things to do | the resort at a glance | packages, amenities and rates | marina | trip planner contact us | the buzz | free stuff | sitemap | search email: binfo@beyc.com | phone: 800.872.2392 | 2006 Bitter End Yacht Club International, LLC ~~ BEYC Quick Facts ~~ home > about us > quick facts Quick Facts FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 1) What do the rooms look like? See our  accommodations page. 2) What is the weather like? The temperature ranges from mid 80’s