While visiting the island of Virgin Gorda, in the British Virgin Islands, my friends and I happened to notice the most beautiful, highly maintained Classic Mono-haul Sailing yacht we had ever seen tied to the dock at Leverick Bay Marina. We walked down to see the vessel more closely and as we approached, a very friendly fellow came up onto the deck of the boat, which we quickly learned was the boat's Captain. We complimented Captain Bob on the beautifully maintained vessel, with such a vibrant deep green hull and shimmering varnished rails. After admiring the boat, Captain Bob invited us aboard for a look-see. The vessel glistened with bright, shiny brass fixtures, deep-green marble counter-tops, and beautiful teak walls & floors. As beautiful as this boat is, Captain Bob informed us that he takes it out nearly daily for private sail charters.
We signed up immediately and the next day arrived at the dock early in the morning. Coffee & warm breakfast rolls awaited us as we stepped aboard. We headed out of the slip and immediately set sail toward The Baths. We spent most of the morning just sailing around. About lunch-time, the sails were furled, we caught a mooring ball and brought Bravura to rest . We hopped into an inflatable dingy and headed over to a beautiful snorkeling spot, while the Captain stayed aboard.
Once we returned in the dingy to Bravura, we climbed up the boarding ladder to see a beautiful teak dining table set out in the cockpit, fully-shaded from the warm afternoon sun by a canvas overhead cover. The dining table was set with sparkling crystal stemware, dinner plates, and shiny stainless flatware. A large mixed salad sat in the middle of the table, beside a moisture-covered bottle of very cold Sta. Margarita Pinot Griggio wine. The main course was a juicy, deliciously prepared chicken breast, topped with sweet/tangy mango chutney and pineapple over a bed of coconut-infused rice. We devoured the meal and sat back while the Captain & crew readied the vessel for more sailing. Within minutes, the sails were set and we were sailing through deep turquoise-colored waters.
Of all the holiday activities our little group has ever experienced, our day aboard Bravura was one of the most entertaining and fun-filled adventures we have encountered. Everything we could have wanted or needed was provided...we didn't need towels, snorkel gear, sunscreen, or even a camera, as Captain Bob and his crew had everything aboard for our use. The Captain even took a group photo of us and presented it in a beautiful, monogrammed frame as we were leaving the vessel.
Surely, anyone planning to visit Virgin Gorda should spend a day aboard the beautiful Hans Christian, Bravura. Our day aboard offered us a memory of a lifetime. (See sailbravura.com for more information.)