THE BITTER END

Built in the 1960‘s by Basil Symonette—a pioneer Virgin Island yachtsman and eccentric son of the last colonial governor of the Bahamas—Bitter End was once a shorefront pub with a few cottages that redefined rustic: paper sheets and cold water. Visiting yachtsmen were required to sound a horn and, if Basil was feeling sociable, he would hail them with a megaphone and allow them ashore for a meal, which would end when he abruptly turned off the generator.

Today, Bitter End is a resort with luxurious accommodations and a water sports program second to none in the world. Guests (including those using the marina) can enjoy renting sailboats, windsurfers, and kite surfers to play in the winds of Gorda Sound. They also have kayaks and Boston Whalers to explore the islets in Eustacia Sound. The resort also has a swimming pool right on the water where visiting boats can pay a small fee per use. Kids and grandchildren love this option. The adults like the beach bar conveniently located right at the pool.

The resort also features the newly rebuilt Windward Mark, a thatched outdoor bar where you meet crews from around the world, and the Clubhouse, built around the mast from Huey Long’s yacht Ondine, sells fish caught minutes ago and prime rib to remember. No matter how much you love their key lime pie, try the brownie à la mode…pure chocolate decadence.

More information, visit: www.beyc.com adventure. You can get there before the crowds and back to your boat in time to visit one another one of the best snorkeling spots in the BVIs at The Indians, a short distance from The Bight.

Grab a red National Parks Trust mooring ball and you and your crew can enjoy snorkeling around this unique rock formation in water you never have to strain to see through.