BITTER END YACHT CLUB

0830 hours, December 24, 2014, North Sound Virgin Gorda BVI: We took the dingy ashore to explore Bitter End. The Yacht Club's facilities stretch along and climb up steep Biras Hill behind which forms a peninsula with Bitter End occupying the north and east edges. About two thirds of the Yacht Club's facilities face North Sound to the east, and about a third face Eustatia Sound to the North. Along the shore is a series of individual beaches with palm trees, manicured mangroves, cushioned lounges, hammock,  thatched shade structures and a pool. Between the beaches on the North Sound side are several Marina piers, a fuel dock, restaurants and structures supporting every imaginable water sport. Immediately behind the beaches is a mostly concrete brick paved path separating the beach from natural weathered wood cottages with cantilevered balconies surrounded by natural growth, stepping up the Hill. Between the cottages and the brick path is a well groomed landscape with red, white, purple and magenta bougainvilleas and pink oleanders along with a varity of other plants. 

Behind the path on the hill side of the Marina and water sports area is a another restaurant, an emporium, gift shops and a sailing school, all in separate buildings. Walking on this section of the concrete brick paved path, you feel like you are in a New England seaside village. 

Eustatia Sound is formed by virgin Gorda to the south, the east end of Prickly Pear Island  and Eustatia Island to the west, and Eustatia Reef to the north east. The Reef stops the ocean swell but is open to the east and north east prevailing winds creating a perfect area for wind surfing and kiting. The Reef is also excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving as are many other reefs in the area. For the sailor Bitter End Yacht Club rents Hobie Cats, a varity of small monohulls, larger monohulls in the 30 ft range, and small whalers for the power boaters and fisherman. They also rent kayaks and paddle boards. Their sailing school has several programs for those who want to learn to sail or improve their skills. 

In all, a paradise for those who love boating and water sports.