Tales of Tortola

The history of the Virgin Islands, and in particular Tortola, is a fascinating and chequered one involving famous explorers, murderous pirates the slave trade and many changes in ownership. Even the origin of its name is up for debate. Many claim that Christopher Columbus, who discovered the archipelago of the Virgin Islands named the island Tortola after the Spanish word for Turtle Dove. The truth is much less romantic. He actually named it Santa Ana and its present name came after the later Dutch settlers named it Ter Tholen, after an island off the Netherlands. The British colonisers, not well known for their grasp of foreign language, changed it to Tortola.

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Go Bare in the BVI

It is a fact, for boat lovers and sailors alike there is no better holiday than bareboat charters BVI. The British Virgin Islands are internationally renowned as a sailing destination. The natural beauty, laid back culture and constant trade winds make it the perfect place to charter a yacht. Whether you want to while away the days on deck of your bareboat charter yacht, with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other, or race in one of the many local sailing regattas, such as the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival there is something for everyone in this Caribbean paradise.

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