In the aftermath of the strongest Atlantic hurricane in recorded history, communities throughout the islands of the Caribbean are coming together to rebuild in order to be ready to support the upcoming winter season. Charter fleets are repositioning vessels, beach bars are scrambling to rebuild, supply chains are already re-established and slowly, but unfailingly, the vision of the future is looking optimistic. In the BVI, it is reported that 8,300 people have been displaced and in a briefing earlier this week, Premier Dr. Orlando Smith stated that public and private agencies have been assessing damages to the BVI under a comprehensive disaster management strategy, as the territory plans its reconstruction.

According to Smith's statement, based on the initial assessments, the following have been identified as high priority areas. These include: utilities, construction, wholesale and retail trading including motor vehicle repair, transportation and storage, information and communication, public administration and defense, education, human health and social work and debris/waste management. "We continue to look at accommodations and food services as well as finance and insurance as areas of ongoing importance and support to help residents get back to normalcy," Smith said in a statement. 

According to The Moorings & Sunsail, they are already busy repositioning fleets in order to be ready by December to meet anticipated demand. Dream Yacht Charters, who lost 60% of their fleet are moving boats in from other bases and will be operational for the season in both St. Martin and the BVI with 20 new boats. TMM are also projecting that they will be operational before the start of the season with a limited fleet as will Horizon Yacht Charters and BVI Yacht Charters.

So what will it be like to charter in the islands this winter? For many of us who have been sailing the islands for many years, we remember with fondness the coves and anchorages throughout the islands before chartering became mainstream. Limited infrastructure, but the same beautiful anchorages, coral reefs and friendly people. Some of the restaurants and bars may not be open but it is a great time for all of us to show our support by taking a sailing vacation and spending a little money doing what we love to do, sail the warm waters of the Caribbean islands.

Your help is still needed, relief efforts are still underway, hundreds are still without housing and need our support. As the images of the ravaged communities cease to dominate the media we need to keep them in our minds and hearts by supporting the relief funds throughout the region, many of which are listed on our website. As we make contact with the various charter agencies, restaurants and bars throughout the islands we will be listing updated information and operational timetables on our website.

Thank you for your support of the relief efforts.

Click here to see available relief funds.

Simon Scott, Publisher