17/05/2026
Not every Pegasus trip stays inside the BVI.
This one stretched the sails a little farther.
We took Pegasus from the BVI across the Anegada Passage to SXM and St. Barts, then brought her home again — one offshore leg at night, one by day, and plenty of lessons logged along the way.
The Anegada Passage is not your casual island hop. It’s open water, bigger conditions, more planning, and a very different rhythm than moving between Norman, Cooper, Virgin Gorda, and Jost. We sailed it at night on the way out and during the day on the way back, and the night passage may have won us over.
There is something unforgettable about leaving the BVI behind in the dark, settling into watches, sailing under stars, and then waking up to make landfall in another country. That first glimpse of a new island after an offshore passage hits differently.
SXM and St. Barts delivered exactly what you’d expect: big energy, beautiful anchorages, beach clubs, great food, and a very different kind of Caribbean pace. But the real value of a trip like this is what you learn along the way.
A few sailor notes from this Pegasus adventure:
⛵ Plan the passage, then plan it again.
The Anegada Passage deserves respect. Weather windows matter. Sea state matters. Crew readiness matters. Night watches, navigation, fuel, meals, safety gear, and arrival timing should all be thought through before you leave the dock.
🌙 Don’t underestimate the magic of a night passage.
Night sailing is not for everyone, but if the conditions are right and the crew is prepared, it can be one of the most memorable parts of the trip. The boat quiets down, the stars show up, and sunrise landfall ends up being the reward.
🛃 Customs is part of the itinerary.
If you’re moving between the BVI, SXM, St. Barts, and back again, build in time for check-ins and check-outs. Blane handled customs so many times we stopped counting somewhere around eight. Island-hopping sounds glamorous until you realize paperwork is also part of the passage plan.
⚓ Med mooring in St. Barts is a skill-builder.
If you’re used to BVI mooring balls and easy anchoring, St. Barts will remind you there is always more to learn. Med mooring takes communication, patience, line handling, and a crew that can stay calm while everyone on the Riva is watching you.
🤿 Don’t skip the unassuming spots.
One of the best surprises of the trip came back in the BVI at Deadman’s Bay on Peter Island. We went scuba diving right off the mooring, not expecting much, and found thousands of fish circling Pegasus below us. Its got to be some kind of sign, right? SXM and St. Barts were incredible, but that quiet little BVI moment was hard to beat.
🏝️ Know what kind of trip you’re signing up for.
A BVI charter is relaxed, protected, and full of easy wins. A BVI-to-Leewards trip is a different animal. It requires more crew experience for the crossings, more flexibility, and a crew that understands the plan can change quickly.
🍋Never pass up on great theme night, especially on the crossing. Offshore sailing may be serious business, but that does not mean the crew can’t bring a little flair to the crossing. This trip had St. Tropez French Riviera energy, Disco Day at Sea, a very necessary “Let’s Get Spritzed” moment, and Caribbean Star Sailors for our night-under-the-stars passage vibe. Because if you’re going to cross open water, clear customs, Med moor, and make landfall in another country, you might as well do it with a little sparkle in the cockpit✨
Pegasus handled the passage beautifully. She stretched her sails, carried us safely across, taught us a few new tricks, and reminded us why sailing is always better when you’re still learning.
SXM and St. Barts are absolutely worth the adventure. But the BVI?
The BVI is home. ⚓💙
Pegasus Tip🐎🪽
If you’re dreaming about taking a trip like this, don’t treat it like a longer version of a normal BVI charter. Treat it like a true offshore passage with international logistics. Watch the weather, prep the crew, respect the paperwork, and leave room in the plan for the unexpected. That’s usually where the best stories are made.
