If you’ve sailed in the British Virgin Islands, then you know the Bitter End Yacht Club. Its marina, bars, restaurants and watersports facilities have been a mainstay in Virgin Gorda’s North Sound since
the ’70s.
Sailors around the world were crushed when the property was destroyed in 2017’s Hurricane Irma. Now, after massive rebuilding efforts throughout the BVI, the Bitter End is back—and on course to be better than ever.
Just before the winter 2021 holidays, the club raised the burgee and welcomed guests to a quiet opening of onshore amenities. While there is still much more to come, Kerri Quinn Jaffe, the Bitter End’s chief marketing officer, says that the Quarterdeck Marina, Reef Sampler Beach Bar, Buoy Room restaurant, gourmet market, and watersports center are open.
Marina and Mooring Field
The new marina has wider slips, improved decking surfaces, enhanced skirting and upgraded power. There are also 72 moorings. The marina can take more than 25 yachts, including those up to 240 feet length overall, sail or power. Most slips are in 10 or more feet of water, and there are catamaran slips for wide beams. New dinghy docks, along with a complimentary launch service, and shoreside showers and facilities are all up and running.
Buoy Room
This is the place for a drink after a great day on the water. It’s set up with a pool table, darts and foosball. The location provides sweeping views of the North Sound and Marina Beach.
Reef Sampler Beach Bar
Constructed from the salvaged hull of the Reef Sampler, which was raised from the North Sound seabed following Hurricane Irma, this hangout is as Bitter End as you can get. The boat has been central to club life since the Bitter End’s founding. Cornhole, volleyball and the daily hermit crab race are all here.
The Market
Bitter End’s new provisioning market has a selection of locally caught fish, garden-grown produce, fine spirits, frozen items and prepared dishes to stock your boat.
Bitter End Watersports
There is nothing like hopping aboard a Hobie Wave for some fun on North Sound. Also available: other sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards, windsurfers, skiffs and various types of boards. Wing-surfing gear is stocked too, if you want to try the newest trending sport. Sunchaser Scuba offers scheduled dive trips and PADI certifications.
This is just the beginning of the Bitter End’s next chapter. Two overwater Marina Lofts bungalows are complete, with plans to add more. Still to come are the Clubhouse Restaurant; the Reeftique boutique; and the Quarterdeck Lounge, which will be a gathering spot with food and drinks on the upper deck of the Quarterdeck Marina building. Stay tuned!
