Back on board Distant Shores II,Village Cay Marina,Road Town,Tortola in the British Virgin Islands

Greetings from the British Virgin Islands! Paul and I are now back on board our Southerly 49, Distant Shores II, following a 3-week trip home to Canada for our annual winter speaking tour including 10 days conducting seminars at the Toronto International Boat Show and to catch up with family and friends at home. It's such a great way to start off the New Year!

Now that we’re back on the boat, we'll be spending the next few weeks in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), an annual stopover for us when we're in the Caribbean, to catch up on our editing and writing projects before continuing filming season 10 episodes of the Distant Shores sailing TV series further down island this winter.

Paul and Sheryl Shard, hosts of the Distant Shores sailing TV series, Peter Island, BVI

Related: 10 Reasons Why We Love the British Virgin Islands

One of the sailing publications we write for is Cruising Outpost magazine (formerly Latitudes and Attitudes) where you'll find a community of fun-loving cruising sailors living life to the fullest while traveling the world on their boats. The charismatic editor of CO is ex-biker and longtime sailor, Bob Bitchin'. Bob and his wife, Jody, know how to throw a good party! You may have attended one of their beer and pizza parties held at American boat shows. Last year we attended Bob's birthday party in the British Virgin Islands which I wrote about in a previous blog.

Sheryl, Bob Bitchin, Jody and Paul at the first annual Cruising Outpost Party
Myett's Cane Garden Bay, BVI. Photo by Wanita Meed.

Related: Bob Bitchin': Not Your Average Cruising Sailor

Following the Strictly Sail Chicago boat show in January, Bob and Jody flew down to the islands where they are hosting a new series of winter parties in the Caribbean in partnership with Tradewinds Radio with food, drink and cruising tunes by the The Eric Stone Band. The first, of what promises to be an annual event, was held last weekend on Saturday January 31st at Myett's Beach Resort on beautiful Cane Garden Bay on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Of course we attended and had a wonderful evening with fellow cruisers!

Sheryl with cruising friend, Wanita Meed.

With videographer, Rick Moore, getting a demonstration of his Mariner drone.
Photo by Wanita Meed.


Rick Moore's Mariner drone. Photo by Wanita Meed.


Mariner drone in the air.


Sheryl and Paul as filmed from Rick Moore's drone.


Myett's Resort, Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, BVI, the site of the first annual
Cruising Outpost/Tradewinds Radio Party


Sunset at Cane Garden Bay


Dinner by torchlight at Myett's Cane Garden Bay


Sheryl and Paul enjoying the ambience at Myett's. Photo by Wanita Meed.


The Eric Stone Band flew in to provide cruising tunes for the party.


Sheryl, Jody and Bob dancing to the music of The Eric Stone Band


Sheryl and Marie Inshaw of Sail Delphine


A good time being had by all at the first annual Cruising Outpost/Tradewinds Radio Tortola Party

Bob and Jody's next stop is St. Maarten where they'll be holding a second party, this time on Saturday February 7th 2015 at the famous Buccaneer Beach Bar on beautiful Kimsha Beach, Simpson Bay, home of many memorable Heineken Regatta parties. This great location is perfect for cruisers and charterers alike because it’s just outside the Dutch side bridge into Simpson Bay Lagoon and a short walk from hotels, casinos, and The St. Maarten Yacht Club (open to all) which is just across the street. The family friendly party will start in the afternoon with cool steel pan music, beach barbecue, and beverages, and even some acrobats and clowns. Meet celebrities, win big in the charity raffle, and pick up a souvenir T-shirt. When the sun goes down, party to the Eric Stone Band.
Anchor out in Simpson Bay or Simpson Bay Lagoon and dinghy ashore, or take an easy trip on the local Dollar Bus from anywhere on St. Maarten. Hope you can make it!

Jody and Bob and are sailing to St. Maarten aboard friends Tom and Sharon’s Hylas 54, Distant Star.

There are lots of fun things to do when you're cruising or chartering in the Caribbean! We've filmed numerous episodes featuring Caribbean destinations in the Distant Shores sailing TV series over the years which are available on DVD and you can also download them in HD on Vimeo on Demand. Check out the trailers for season 5, season 6, season 9 and season 10 (download only) including the ever-popular episode, "Bareboat Chartering in the British Virgin Islands", from season 5. Here's an excerpt to warm you up on a cold winter day and turn your mind to sailing in sunshine in the tropics. Feel free to share it with someone who can use a lift...



Plan your passages around the world with us aboard Distant Shores

Order the Super Pack on DVD and get Season 1-10 Downloadable.
Order the Super Pack on Vimeo and we will send you the code for Season 10 as a bonus.