Caribbean Compass – November 2025

Island Spotlight – BVI: Cruising Guide publisher Simon Scott and Compass content partner Noonsite supply the scoop on sailing the British Virgin Islands where steady trade winds, turquoise anchorages, and legendary beach bars like Foxy’s and Soggy Dollar await. From the granite boulders of Virgin Gorda’s Baths to lobster feasts on Anegada, this is the BVI at its finest — a paradise for cruisers, divers, and dreamers alike.

We closely watching hurricane Melissa as it strengthens to category 5 and heads for Jamaica amid warning ‘many communities will not survive flooding’. Jamaicans urged to seek shelter immediately, and Cuba, Haiti and Dominican Republic also threatened. – The Guardian

The Tortola Sloop: A Living Legacy of the BVI
Once the workhorses of inter-island trade, Tortola sloops are now treasured symbols of the BVI’s rich boatbuilding heritage. Claudia Colli explores the history, craftsmanship, and revival of these elegant wooden vessels — from tamarind-tree workshops to modern restoration efforts.

Beyond the Boatyards: Trinidad & Tobago Awaits!
Discover a side of Trinidad & Tobago most cruisers miss — from glowing scarlet ibis at Caroni Swamp to howler monkeys echoing through the Bamboo Cathedral. Dive into Lexi Fisher’s stunning new feature and see why this vibrant twin-island nation deserves a spot on your cruising chart.

“Angie’s Angels” Soar at the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta!
Registration for the 2026 Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is open! Climb aboard and get inspired via an account from the 2025 race about the all-female crew of Cherub by Compass publisher Kelly Merton! Skipper Angie Wolf chartered the waves from Carriacou to English Harbour—nabbing class 2nd, proving it’s more than just racing!

Elkhorn Marine Conservancy: Restoring Antigua’s Reefs, One Coral at a Time – In just four years, EMC has grown into a powerhouse of reef restoration — cultivating 4,700 coral fragments, achieving 70% survival during 2024’s bleaching event, and inspiring the community through education and research. Dive into how this local nonprofit is making waves in Caribbean conservation.

Breadfruit: From “Humble Fare” to Superfood
Once dismissed as “poor man’s food,” breadfruit is now being rediscovered as a global supercrop — rich, resilient, and full of history. Chris Doyle dives into Russell Fielding’s Breadfruit: Three Global Journeys of a Bountiful Tree — a fascinating read that spans mutinies, myths, and mouthwatering recipes.