swimming to the Bath from a ship

linne · Post by **linne** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 8:47 am

We plan to take to BVI from STJ, perhaps with the ferry to VG and see the Bath. But we would also like to see JVD. So just now we are considering having a trip with NH II instead, because then we will see both VG and JVD. And what is important too: I have been told that you minimize your risk for seasickness with a fast boat as NH II. But in one of the trip reports I have read about a sail trip to the Bath, it seems as if you need to be a trained swimmer to be able to swim to the beach. Is that correct? I can of course swim, but I'm afraid, I will panic, if the beach is long away from the ship.

Linne

flip-flop · Post by **flip-flop** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 8:50 am

Not sure about the sail trip in particular but we swam in from Pirate's Penny (powerboat) and had no problem. I am a strong swimmer but my no means and expert or in great shape! We had one guy with us who was NOT a swimmer at all and they had a floatation device to get him to shore. Basically the first mate towed him in.

DonnaC · Post by **DonnaC** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 8:54 am

Don't worry!! It's not a problem. It's a great trip and a great day.

RickG · Post by **RickG** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 8:56 am

NHII will give you noodles and floatation for the 35 yard swim. One of our friends that went on NHII with is NOT a swimmer and panics in the water, he was able to make it, but he said it was the longest swim of his life.

If your uncomfortable with swimming they can drop you off in Spanish Town for a cab to the Baths, where they check into BVI customs.

Here's a picture from the NHII to the Baths for perspective.

There's a description of our NHII experience at http://www.garvin.us/STJ/Trip_Reports/2 ... of_10.html.

The NHII is a good way to see a lot of the BVIs in one day. I do prefer sailing.

Cheers, RickG

waterguy · Post by **waterguy** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 9:03 am

Don't worry about it just take a noodle it will help you float

brenda · Post by **brenda** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 9:27 am

I agree with everyone else. Just use a noodle. The day we went, the swells were big and I was pretty tired when we got to shore. The crew brought some noodles from the boat for us to use on the way back. No problem.

linne · Post by **linne** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 9:45 am

Hello again!

Thank you for your answers. I really like this forum. You are so active and helpful.

I do not consider myself as a stupid woman, but now I have more perhaps stupid questions.

As I can see a yard is 0,914 m, which means that 35-yard should be about 32 m. I can manage that, if the sea is calm. But in the picture it seems for me, as if the shore is much longer away.
And I’m curious about this NOODLE. Don’t know what it is. For me it’s something you eat, and definitely not something, which can help you in the water!!!

Another thing. How do you bring your things with you to the beach? I have read something about an OTTER. Is it necessary to have such one?

Linne

sailorgirl · Post by **sailorgirl** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 10:03 am

A noodle is a long (about 2 meters) cylindrical foam flotation device. Its like a solid tube. Most people float on thier stomachs with the noodle under the chest and arms.

Beachboy · Post by **Beachboy** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 10:41 am

Linne

If you are really concerned check out the Limnos trip. They bring you from customs to the Baths and back by safari bus.

On one trip in rough seas my wife had trouble swimming in and I had to go and help her in, and out. Normal seas should be fine but if it is rough it can be a problem.

Buddles · Post by **Buddles** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 10:57 am

We went out with NHII. For some reason two non-swimmers signed up for the trip. NHII arranged for a taxi to transport all of us to and from the customs pier to the Baths. (I was very disappointed!) When we got to JVD, we rigged up a float with a noodle on each side and the non-swimmers floated in with a swimmer on each side. It worked out quite well.

chrisn · Post by **chrisn** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 1:54 pm

We went out to the Bath's on a daytrip last year. It was a little bit of a swim but not a problem. Even my 8 year old did it although he did have a snorkel vest. I agree with the others. Sometimes I can get anxious snorkeling if I feel like I'm far from the beach and the noodles have helped alleviate that at times.

Post by **Anthony** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 2:23 pm

We did the swim one year with a baby - with the "noodle" (flotation device) it really is not a big deal, plus you will have many other people around you.

<img src="/images/US06790112-20040914-D00000.gif">

(sorry for the sort of silly image - it was the only one I could find!)

Jerseyboy · Post by **Jerseyboy** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 2:32 pm

Anthony wrote: <img src="/images/US06790112-20040914-D00000.gif">

(sorry for the sort of silly image - it was the only one I could find!)

Anthony, this looks like a patent illustration showing a noodle/beverage holder/koozie type of thing!

Again it goes back to that alcohol thread.

DELETED · Post by **DELETED** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 5:47 pm

DELETED

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 7:05 pm

Anthony - you bad, bad, boy

Did you actually look at that photo before you posted it. I'm trying to imagine poor Linne in Denmark trying to come up with a non perverted image of what a "noodle" really is - I can't stop laughing - gotta luv ya

Pia

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