Sailboat "Camping" in the Caribbean

On a recent trip to the BVI, a group of five others and I decided to rent a sailboat and island hop for three days. It was an amazing adventure to see parts of the islands that are not accessible from land, and that most people who visit the BVI don't get to experience .
Luckily, two of the six of us, had extensive sailing knowledge, because, as I soon found out, it is hard work to sail a boat! The 27 footer included two small staterooms and a galley that converted into a twin size bed. There was one bathroom that included a tiny shower, with one other freshwater shower located on the back swim step. The vessel did not come equipped with air conditioning but it did come with tons of Caribbean mosquitoes! "Finally" our home for three days, was a little like camping on the water. One night in particular, we fell asleep to a gentle breeze on the top deck, only to scramble like mad when awaken with a midnight thunderstorm, then again two hours later when the anchor started dragging! But don't get me wrong, what we lacked in creature comforts, was more than made up for in scenery!
My favorite part of the trip was on the second day, waking up in a cove anchored off Jost Van Dyke, and slipping into the sapphire blue water just as the sun was coming up over the island. The water was a balmy 82 degrees and flat as a board, and while everyone else lay tucked in their beds, I donned my mask, fins and snorkel and took a quiet, tranquil swim alone. It almost felt as if the warm sea existed solely for the purpose of surrounding me in a peaceful liquid blanket, and I found myself feeling more relaxed than if I had spent a week at the spa. As I headed to shore to take in the sunrise from the beach, I saw a small stingray nestled in the sand who looked content to enjoy his slumber just a little while longer. I have had many zen-like experiences while diving in the ocean, but this definitely ranked at the top!
Our three day trip ended entirely too soon and even though our boat didn't have all the amenities I would have liked, I found myself wanting more! With great friends, great dive sites and great times, this was truly a trip to remember!