Published: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at:3:26 PM




View From the Helm
Past, Present, and Future…



Welcome to the Spring Edition of the Bitter End’s guest information news digest, the North Soundings. Things are developing at Bitter End! From the success of our new Repeat Guest Program, to our newly launched fishing tournaments to our planned renovation and small residential project “The Lookout,” I have a lot to share!

I am happy to report that even with a slowdown in tourism this winter and spring, Bitter End has been hopping with repeat guests and those honeymooners, families, old salts and beach lovers who made their maiden voyage to visit us! “Winter isn’t winter without a little Bitter End,” a veteran Bitter End guest said to me recently. “We have traveled all over the Caribbean and South Pacific, and still nothing compares to the hospitality, location, staff and overall experience we find here at Bitter End.”

I am also delighted to report that our waterfront and marina were busy, as we had an exciting spring hosting such events as the Cruising Club of America’s BVI Cruise, the BVI Spring Regatta’s “Sailing Festival,” the St. Francis Yacht Club’s Commodore’s Cruise, and the 1st Annual Club Swan Caribbean Rendezvous (see more inside).

Our new repeat guest program, which made its debut last November, has been a great success. 200 “Repeater Flags” fly in our Captain’s Table section of the Clubhouse Restaurant. Of those, nearly 20 families have visited us more than 10 times, and a handful of pennants show over 20 visits. That is a lot of Gold Anchors, Silver and Gold Stars.

These “personal pennants” hang in our Clubhouse alongside the countless burgees of visiting yacht clubs from around the world. In keeping with tradition, we appeal just as readily to visiting yachtsmen and yachtswomen who we welcome ashore off everything from 28-foot Catalina cruisers on up to the magnificent Carinthia VII, a 296’ Lurssen mega-motoryacht (seen in this issue).

During the summer, we not only look forward to hosting several weddings, honeymoons and family retreats, we are also gearing up to host our second invitational deep sea fishing tournament in May and a third annual Viking Yacht Owner’s Rendezvous, as well as a Hatteras Yacht Owners’ gathering. And don’t forget to mark your calendars (make your reservations!) for this year’s 17th Annual Pro Am Regatta, November 2–9, 2003.

As we enter our 30th year Bitter End is scheduled for some well deserved renovation. I am pleased to report that the Hokins have made a commitment to pursue a major renovation program which will begin during our planned Fall shut-down (August 15-October 15). In addition, as many of you know, we are launching “The Lookout,” a small residential community at Bitter End.

The Lookout will offer those of you who for years have inquired about the possibility of owning a home at Bitter End an opportunity to do just that. More information can be found on page 7.

2003 is our renaissance year!