Published: Sunday, July 20, 2008 at:1:46 PM




Yacht Management Program at Bitter End



If you’ve been out on the water in the past few years, cruising or racing, and been overtaken by what looks like a catamaran’s catamaran – deep hulls, hulky body designed for comfortable interiors, but amazingly quick and agile – you’ve no doubt crossed paths with a Gunboat.

Gunboat was founded by Bitter End repeat guest Peter Johnstone (of the famed J-Boats family), and penned by Morrelli & Melvin design with an eye toward cruising sailors who wanted more performance out of their yachts.

Coincidentally, two Bitter End regulars each own a Gunboat 48, and both of these high-tech carbon fiber beauties can be found in North Sound when they are not off cruising or racing, taking advantage of Bitter End’s Yacht Management Program.

Tom Robinson, the owner of Hammer, enjoys many aspects of the boat’s design, including its three-foot draft and its speed:

“I’ve hit 28-29 [knots] on the boat; you spend most of your time trying to slow it down!”

And he enjoys so much time at Bitter End – he’s been visiting the BVI for over 20 years! – because the camaraderie and laid-back atmosphere make it so comfortable, and it’s a great home base for the Caribbean regattas.


Featured Yacht Management Captain

As a winter haven for yacht owners and their captains who choose to base their boats in the North Sound and participate in our Quarterdeck Club or Yacht Management Programs, these “guests in residence” make the resort’s waterfront unique by expanding Bitter End’s “family” onto the water and out and about in the BVI (and beyond!).

Glen Harmon is one of the captains who call the Bitter End Quarterdeck home for the winter. Glen runs s/v Paradigm, a 55’ Trintella hailing from Annapolis, Maryland.

“What I really enjoy is the sense of community on the docks. Everyone is so friendly, you can get so much information from the other Captains on the dock when it comes to anchorages, maintenance and weather.”

Originally from Santa Cruz California, Glen has spent the past six seasons cruising in the BVI. He has been based out of the Bitter End for the past two seasons. “I can get so much work done while on the dock. The boat wrights and dock staff are a huge help to me.”

In his free time, Glen is an avid waterman. As an accomplished windsurfer, Glen completed a crossing from Eustatia Sound to Anegada last season (13 miles offshore!). And this season, Glen was convinced to cross-over to kiteboarding, which he has picked up rather quickly. Or, when the wind is down, Glen takes advantage of his PADI Divemaster skills and enjoys exploring the reefs with Kilbrides Sunchaser Scuba.

We look forward to seeing Glen and s/v Paradigm (and Tom and Hammer) again next season!