The luck of the Irish was truly with the BVI environment on St. Patrick’s Day. The first annual “GO GREEN” St. Patrick’s Day Beach Patrol at the Bitter End Yacht Club really hauled in the goods: spare tires, mashed up fenders, dead starter batteries, and bags and bags of various “boat detritus” and flotsam and jetsam. Even an errant bikini top!
By the time the day was done, the participants marveled at the wide variety of items that wash up on the beaches and get lodged into the mangroves of the BVI. Bitter End Yacht Club’s Chief Operating Officer, Sandra Grisham, pointed out that “today was a day to do our part to clean up the beaches of the BVI…we are happy that so many people joined us to do their part.”
Teams of hotel guests aboard Bitter End’s fleets of Boston Whalers and Hobie Cats, were joined by captains and crews from visiting private and charter yachts moored, docked, and anchored in North Sound. Together and apart, they combed the shorelines of Prickly Pear and Eustatia Islands, and the beaches and mangroves of Virgin Gorda (surrounding North Sound). Participants ranged in age from five to 75.
According to BEYC Resort Manager, Mary Jo Ryan, “you could see the enthusiasm and pride as families returned bag after bag of beach litter to the water sports beach.” One mother commented to Ryan that “more than just a great green initiative,” she thought this was “a great life lesson for the kids, something they can go home and share with their schoolmates.”
The effort was the first of what Bitter End plans as an annual event (if not more frequently). But it is the Bitter End’s sincere hope that this will call attention (among boat visitors and hotel guests alike) to the need to maintain the pristine beauty of the BVI, one area at a time. We thank everyone who participated this year, and hope to see an even bigger turnout next year.
Submitted by the Bitter End Yacht Club
