Visiting Bermuda by Private Yacht

If you’re one of those true nautical types – an adventurer of the old school – you may want to visit Bermuda under your own steam, or sail. And it’s a great way to go if you have a vessel big enough and sturdy enough to make the journey. Small boats (under 30 feet) have made it without incident.

The weather is obviously an important factor when making sail for Bermuda. The hurricane season – June through November – brings untold hazards, and December through April can be equally harrowing due to sudden storms and high winds that strike with little or no warning.

Bermuda’s port of entry for all visiting yachts and small vessels is St. George’s. All crew members and passengers must clear Customs and Immigration. There’s a 24-hour facility on Ordnance Island, St. George’s, but if you arrive after dark, it might be best to wait until dawn before entering port. To approach port, you must contact Bermuda Harbour Radio and give your ETA. The facility listens 24 hours a day on 2182 Khz USB and on VHF 16 (distress channel). Use these channels only for contacting Bermuda Harbour Radio. All passengers and crew are required to have valid documentation, such as a passport or, for US and Canadian citizens, a certified copy of your birth certificate and a photo ID – your driver’s license is ideal.
If you plan to stay more than a week and live on board your boat, all Bermudian health regulations must be complied with. Notify the Department of Marine and Ports of your plans. They will then supply you with a copy of the regulations. Contact them after clearing Customs and Immigration. 441-295-6575.

Navigable Bridge
The swing bridge between Ferry Reach and Castle Harbour is opened upon request from 7:30 am to 7 pm, daily, April through September, and 7:30 am to 5 pm, October through March. If you intend to make sail from St. George’s to Hamilton, this route can cut as much as 30 minutes from the normal two-hour sail, and make it more interesting. Contact the Department of Marine & Ports, 441-295-6575.

MARINAS

St. George’s
Captain Smokes Marina, McCallan’s Wharf 13, Wellington St., Town of St. George. 441-297-1940. Fresh water, 110- and 220-volt electrical hookups, fuel.

Sandy’s Parish
This comprises four small islands at the western end of the archipelago. Among other attractions, you’ll find the Royal Naval Dockyard and Maritime Museum housed in what was once the largest fortress on the island. Together, the fortress and the Dockyard comprised one of the most important strongholds of the British Navy during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the West End is a tourist
attraction; it’s also home to the Dockyard Marina. Dockyard Marina, 9 Dockyard Terrace, Royal Naval Dockyard, Ireland Island, Bermuda. 441- 234-0300. The marina is housed within the confines of the Dockyard breakwater. Facilities include fresh water, fuel and a clubhouse. Daily, weekly and monthly rates are available.

Hamilton
Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, Albouy’s Port, Hamilton, Bermuda. 441-295-2214. As its name implies, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club holds a royal warrant granted by Queen Elizabeth II and has held such warrants continuously since the reign of Queen Victoria. What does this mean to you, the erstwhile mariner from across the ocean? Not
much, I’m afraid. It does mean that it’s a very exclusive club, with memberships received more on inheritance than application. Still, you can take advantage of the club’s berths and services simply by tying up and registering. An account will be opened, allowing you and your crew full advantage of most of what’s available. The club is situated on Albouy’s Point in the city – all the sights and sounds of Hamilton are close at hand. Vessel size is limited to 80 feet maximum. The rate without electricity is $1.50/foot per night; with electricity it’s $1.75.

If you are indeed going to sail to Bermuda, consider buying a copy of The Bermuda Yachting Guide. This extremely informative book, published by the Bermuda Maritime Museum Association, provides most of the information you’ll need during your stay in the islands, including anchorages. In the US, purchase it from Bluewater Books and Charts, 1481 SE 17th Street Causeway, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316, www.bluewaterweb.com. Or order it direct from the publisher, Bermuda Maritime Museum Association, PO Box MA 273, Mangrove Bay, MA BX, Bermuda. 441-234-1333.

Know Before You Go!