Foxy "Unplugged"

By Clive Petrovic

Foxy is an entertainer. Foxy is unscripted. Everyone who has "experienced" the Foxy charm has gone away wishing for more. Foxy can ask where you are from and then spin a story and song about you complete with locations and events familiar to you. That's because Foxy has travelled and experienced much of what life has to offer. In the process, Foxy has given back to his beloved Jost Van Dyke and to the legions of sailors he calls friends.

In his youth in the 1960's, Foxy was a dreamer. Growing up on an island, living on boats and the sea came as natural as walking. The desire to look over the horizon was in Foxy's blood as was chasing the adventures of his imagination. Off he went, beyond the harbour and across the seas. He loves to regale visitors with his exploits on the seas and aboard boats.

Foxy's interests and abilities came together in the late '60s when he opened a small bar on the shores of Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. His engaging personality attracted cruising sailors and then chartering yachtsmen. It wasn't long before a stop at Foxy's was a must on every cruising itinerary. His interest in sailing resulted in the launch of an annual Wooden Boat Regatta. This event is a popular regatta, especially amongst classic boat enthusiasts in the Caribbean.


Foxy also loves history. He promotes and supports interest in traditional wooden sailing craft and he's especially passionate about the historic Tortola Sloop. In fact, he's building one in his backyard.

Over the years, Foxy's fame has spread far and wide. As more and more sailors came to visit, his community benefited. Largely through his efforts, Jost Van Dyke became a destination for yachtsmen. Opportunities emerged for more businesses and economic activity, and Great Harbour has been prospering ever since. Foxy Callwood has helped his neighbours and his community while the entire BVI has gained from his imagination.

The images of Foxy remain: barefoot, wide-eyed, an engaging smile, sitting on a dock with the ever-present guitar — his calypso renditions modified to those around him. His stories and jokes transformed into memories by the thousands of visitors who can't wait to return for more.

In June of 2009 Foxy Callwood received the designation as MBE, or Member of the Order of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace in London. A rare honor bestowed on few by Her Majesty the Queen. Foxy has earned the designation for his contributions to tourism and the preservation of the Territory's culture.

Foxy's has been voted top 10 Best Sailors Bar by Wight Vodka. Their motto is "tack & gibe responsibly"!

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