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By Clive Petrovic
Long before hotels and resorts, before cars, even before electricity, islanders were building and sailing boats. For generations, the communities on all the small islands were linked only by the traditional sailing sloops. The need to communicate and trade forced the locals to create their own unique style of boat. Made largely from local materials, the boats were crafted by carpenters who passed their skills down through the generations. This unique style became known as the Tortola Sloop. Only a few decades ago, the sloops were a common sight sailing down the channel or bobbing at anchor. They were the lifeblood of the islands, used for trade and transportation.
Unfortunately, with the advent of engines, tourism and economic development, the sloops were gradually replaced. In the span of a single generation, they virtually disappeared. The sloops, once numbering in the hundreds, now number less than 10.
Perhaps the most famous is Vigilant, a 25-foot sloop built around 1880 in the east end of Tortola. During its colourful history, the sloop was used for commerce, seized by customs for smuggling, sank several times and once ferried a 1,000-pound bull to St. Thomas. Today, Vigilant is under the care of the local college and is preserved as an important part of the Virgin Island heritage. Oh, if only that sloop could talk!
The sloop Esperanza was originally built about 80 years ago. After decades of use as a trading vessel, it was sold and rebuilt as a pleasure yacht. Esperanza was a common sight at many island regattas. It currently sits on the beach at Trellis Bay, where you can take a closer look.
More recently, the sloops Moonbeam, Youth Instructor and Sea Moon were built by the last of the traditional boat builders, whilst their construction techniques were recorded and preserved. All three are currently maintained by the college and used for educational purposes. They're frequently seen at regattas and island festivities.
In an effort to keep the traditional boat-building history alive, the Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society has embarked on an ambitious plan to build a sloop using student apprentices. The Endeavour is under construction behind Foxy's Tamarind Bar on Jost. This is truly a community project, using student volunteers and paid helpers. Students get to learn the traditional building techniques and gain an appreciation of their seafaring heritage. Once completed, they will learn the secrets of sailing these historic boats. The sloop will be entered in races and regattas and showcased whenever possible. Hopefully, Endeavour will pave the way for future boat-building projects, and this important part of local history will be preserved for generations to come. During your visit to Jost, stop by Foxy's and see how construction is coming along.
Check out our sightseeing suggestions for British Virgin Islands,
island-by-island using the links above.
To get to the BVI's call American Airlines at 1-800-433-7300, book your trip on aa.com, or for travel information, visit www.EagleLatitudes.com.
Book your stay direct and save - using our BVI hotel guide.
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Long before hotels and resorts, before cars, even before electricity, islanders were building and sailing boats. For generations, the communities on all the small islands were linked only by the traditional sailing sloops. The need to communicate and trade forced the locals to create their own unique style of boat. Made largely from local materials, the boats were crafted by carpenters who passed their skills down through the generations. This unique style became known as the Tortola Sloop. Only a few decades ago, the sloops were a common sight sailing down the channel or bobbing at anchor. They were the lifeblood of the islands, used for trade and transportation. 
More recently, the sloops Moonbeam, Youth Instructor and Sea Moon were built by the last of the traditional boat builders, whilst their construction techniques were recorded and preserved. All three are currently maintained by the college and used for educational purposes. They're frequently seen at regattas and island festivities. 