We chartered Escape Artist, a Fountaine Pajot Helia 44, in March of 2018 - it's first trip with guests in fact and only 12 hours on the engines. When I arrived at the base and learned this, I was somewhat concerned. As nice as new is for a yacht, there are often many gremlins to resolve. However, for 2 weeks we didn't have a single issue or fault, everything was just perfect. This is impressive preparation from the BVI Yacht Charters team and just goes to show how well they prepare and take care of their boats. For the first week we had 7 onboard, the second down to 4. Even with 7 onboard the Helia 44 never felt crowded or cramped, more than enough room and spacious. Everyone loved it. After provisioning - probably the best choice of provisioning anywhere where we've charter, and very easy to order in advance - our first week started off down to Norman Island. The old Willy T was still a wreck on the shore and we missed the new one arriving by a few weeks. Pirates was open and we had a great dinner there. Next morning we motored around the corner of Treasure Point to The Caves and had a great snorkel. We briefly stopped off at The Indians for lunch and then sailed up the Drake Channel and round to Trellis Bay. Some of our luggage had not arrived with us, so calling in there allowed us to pick it up directly from the airport. Aaragons was open and had nice handicrafts, Trellis Bay Market was open and had plenty supplies. Trellis Bay still has many wrecked boats on the shore, quite a sight and a reminder of what the islands suffered. Early next morning we headed off to The Baths. As we arrived a red flag was up - damn. But getting closer it changed to yellow so we picked up a mooring and went to an explore in the dinghy to double check the conditions. Everything looked safe so we swam ashore and took the trail to Devil's Bay. This was probably the highlight of the trip, everyone really enjoyed it. We walked to up the Top of the Baths and had a great lunch and view. Returning to the boat we headed up to North Sound and Leverick Bay. We picked up a mooring ball, as the marina was full, and went to The Restaurant at Leverick Bay for dinner (wonderful Wahoo). While here we filled the tanks with water at the marina. Checking the weather it looked good and we sailed up to Anegada, a fast and comfortable broad reach with a reef in and 20-25 knots of wind. While a few of the channel markers were missing at Anegada, it was very easy to make your way to Setting Point, although by this stage it was blowing 25 knots and picking up the mooring ball a bit more tricky than usual. At Setting Point there were a few shops with provisions and we hired a car to take around the island the next day as we were staying for two nights. We visited Cow Wreck Beach and Loblolly Bay, almost having both to ourselves and a great day out. On Anegada we ate at the Lobster Trap and Wonky Dogs, both were excellent. Returning from Anegada was another good sail. We made our way through The Dogs, originally intending to stop for lunch and a snorkel, but as we had made such good time we carried on and back to The Baths. This time we moored near Devil's Bay and swam ashore and snorkelled around there. We ended the day back at Trellis Bay to drop off some of our crew at the airport. The next morning we called in at Scub Island Marina. The hotel still had some damage but was operating. The marina was at an advanced stage of renovation and staff very friendly and helpful. We stocked up on ice and filled the tanks with water. The small shop had some provisions and a good stock of wine. With the tanks full we carried on heading towards Jost. We stopped at White Bay on Guana Island for lunch, picking up a mooring ball. The national park buoys at Monkey Point were all in place and free but the bay looked so inviting. After lunch we headed towards Little Jost Van Dyke. There were no mooring balls at Green Cay and it was getting late so we went to Diamond Cay and were the first boat to pick up a buoy there. We headed by dinghy to Green Cay and Sandy Spit, calling in at the B Line beach bar on the way back. By the time we had returned to the boat, quite a few others had moored up there as well. After this we headed to Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke. We stayed three nights there, spending time in Great Harbour and dinghying around the corner to White Bay. Foxy's was fun, but we missed the big party there by one night. Shame. White Bay was a great place to relax, the Soggy Dollar and Hendo's particularly were doing good business and fully operational. We ended the trip calling in at Peter Island and Great Harbour before returning to base in Tortola. Thanks to BVI Yacht Charters who were excellent from booking through to returning the boat. The Helia 44 is an excellent catamaran, I'd highly recommend it (the owners version is a total luxury!). For anyone concerned about the BVIs post-Irma I'd say just go. Everyone was super friendly and positive and wanted visitors to come and help their economy. While damage from the hurricane is evident, and there are a few places you'd normally visit that have not returned to normal operations, you'll still have an amazing vacation. The sailing is excellent as ever, provisions are readily available, and the people welcoming. Just go now!