bitter end yacht club owner

HATS & SCARVES
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Meet Grant Tankoos, Longtime Friend to Bitter End and owner of Soundview Millworks

How long have you known of Bitter End, and when did you first visit?

For almost as long as I can remember. When I was about 10 my family made our first trip to the Virgin Islands (USVI/BVI). The trip was a family gift - My parents put plane tickets in a BIG box under the Christmas tree and my brother and I tore it open with great excitement. We took my Aunt and Uncle’s boat from St. Thomas on a week’s cruise and of course Bitter End was one of the stops. Back then boats were slower and it was bit of a haul from St. Thomas but we made it. Like all future visits to BEYC I remember we met up with friends there - The Young's who we cruised with back in CT. Amanda and I were the same age, and we thought the "golf cart taxis,” candy at the Emporium and being able to charge to the rooms were the coolest things ever (as I recall, we got in a bit of trouble for that one). Later in life I’d get to visit Bitter End a few more times - each time it was special and it felt like home in a way. Funny how certain places make you connected and feel at home.

How long have you known the Hokin Family and extended Bitter End crew?

I first met the Hokin family back in the late 80's - I was in junior sailing at Noroton Yacht Club with Justin and Lauren - they were a few years older but it was a small group and we were all sailing rats in those days. In recent years I’ve shared boat shows, events, and schedules with John, Lauren, Kerri and the Bitter End team and cruised with Lauren, Wendy and Richard. I still remember one great summer day sailing from Old Saybrook to Shelter Island on the Hokin’s Swan 59 BLUE FLAME: The breeze came up about halfway though; Richard let me drive, encouraged me as a matter of fact - As we made our way, Richard shared stores of the beginnings of the Bitter End - his parents and the early days... It felt special, but again, I think everyone feels special being connected to Bitter End and the Hokin family.

What attributes of BEYC most align with you and your sensibilities personally? And what are you most looking forward to doing when you return to Bitter End 2.0?

Water, water, water... Each time I’ve been to Bitter End by cruising boat, there’s something about getting there and taking your tender ashore. A drink at the bar, a walk down the docks to check out who and what else is there. Maybe a little Laser sailing during the day, a swim in North Sound, and a pizza at night. I regret never walking the trails to the backside of the island and getting more exercise in. Something saved for my next trip and enjoying the view at Bitter End 2.0.

What’s the cliff notes version of how you founded and built Soundview Millworks? And what are you most proud of with SVM?

I started Soundview Millworks with a childhood friend of mine -- he and I also met in junior sailing at Noroton Yacht Club. We wanted to create something cool, something of quality that we were proud to make, proud to give and build. When we came up with the nautically themed cutting boards, Rob said something along the lines of: I can build that, and I sort of thought I could sell it. And just like that, we were off. We both did everything early in the day – we had other jobs as well. I waited tables at night and Rob had a construction business. It’s been 12 years now; Rob went onto do different things but we are still great friends. Soundview has brought me a life full of people, stories, friends and connections. On good days I get create pieces that help celebrate the great moments of people's lives - Trophies for amazing events (the Bitter End PRO AM to name one), boards with monograms and wedding dates or a logo of special place - these are the moments in life worth celebrating and capturing - and I get to be a part of it - how lucky am I?

Do not miss Grant's handcrafted maple and mahogany serving and cutting boards—now available at Bitter End Provisions. Grant's nautical boards make an ideal gift for any sailor on your list! You can check them out here.

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The central Bitter End village along Marina Beach features a mix of new materials and those salvaged from the destruction inflicted by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BEYC)

Celebrating Fifty Years in 2023: The Bitter End Yacht Club Is Back!

By Michelle Slade

We approached the Bitter End Yacht Club by water and the scene that opened up before us hummed with early morning activity — boats tying up at the docks, the open-air reception area a dynamic pass-through for guests coming and going, and playful kids leaping off a floating pontoon into the warm turquoise water just off the beach. Those first impressions captured the essence of something that was different to what had been before, yet in many ways, was just the same as it always had been.

The world-renowned and beloved resort, which has existed in some iteration since the ‘60s, is open again for business after a devastating loss in the wake of Hurricane Irma in September 2017. The resort lost some one hundred structures; just one original cottage was spared. When disaster strikes, there is nothing more to do than to gather the pieces and start the next chapter, which is precisely what the folks at the Bitter End Yacht Club have been doing these past six years. Rebuilding the resort in the British Virgin Islands’ North Sound has been as much of a spiritual endeavor as a physical task of reconstruction; it needed to be purposeful, as Kerri Jaffe, President, BEYC International, noted.

“We looked to our history because it was so important to us that people felt that legacy and sense of place when they arrived at the new BEYC,” she said. “We had to find ways to reinvent that so it existed in every element of what we did.”$0

Over 50 years, based on the needs of the clientele and the owner’s vision, the original BEYC had become a rambling nautical village, and the tactical design goal was to preserve that feeling. Recreating the original BEYC perfectly would have been inauthentic, so while inspiration has been lifted from the past, it is noticeable that each structure has a different look and feel through the use of contrasting wood species, color, and mixed materials — old and new — which have succeeded in recapturing that quintessential village feeling and the resort’s salty past.

The new build is hurricane-proof to modern standards and flood-friendly, and the overall layout is compact, which draws people together around cocktails and a multi-dimensional dining experience: grab coffee and pastries (all handcrafted onsite) to go at the Bitter End Barista or enjoy casual dining inside at The Buoy Room. The Reef Sampler brings together boats, beaches, and bars … right on the beach. A boat-turned-bar constructed from a salvaged hull raised from the North Sound following Irma, The Reef Sampler is just one of many recycled details incorporated into the reconstruction.

Likewise, décor in The Clubhouse Restaurant, which offers open-air dining and incredible views of the North Sound, has been recovered from hurricane debris adding to its rustic-with-a-touch-of-nautical elegance in keeping with its origins; The Clubhouse was possibly the earliest bar in the North Sound, built by Bitter End’s first proprietor as a spot for yachties to stop by for cocktails and a meal.

“Everything hanging on the gallery wall in The Clubhouse survived the storm,” Jaffe said. “As a steward of the seas and the community that surrounds the resort through the Bitter End Foundation, it was mission critical to the owners that we kept the environmental footprint as small as possible. We really foraged, we upcycled and recycled every scrap of material we could including timber, large-scale beams, we crushed all of the concrete for reuse. Among the debris, we found pieces of BEYC history — room signage, directional signage, photography, portholes, which was so special and we knew these elements would connect the old with the new.”

Presently, the resort has just two stunning Marina Lofts — the first over-the-water bungalows in the BVI — available for overnight stays on the island. The rebuild plan intended first to establish dining and recreation amenities to host the boating community, many of whom stay aboard private vessels. The long-term plan, says Jaffe, is a 22-room boutique hotel, six Marina Lofts, hillside cottages, duplex cottages for large groups, and, for the first time, six beach “shacks,” which will be located to the north of the watersports center.

Boating guests are enjoying the new marina with its wider slips and dockage layout customized to accommodate boats of all sizes and shapes, including multihulls, and the anchorage option via any one of 72 mooring balls. The BVI has long been recognized as the watersport playground of the Caribbean and nowhere better than from the Bitter End is it possible to sail, kiteboard, wingfoil, windsurf, SUP, or fish. The BEYC’s watersports center offers rental gear, and instructors are at hand. Bonus: boaters are welcome to use the club showers; charge is $3 for those who aren’t club guests. Anyone taking a lesson at the watersports center can shower for free.

Many of the staff at BEYC have been part of the fabric of BEYC history for years through their parents and their grandparents, notes marketing manager Ellinor Walters Donlan, who resides part-time at BEYC. She attributes much of the success of the rejuvenation of the BEYC to its team.

“These are the people that brought the spirit back to the property for us, not how the buildings looked but how the resort felt. We want people to feel that spirit and feel like part of our family because that’s part of the magic that brings people back. We have an absolutely gorgeous location and one of the best places to play on the water in the world but the way BEYC makes people feel is unique.”

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Rebuilding Paradise: The Bitter End Yacht Club’s Inspiring Comeback

By: Shannon Sinnard Destinations

Nestled at the northeastern tip of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, the Bitter End Yacht Club has long been a premier maritime destination for sailors. For years, this iconic resort has drawn seafarers from around the globe, offering a serene escape amidst the sparkling waters of the Caribbean.

While the term “bitter end” often refers to the final part of a rope or chain, the phrase can also signify reaching the farthest point or the end destination of a long or difficult journey. The founders of the Bitter End Yacht Club chose this name to reflect both its geographical location and the spirit of adventure and perseverance inherent to sailors. For those who navigate to this end-of-the-line point, the BEYC stands as a haven where their journey culminates in beauty and tranquility. And, for many, it has long stood as a cherished traditional stop when exploring the waters of the BVI.

A Legendary Past, a Devastating Blow

In more recent years, the Bitter End’s name has embodied not only a physical destination but also a symbolic one. The iconic BEYC experienced a devastating blow in September 2017 when Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes in history, wreaked havoc on the Caribbean, leaving the Bitter End Yacht Club in ruins. The devastation was profound, with buildings flattened, boats destroyed, and the once-thriving resort reduced to rubble.

While many Bitter End enthusiasts were devastated to hear of the destruction Hurricane Irma left in her wake, the iconic Bitter End Yacht Club kept its loyal fans updated via its website , detailing both the damage and community efforts to rebuild this beloved BVI institution.

Rising from the Ashes

Having now been rebuilt and risen from the devastation of Hurricane Irma, the Bitter End’s name resonates even more with the idea of enduring and overcoming challenges – much like the sailors who venture to the farthest reaches to get there.

After the storm, the Bitter End Yacht Club faced a long and arduous journey to recovery. But the spirit of resilience and determination among its community never wavered. Fast forward to today, and the Bitter End Yacht Club has not only been rebuilt but has been reimagined, standing as a testament to the power of recovery and the adventurous spirit that made it famous.

A New Era for the Bitter End Yacht Club

The reopening of the Bitter End Yacht Club marks a new chapter in its storied history. The rebuilt resort seamlessly blends the charm and character of its past with modern amenities and environmentally friendly practices. Here’s a glimpse of what visitors can now expect:

State-of-the-Art Marina

The heart of the Bitter End experience, the marina, has been meticulously restored and upgraded, offering deep-water slips that can accommodate yachts up to 200 feet, along with enhanced dockside services. Sailors can enjoy top-notch amenities including electrical hook-ups, fuel, ice, showers, rubbish disposal, and laundry facilities. Additionally, guests have access to the resort’s swimming pool. The BEYC also boasts one of the best deep-water anchorages in the Caribbean, providing many of the same amenities as the docking facilities.

Culinary Delights

Dining at the Bitter End is an experience in itself. The resort’s restaurants feature locally sourced ingredients, celebrating Caribbean flavors with a gourmet twist. Whether it’s a casual beachside meal or an elegant dinner under the stars, the culinary offerings are sure to delight every palate.

Adventure and Exploration

For those with a thirst for adventure, the resort offers a wide range of water sports, including sailing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, and snorkeling. Guests can explore the vibrant coral reefs, embark on a deep-sea fishing expedition, or simply enjoy a leisurely paddle around the bay.

Environmental Stewardship

The Bitter End Yacht Club has embraced sustainability as a core principle in its rebuilding efforts. The resort utilizes renewable energy sources, practices water conservation, and is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the BVI. Initiatives such as coral reef restoration and marine conservation programs are integral to its operations, ensuring that the Bitter End remains a pristine paradise for future generations.

A Bright Future

From its storied past to its recent resurgence, the Bitter End Yacht Club is more than just a return to business; it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and the indomitable spirit of the BVI. As it welcomes back old friends and new, the Bitter End promises to once again be the ultimate retreat for those who seek the thrill of the open sea and the tranquility of an island paradise in one of the most breathtaking locations on earth.

BRINGING BACK THE BITTER END

AN INSIDE SAILING EDITION WEBINAR • HOSTED BY PETER ISLER

Join Richard and Lauren Hokin as they reminisce about the Bitter End Yacht Club’s past and discuss its exciting reopening as “Bitter End 2.0” after Hurricane Irma.

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS A CRUISING GUIDE

The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands is filled with detailed charts of the various anchorages, supported with colorful aerial photography in addition to piloting, anchoring and shoreside information. The Island Connections sections provide valuable telephone, email and website information to make finding island businesses, services and restaurants effortless. Additionally, the guide includes a free, fold-out color 27” x 17” planning chart covering the British and U.S. Virgin Islands.

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WATERPROOF CHART

Printed on two sides this new chart includes the U.S. & B.V.I. from St. Thomas to Anegada, including anchorage and mooring locations as well as GPS coordinates, sailing routes and distances between waypoints. Excellent for the cockpit and attractive enough to hang on the wall when you get home.

This planning chart is a duplicate of the one you receive in the guide with the exception of being waterproof.

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Yachting Q&A: Bitter End Yacht Club Returns

By Yachting Staff
March 18, 2022

It’s no secret that Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands is a bucket list destination for most sailors and yacht lovers. Most have probably been there! When Irma hit in 2017, the future of Bitter End was unknown, but now, five years later, Bitter End is BACK and ready to welcome sea-farers once more! Yachting’s Patrick Sciacca sat down with Bitter End owners Richard and Lauren Hokin to get the full scoop on the property’s nostalgic history, rebuilding story, and all of the new improvements that have recently been completed and are still on the horizon. Check out the video for the full inside look. To learn more about Bitter End Yacht Club, visit beyc.com .

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The sea beckons. Adventure calls. Bitter End is back.

For over half a century, Bitter End Yacht Club has been world-renowned for its sense of adventure, love of the water, appreciation for nature, and dedication to friends and family.

Our island outpost was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017, but no storm could extinguish the Bitter End spirit. Supported by a tight-knit community spread across the globe, we salvaged everything we could to build back Bitter End better than ever. We are excited to share our newly imagined nautical village with you.

We’ve got several exceptional drinking and dining venues that still harness the same spirit expected of the North Sound’s oldest watering hole. Enjoy hyper-local Caribbean flavors in the heart of our village while overlooking the best views in the BVI.

All of our wares are custom-made by us (and a selection of top-notch pals) to be enjoyed by anyone who carries a love for the sea in their veins. We hope you reach for our provisions whenever you’re ashore or at sea anywhere in the world.

Bitter End would not be Bitter End without watersports. At Bitter End, you can master diving, sailing, windsurfing, or kiteboarding with help from the Bitter End Crew. Or just take a Whaler out for snorkeling and beach combing.

SLEEP OVER THE WATER

You can’t get closer to the sea than when sleeping in our new Marina Lofts. Inspired by vintage sail lofts, you can step off your swim ladder right into the Caribbean Sea. Experience the BVI’s only over-the-water bungalows—a magical maritime escape.

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"The place to stay" in "the most beautiful place on earth."

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OUR ALL-NEW MARINA

Built by sailors for sailors, our state-of-the-art marina and mooring field is second to none in the Caribbean. Plus, the Quarterdeck Club refit has resulted in a one-of-a-kind, open-air locale perfect for rum punches, sunset views and celebrations of all stripes.