Top 5 Things To Know About the Willy T Floating Bar
#1 - It is actually the THIRD Willy T
If you have visited the Willy T on previous sailing vacations in the British Virgin Islands you may notice something a little different. This is actually the third Willy T that was built after the second vessel sank after Hurricane Irma in 2017.
The very first Willy T was opened in 1989 and was a wooden Baltic Trader ship. in 1995 the ship was lost when a leak occurred. But the owners were up and running again the following year when the second Willy T was reopened in 1996.
The new Willy T is true to its previous layouts but with a very noticeable upgrade. Including a brand new kitchen which brings us to #2!
#2 - It is some of the best food in the Islands
Usually bar food is not at the top of someone’s list as a favorite, but Willy-T is the exception. Most people on their sailing vacations in the British Virgin Islands put Willy T as one of their favorite lunch or dinner location. They have daily specials with fresh caught fish and have bar staples such as cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches. So if you are looking to get off the yachts and have food somewhere else, this is the place to do it.
On the other side of the ship you will find a fully stock bar with good music and good drinks. If you are nice to the bartenders they may even let you play your own music! Make sure not to leave the Willy T without having their painkiller drink and doing a traditional “ski shot.”
#3 - You can dive the Willy T that sunk during Hurricane Irma
On August 7th, 2019 Beyond The Reef successfully sunk the Willy T in Key Bay, Peter Island. The boat is at a total depth of 65 feet and the highest point of the boat being only 35 feet. The wreck can be seen on your sailing vacation by either snorkeling or scuba diving. The organization that sunk the boat recommends diving for a truly unique experience.
#4 - Jumping off the top is a tradition
No sailing vacation is complete in the British Virgin Islands without jumping off the Willy T. If you have the guts to jump off the ship, head upstairs on the vessel and step over the railing. The owners have built a platform to help people get distance from the vessel to safely jump off.
#5 - It is back in its original location!
If you visited the Willy-T after hurricane Irma, you may have visited the Willy T when it was forced to move between Norman Island and Peter Island. This is because the BVI government made Willy-T move and it was unclear where Willy T would eventually be allowed to settle. There were rumors between Jost Van Dyk, Peter Island and even leaving the British Virgin Islands completely.
However, this issue was settle this year when the BVI government in a press release stated, “The public is hereby notified that effective July 1, 2019, the ‘Willy T’ floating restaurant and bar will be relocated to its original location anchored off The Bight near Norman Island, following a decision by the Government of the Virgin Islands. The relocation is dependent on the ability of the owners of the new Willy T vessel to meet various environmental, health and safety criteria.”
So if you are planning to visit the Willy-T during your sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands, plan on seeing it at Norman Island!