Well friends, we have great news to share with you all today… The Willy T, the popular floating bar and restaurant over in the British Virgin Islands, is heading home. The British Virgin Islands government announced Thursday that it will, once again, return to its original location in Norman Island. Here is a release straight from the BVI government:
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.
The ‘Willy T’ has been operating in the Virgin Islands for over 35 years providing a unique experience to visitors and locals alike, and has become a very important component of our tourism offerings. The Government of the Virgin Islands expects that the legendary floating restaurant and bar will continue to provide the same level of enjoyment as it has over the years, and for many more years to come in the Territory.
The original vessel, however, which was destroyed by the hurricanes of 2017, will continue to live on as an integral part of our tourism offerings at its new location on the seabed serving as part of the Territory’s artificial reef system. This artificial reef system will also allow diving enthusiasts to continue to enjoy the ‘Willy T’ from an entirely new and different perspective.
Upon its arrival on May 10, 2018, the new vessel was relocated to Great Harbour, Peter Island. However, the Government of the Virgin Islands has decided to allow ‘Willy T’ to relocate to its original location at The Bight, Norman Island.
Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent Wheatley said, “The Marine Estate Policy confers the authority on the Crown and the Crown alone to decide how the seabed is to be used. After studying the matter very carefully we have agreed that this is the best location for the Willy-T”.
I’ve visited the Willy T in Norman Island more times than I can count. 🙂 I’ve yet to get to its new location, so it looks like I will have to check it out there pretty darn soon before it moves home!
That’s all we have for you today. News you can somewhat use! Have a great Friday everyone!
Where is the old Willy T sunken?
Willy T is located about half a mile north of Great Harbour and features another ship nearby, Fearless.
80 ft deep water
Experience level: Advanced
Swells: high
Current: low
Even bribes take island time to work
Happy to have the Willy T back in it’s original location, but anyone else calling BS on that press release?
No idea what the actual reason for the reversal was by the BVI govt, but I’m thinking $$$ was a big factor in swaying hearts and minds.
Regardless, better for those of us who love to do BVI charters. The Norman location was more much more conducive to fitting lots of stops in before having to go back to Customs than the Peter Island one.
Is Zeus still behind the bar?
Will be In St John in November and wondering if there are other options other than an expensive private charter to get to the Willy T. We went last year when it was at Peter Island and have got to do this again!