Reservation Request
|
The British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands consist of a chain of approximately 60 scarcely inhabited islands and cays. The Virgin Islands were first settled by the South American Arawak around 100BC, although there is some evidence to suggest of an Amerindian presence dating back to as early as 1500BC.
The first European sighting of the Virgin Islands was by Christopher Columbus in 1493 on his second voyage to the Americas. Columbus dubbed the islands "Islas Virgenes," or Virgin Islands, to honor the pristine and untouched beauty of St. Ursula and the 11,000 virgins who followed her to martyrdom. Since then, the Virgin Islands have been occupied by Dutch, Spanish, Danish, French and British settlers.
The islands were annexed to the United Kingdom in 1672, becoming The British Virgin Islands, or BVI, and the English quickly set up plantations to grow cotton and sugar. By the end of the 18th century, sugar, molasses, and rum were the BVI's main exports. Today - thanks to tourism, offshore banking and financial services-the BVI boasts of one of the most stable economies of the Caribbean.
Saba Rock
Saba Rock Resort, as it exists today, opened its doors for business in May of 1999 after approximately two years of construction. The resort was designed by BVI architect Paul Wattley and built by local craftsman. Prior to that, the island was owned for over 30 years by BVI diving legend, Bert Kilbride.
Bert Kilbride began diving in 1948 and came to the British Virgin Islands in the late 1950's. Over his lifetime, he helped discover over 90+ shipwrecks. In 1967, he was named "Receiver of Wrecks" by Queen Elizabeth. This title allowed him to document and determine authenticity, if possible, of all BVI wrecks for HM government and ensure they were not desecrated. Bert is also famous for inventing SCUBA diving's "resort course" in the 1960's , which is now taught worldwide.
Saba Rock 1972.
In the late 1960's, Bert Kilbride made Saba Rock his home & the base of his dive operation. With so many curious tourists visiting the Rock daily, he decided to open up "The Pirate's Pub" in the early 80's. The bar quickly developed a personality not unlike Bert's – somewhat wild & full of character. The old clan leader would often sit in the bar, adorned with a gold earring and chains dangling Spanish doubloons, regaling the tourists with sea stories and tales of buried treasure.
Saba Rock 1988.
In 1997, Saba Rock was sold and Bert & his wife moved to Florida. Bert's legend & artifacts from his diving adventures are still honored on display for visitors to enjoy in our Nautical Museum.
Bert passed away in 2008 at the age of 93. Up to his passing he was still planning yet another wreck excavation: that of the 55-gun galleon San Ignacio. The vessel was wrecked on the Anegada reefs in 1742. She had a cargo of silver and gold headed for remuneration for the men of the garrisons of Cartagena. This exploration still awaits government approval. Bert is fondly remembered throughout the BVI & around the world. Many visitors still come ashore today to share tall tales of times spent at the old Pirate's Pub with the "last true pirate of the Caribbean".