Charter and privately owned boats that had been moored in the hurricane hole at Tortola's Paraquita Bay are stacked on top of each other following the passage of the devastatingly strong Hurricane Irma.

Glenn Ashmore photo

It has been days since Hurricane Irma, the largest hurricane recorded in the Atlantic Ocean, barreled over parts of the Caribbean and into Florida, leaving a wake of destruction in its path.

The hurricane took its toll on St. Bart, St. Martin, Barbuda before going directory over parts of the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, home to the main concentration of charter boat fleets in the Caribbean. 

With ongoing power outages, lack of running water and, in some cases, utter devastation, it has been difficult for charter companies and boat owners to assess the extent of the damage. Even if charter boats were spared, it will be some time before marinas and services will be back online.

Several companies have started funds to assist their employees and there are several other funds that have been created to assist with much-needed recovery efforts in the hardest hit areas.

Here is a list of funds that have been set up to aid Caribbean recovery efforts*:

• American Sailing Association’s Hurricane Relief Fund for affected sailing industry professionals
• BVI Immediate Relief Fund
• Anegada Relief Fund
• Virgin Gorda & Bitter End Yacht Club Staff Irma Relief Fund
• The Moorings and Sunsail Employee Relief Fund
• US Virgin Islands Recovery Fund
• Caribbean Tourism Recovery Fund
• Regatta Reach Out Recovery Fund for Jost Van Dyke/Anegada
• Jost Van Dyke Humanitarian Aid Fund in conjunction with the Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society
• Conch Charters staff fund
• TMM Tortola staff fund
• Horizon Yacht Charters BVI staff fund

If you have information about other funds that should be added to this list, please send them to general@sailingmagazine.net

* SAILING Magazine does not endorse any particular fund. We encourage donors to research before giving.