Charter a yacht in the Caribbean, and you'll inevitably come across an array of intriguing and enigmatic characters. People who march to their own beat, who’ve shunned conventionalism and who’ve managed to create a little corner of heaven in some of the remotest corners of our globe.  People without whom a particular destination would simply lose a little of its shine. Foxy, owner of Foxy’s Bar on Jost Van Dyke is one of those people. Foxy is at home in the British Virgin Islands, but it would be more apt to say that the BVIs are at home with Foxy. From the moment you take one barefooted step in his beach bar, you get the distinct impression that this man with a beaming smile, colorful garb, and a ready tune has changed the landscape of Jost Van Dyke. This tiny speck of an island, just 3.5 square miles in total, is home to Foxy, his gorgeous wife Tessa, and about 298 other blissfully happy souls. And why would they be anything but elated? They get to live on an idyllic BVI gem 365 days a year, wear no shoes, are serenaded by Foxy and can savor his wicked Firewater Rum every day! Philicianno "Foxy" Callwood has been entertaining yacht charter guests in the BVIs – and quenching their thirst - for almost half a century. He’s not just a well-known and beloved character, but he has been officially recognized as an absolute icon of the BVI. So much so, in fact, that the CYBA (Charter Yacht Brokers Association) just inducted Foxy into the prestigious Charter Yacht Hall of Fame. On the 6^th of December 2015, in Antigua, Foxy officially joined a long list of rather illustrious personalities, from all corners of the globe, who have positively impacted the yacht charter industry over the decades. Our very own Trish Cronan, CYBA Past President and President of Ocean Getaways, couldn’t think of a more deserving person. “I first met Foxy in 1980. He welcomed me into his bar by asking where I was from. Upon hearing the answer, he burst into an impromptu, perfectly rhymed song about my home state of Massachusetts! His wit and gift of the gab are pure genius.”  Trish has returned to Foxy’s time and again, this being one of her favorite stop-overs on BVI yacht charters.

Tessa Callwood, Brad Lavigne of Ocean Getaways, Foxy, and Trish Cronan of Ocean Getaways

  “I once asked him if it was possible to book out his bar for a private corporate charter group, and he replied ‘How could I tell anyone that they cannot come to Foxy’s because it’s private?”  Thankfully, he has since added on the “Upper Crust” - an open-air function room for staging private parties – but his reaction was a testament to the fact that his most fervent passion is making people feel totally at home. Foxy is always open and ever-welcoming.

The legend that spans across the oceans

Although Foxy is a  BVI legend, his reputation and fame have sailed across oceans. In 2009, he was appointed a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, thanks to his numerous philanthropic activities. Rumor has it that when he went to London to accept his award, he even wore shoes, although we could never independently confirm this report. Foxy is often credited with spearheading the phenomenal yacht charter industry in the BVIs. His legendary New Year’s Eve party, which he calls ‘Old Year’s Night Celebration’ is one of the most coveted events in the region – there are return visitors who book yacht charters years in advance just to attend his soiree. That’s the kind of pull Foxy has. Not that you’d ever know it by talking to him: this would have to be one of the most amiable individuals you’ll ever meet, anywhere. His sincere smile and joie de vivre are infectious beyond words and his bar is one of the most delightful places you could ever visit on any yacht charter adventure.

Come meet Foxy!

To enjoy a taste of Foxy’s Freshwater Rum, simply charter a luxury yacht in the BVI and cast off for Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke, only 5 miles north-west of Tortola. Indulge in some amazing food and rum mixes, shop in Tessa’s boutique and spend your days enjoying this incredibly divine corner of the British Virgin Islands. Feel free to leave your shoes at home!