Norman Island
| Company type | Private island |
|---|---|
| Industry | Tourism |
| Founded | Early 1700s (named after a pirate) |
| Founder | Unknown pirate (traditional attribution) |
| Headquarters | British Virgin Islands , British Virgin Islands |
Area served | Tourism visitors, cruisers |
| Products | Tourist attractions, dining establishments (Pirates Bight, The Club) |
| Owner | Henry Jarecki |
Norman Island lies at the southernmost point of the British Virgin Islands chain. It is frequently cited as one of the islands that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's classic pirate tale Treasure Island.
History
The island's name is traditionally attributed to a pirate who either purchased or leased it during the early 1700s, although concrete documentation supporting this claim is limited.
Norman Island's past is closely linked with pirate treasure lore. In August 1750, a Spanish treasure ship named Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe sought refuge from a storm near the coast of North Carolina. Following a mutiny onboard, the treasure—allegedly consisting of 55 chests filled with silver coins—was transferred to two smaller vessels called bilanders. One of these ships was lost, but Owen Lloyd managed to reach St. Croix, where he disposed of some of the loot before burying the remainder on Norman Island. Lloyd and his crew were subsequently apprehended in St. Eustatius; however, word of the buried treasure spread, leading residents of Tortola to attempt its recovery themselves. Later, Lieutenant-General Gilbert Fleming retrieved part of the treasure and obtained an official decree from acting Lieutenant Governor Abraham Chalwill mandating the return of the treasure, with those involved in its excavation entitled to one-third of the recovered value.
Local folklore tells of a fisherman from a notable family who took shelter in a cave on Norman Island during a storm. After waves shattered rocks into his boat, he reportedly discovered a small chest filled with gold doubloons. Although this story remains unconfirmed and no formal treasure claims have been filed, it coincides with when this family ceased fishing and established retail businesses in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.
Despite ongoing speculation about additional pirate treasure hidden on Norman Island, no official claims have ever been lodged.
Today
Currently uninhabited and under private ownership by Henry Jarecki, Norman Island covers roughly and extends about in length. Its large natural harbour known as The Bight provides one of the most sheltered anchorages available in the region. The island belongs to the "Little Sisters" cluster, which also includes Pelican Island, Peter Island, Salt Island, Dead Chest Island, and Ginger Island. These islands are generally smaller, lower-lying, and drier compared to those situated further north and west.
Norman Island attracts many cruisers and visitors primarily because of three sea-level caves located on the western side of The Bight. These caves provide excellent opportunities for snorkelling, offering an experience similar to a night dive within cliff formations.
Though no permanent human population resides on the island aside from feral goats, it supports two dining establishments: Pirates Bight and The Club. The Willy T, a modern schooner replica that served as a floating bar and restaurant anchored in The Bight, was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. A replacement vessel was constructed; however, in May 2018, the BVI government restricted its anchorage to Great Harbour on nearby Peter Island. The Willy T has since returned to Norman Island waters.
Cultural heritage
Norman Island is widely thought to have served as the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Treasure Island. The timeline depicted in Treasure Island corresponds closely with the period when treasure was recovered from the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe wreck near Norman Island. The island's extensive caves, secluded coves, and shipwreck sites remain popular attractions for visitors and treasure seekers alike, with local tourism businesses actively promoting these features.
Development Partnership with Henry Jarecki
On 22 November 2018, the British Virgin Islands government, led by Orlando Smith, signed a Development Agreement with Audubon Holdings, owned by Henry Jarecki, to transform Norman Island into a luxury residential and tourist destination focused on environmental sustainability.
This collaboration seeks to create a benchmark for responsible development. After securing necessary planning and environmental clearances, the initial stage of construction was projected to begin in 2019.
External links
- Norman Island B.V.I. Sailboat cruising article. 2014. Blue Water Sailing.