Hey there!
My daughter and I leave for our trip tomorrow, wasn’t sure if you would be able to go due to the fact my dad and grandma have been in the hospital. We booked accommodations last minute and won’t check into our place on St. John until Monday. We fly into St. Thomas tomorrow afternoon and I’m wondering if anyone can tell me if the ferries are running to Tortola? Was thinking we might go there and spend the weekend there before going to St. John on Monday. Any other advice on islands to visit or suggestions appreciated. Thank you!

A few years ago I probably wouldn't ask this question but so much has changed that I think the question is appropriate now. Plus we're staying for two weeks this time so a day trip will be easier to fit into the 'schedule'. We love beaches (hence our love of SXM) and exploring different places.

I have always wanted to go to Anguilla but with the hurricane damage and the recent beach bars fires I am not sure if I if its worth a try.

Saba has always interested my wife and I, but she is much more interested in St. Barts.

What do others think and why?

My group will be returning in August. We have been 1-2x per year for the last 15 or so years. As captain, each visit I challenge myself just a bit to become more accomplished and/or discover new locations for the enjoyment of myself and my crew. I have always avoided Eustatia (even though not specifically redlined) as it has been advertised as "dangerous" for those not very familiar with the water. I have spent some time exploring with the dink and carefully scanned the waters during our last trip to ONB on the water taxi (the channel markers are great all the way to the resort). Needless to say I can't help to think we are missing out by leaving Eustatia Sound off our itinerary. With the aid of good maps, weather and several sets of experienced eyes I see no reason to avoid this area on my next visit. Since the North Sound attractions are not as abundant as they once were and ONB will be on the itinerary again next month, I was considering an overnight in the sound and perhaps motoring up to the resort proper and even attempting a northern entrance to the sound. I will heed any advice offered and always proceed with the utmost caution to protect vessel and crew.

This story

was in the St. Maarten paper about the Beef Island crash. Perhaps it was an engine failure, as the plane was supposedly outbound when it crashed.

What is the status of it , any idea when it will be open

Just coming to the end of a week long trip around the islands. We had 3 cats out of TMM, 2x450s and a 42 and all were very well prepared as usual. Cant say enough good things about TMM. We had one issue between the 3 boats which needed a chase boat - fixing a broken lazy jack line on the mast - and it was taken care of without any disruption to the trip.

There were 21 of us onboard the three vessels. Crews were of all ages, and we had a mixture of eating ashore and onboard.

Our route was simple - we took in Cooper (love the Rum Bar and the Micro Brewery in its new post IRMA space) and the Baths. Next day we sailed up to North Sound and the adults in the group had dinner in the restaurant in Leverick Bay, while the teens took in the more casual restaurant down below... and that worked out well.

Next was a trip to the Dogs, and a visit to the new place for the Willy T in Great Harbor on Peter Island. Willy T was quiet - not surprising for mid week - but we were able to generate some good times, and then the next day we went over to JVD for a visit to Sandy Cay, and overnight in Great Harbor there and dinner in Foxys. They catered a table for 21 of us with no hassle at all - and the food was great.

Next day we went around to White bay for a visit to the Soggy Dollar, and then sailed up to Norman Island for the last night onboard, before checking back into TMM.

Great weather week - a few squalls now and then but nothing severe. Good 16-19 kts steady easterly breeze throughout. Seas were slight, moderate some days. With several teens and younger onboard we prioritized snorkeling spots; Great Dog and the Caves at Norman Island were the favorites. Overall we had a great time. The first time I have done a 'flotilla' trip and it was well worth the planning and effort to bring it together.

We returned to the island once again and can't say enough about the great people of Sint Maarten and St Martin. We rented a Nissan Versa from Lesley Bruce at Kenny's Car Rental. I agree with all the positive comments about Kenny's Car Rental and Leslie Bruce, but I want to add one more very important one. I left my phone in the car. I realized it after checking my bags at departures. I immediately turned around and Leslie was there with my phone. He actually went to departures, obtained permission to enter the departures area, went past security, and returned my phone to me. I couldn't believe it. There is no way anyone would do this for you anywhere else. Leslie is amazing. He provides great service even to the point of chasing me down to return my phone. I can't say enough good things about Kenny's Car Rental. Thank you Leslie!

IF Club Orient was NOT there and it was a French Beach with Clothing Optional section but no resort... Would you go to SXM?

Typically many restaurant close sometime between August-October. This year may be the exception to the rule.
I'm planning to reach out to our favorites and will post their replies.

People have been great about posting things that are opening. A couple that I havent heard yet. Is the Windrift bar (the boat bar on Airport beach) open? Are they planning to reopen? How about the rib shacks at the end of Grand Case? Karakter? We are set to come in January so I hope there will be even more openings by then. Thanks again for you guys on the island keeping us up to date.