So just to clarify - we've always used the ferry and really haven't had any problems, per se. But for a Sat - Sat charter, we assume we need to fly out of Phila on Friday, and after arriving in ST, ferry over to Tortola, then either spend the night on the boat (usually not possible) or in a hotel. We arrange for provisions on Friday, hope for a Sat a.m. briefing, and try to be on our way before noon. We return to the dock on Friday night in order to be sure we can check out, ferry to ST, and arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before our flight (always a nuthouse at that airport). By chartering directly out of ST, we hoped we might be able to arrive in ST and leave the dock on the same day and reverse the process going home - eliminating a "travel day" on the way in and making it an easier day going home.

In terms of repairs, we fix what we can. But our last repairs included a broken windless where we had to haul the anchor up by hand, a propeller that fell off and was lost, and - believe it or not - a windless with some sort of short that spontaneously hauled the anchor back up while we were on our way to shore. My husband happened to look back, saw the boat swinging in the wrong direction, and realized what happened. We were able to race back and board the boat and start the engine before a disaster ensued (this one required a trip back to the Moorings base from Cooper and an afternoon of repair, but at least it was done promptly.) But on our non-Moorings charters we waited in Grand Bay all afternoon as we were instructed for a chase boat than never came. We then waited all the next morning and into the afternoon before the repair team came, and by the time the repair was made, it was too late to sail. A similar wait for a "no-show" chase boat occurred with the lost prop. So we aren't asking for a perfectly functioning boat, just a reliable and prompt repair team.

So the "pros" of leaving from ST may include a day at St John (which isn't too shabby) on our way to the BVI. Thanks to all for your advice - we welcome your thoughts and input