My wife and are are contemplating a charter to the SVI, likely in July from either STT or Fajardo, and any guidance you can provide will be appreciated. I already have the Pavlidis guide (2nd edition) and have been doing some reading.Some questions that come to mind are:

Any general comments on starting from Fajardo vs STT. We have taken boats from CYOA in the past and had great experiences with them. It seems that from either one, there is a lengthy leg dead into the wind, though maybe a bit shorter from Fajardo to Culebra at the start than from Culebra to STT on the return.

Besides Esperanza on Vieques and Dewey/Dakity on Culebra, are there any other places to get minor provisions and ice? I know that there are no facilities for water or fuel outside of Fajardo. Both the Moorings and Sail Caribe say they are "working on this" but being the Caribbean...

It seems that this is a quiet area where one can chill. Are there any local restaurants/bars at other bays besides these areas?

Any suggestions for "must do's", as well as "don't bothers" for this area.

If chartering from STT, for the return, it is better to leave from the eastern end of Vieques (longer distance) and hope for a bit of a southeasterly, or just to go straight from Culebra/Culebrita and plow forward. We have been to the VI 20+ times at various times of the year and the lighter winds in the summer months should help.

Thanks in advance for your inputs.

Thanks,

Bob