Twoplates,
I meant to reply to your post in the SXM forum but didn't get to it quick enough. I've posted a few posts on the SXM forum related to bareboat sailing around SXM.
Search the SXM forum for DesertWinds over the last 5 years. As you noted, there isn't as much bareboat chatter on the SXM forum as the BVI forum. So, only two or three threads come up. They're easy to read thru and get some good info.

You'll have the ability to get around quicker, but I wouldn't push it. There's plenty to do on SXM, St Barts and Anguilla. You might want to look at going out to the remote islands north of Anguilla. They look interesting. Also, keep in mind my posts were pre-Irma. Much has changed.

We're heading to the BVI in May of 2019. Can't wait.