The triangle from St. Martin to Anguilla to St Barth's is often the next step for those venturing beyond the BVI. Each island has its own personality with plenty to do ashore and nice anchorages.

A one way trip south through the Windwards and Grenadines is another great option. A lot of different anchorages and islands to explore. You'll be in more open water on a couple of the crossings than in the BVI or even the St Martin area. It's not always as fun coming back North, thus the one-way charter.

You will never forget the first time you sail into an atoll, especially if it's Bora Bora. Even if the opening is a quarter mile wide, there's definitely a pucker factor that will having you griping the wheel! We loved sailing Tahiti!

The Cyclades are also great. As much about exploring ashore as it is about sailing. Countless beautiful beaches and all they offer. There are some long sails and if the Meltemi is blowing it can feel like you're sailing in a washing machine. I don't know what it's like these days, when we went, hiring a captain was a must to deal with the Harbor Captains yelling in Greek.

The Sea of Cortez is beautiful the way the desert is. Not much of anything in the way of amenities ashore anywhere. More cruisers than charter boats. Great snorkeling and secluded beaches.

State-side, the Florida Keys can be fun as can cruising San Diego or chartering from Marina del Rey or Redondo to Catalina. Even SF Bay, Seattle/Puget Sound, and Vancouver can be great if you can forgo the tropics!

Once you scratch the surface, there are really countless great cruising grounds to explore!