We are chartering a Sunsail 38 monohull down in Tortola in a couple of weeks and are having a bit of trouble correlating the marine forecast swell conditions to what folks are referring to as "bad" northerly swells. It's our 5th trip, but first in the high season, so it looks like swells affect where we are going to have comfortable anchorages. In the past we've really just planned our itinerary on wind direction to avoid beating to wind on vacation (we do plenty of that at home at the PHRF races!).

That being said, I do remember folks surfing stand up boards at the entrance of the channel of Cane Garden Bay! I suppose that's what is meant by "wrap around" swells?

Is it mostly wave height, or a combination of height and period? One meter (3ft) doesn't sound too bad if spaced far enough apart, but looking for some salty advice here based on the vulnerable anchorages. Also high season means dropping the hook more often, so would want less stress on the anchorage watch.

Sites with swell forecasts: (feel free to suggest others, or good phone apps)

http://www.myweather2.com/Marine/Global-Marinas/British-Virgin-Islands/Moorings-Marina.aspx
https://www.windy.com/18.425/-64.662/waves?waves,2020-02-23-21,18.397,-64.669,13,m:ebUaenj

Thanks!