I agree with Thistle. I just got back from a CYOA charter two days ago. Had nine wonderful days sailing around St. Thomas/John. Even had a sail down to St Croix. It was very nice - good wind, near empty anchorages and wonderful beaches. Wish we didn't have so much sahara sand but it did cut down on the needed sun block! If you are "itching to go" but don't want to take the risk of the BVI being closed it is really no imposition to sail the US side. In fact now that I've spent more time there I'm pretty sure we'll spend less time in the BVI in the future.