Our group of 4 couples is chartering a F/P Saona over 8 days/nights at the end of February with VIYC in St Thomas. Several months ago, I asked for some advice on this forum from those who had experience sailing to St Croix, Culebra & Vieques. With the impact of COVID-19 on the BVI and greater attention being given to the USVI, I thought it would be worth revisiting the topic - hopeful of some recent reports. If conditions (both weather and covid restrictions) are favorable, our float plan has been to spend the 1st overnight at Water Island or Brewers Bay, then on to Culebra for two nights at Ensenada Hondo with a day trip to Culebrita in between. Next to Vieques for two nights then sail to Christiansted, St Croix. This Vieques - St Croix leg is my biggest question. I'm a bit concerned about the angle here, compounded by the leeway and current, particularly since our preference would be to sail to Christiansted versus the alternate of the west end of STX. It looks like it should be "doable" on a single tack as long as the wind is north of east. However, if the wind was directly east or a bit south of east, the course would be problematic and require motorsailing to hold the course or having to head for Fredericksted. The idea behind this plan is to avoid the Culebra to St Thomos dead upwind beat. St Croix would be a night in the Green Cay Marina and hopefully one night anchored at Buck Island which we are working on. Last night would be at Lind Point, St John for its proximity to Cruz Bay for dinner and short distance to Compass Point Marina to return the boat the next morning. We will be completely prepared to go to plans B, C or D, depending on conditions and restrictions - including spending the entire time hanging around St John and St Thomas if need be. More recently, the idea of a clockwise route has become more attractive - STT - St John - STX - Vieques - Culebra - STT. We would know in advance to expect a beating from Culebra to St Thomas but the long legs would be pleasant reaches. I would be very interested in any advice on the topic. I would also love any current information on the status of Vieques and Culebra with respect to Covid. Finally, if the clockwise route wins out and our arrival in Puerto Rico / SVI is Vieques, are we able to clear in on ROAM there or are we required to clear in at Culebra.
