Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your replies.

I was sort of unsure about this idea, but I'm feeling much more positive about it now that I've read all your comments. I think heading first to Cape Town and taking it from there sounds like a plan. As Linda said, I hopefully should be able to hook up with some other travellers in the hostel when I get there.

I'm *hoping* to get on a yacht delivery from Cape Town back to Tortola, so all-in-all it would be the perfect way to spend my long summer vacation...

I'll definitely let you all know how (if) it goes!!

Annie