We will be leaving from Sopers Hole in July. Any preference with sailing clockwise vs counterclockwise?

really doesn't matter, where do want to go first?

We are flexible. Just seems like most folks go counterclockwise. Didn't know if winds, waves, current made any difference. We will have a couple of kids who have never sailed, and just looking for best sail to start out. I read a recent post that mentioned the clockwise was more difficult.

I would plan by where you want to be which night: Foxys Bar B Que Friday or Saturday? Leverick Bar B Que with Jumbies Friday? who's playing at Quintos in Cane Garden Bay? We have not had as many trips as others on this board, but I've only changed plans due to weather once. We peaked out of Sopers one morning and found the wind blowing straight down the channel, lots of squalls and seas 4 feet. We bailed out to White bay on Jost and came back up the North side of Tortola the next day. Have a tentative plan and adjust. You will not see all you want to see anyway. If you find a spot you really like, stay longer

The waves are typically more settled in July than in December/January, so the direction isn't as important. In the windy season the preferred direction is counterclockwise since that puts the upwind portions inside the Sir Francis Drake channel where you are somewhat more sheltered than on the north side of Tortola.

We always go clockwise in the summer. However, as stated, it's should be based on what you want to do.

We never plan more than a few hours in advance anymore. Way too much hassle and disappointment with any plan made by one person for a large group.

If Anegada or even North Sound is on the wish list? We head that direction as far as we can go on the first good weather window when the crew is up for moving the boat. From Anegada or North Sound we work our way downhill when the mood striked the entire crew. If it is flat calm? Then I will likely move the boat to North Sound or Anegada before most the crew wakes up on the first morning. We no longer grow crashing upwind on vacation. The great news about the VI there is always someplace to go downwind. Or you can just stay where you are another day. There are no bad places in the BVI/VI.