I'm just wondering...

Not that I'm condoning the behavior of potentially abusive officials, but if a U.S. flagged vessel must check in with customs upon entering the BVI, then wouldn't it have made sense to leave Anegada early enough to ensure a timely entry into the appropriate BVI port of call? It's a 3+ hour sail from Anegada to Spanish Town, so departing by 9:00 am would have afforded plenty of time to check in and then reach one's desired anchorage. If these officials are truly resorting to extortion, then I would think one's options would be to plan effectively, allow sufficient time to comply with regulations, or to avoid the BVI altogether.