Want the good old BVI days? Consider skipping the BVI and doing the US and Spanish Virgins instead. In 30 years of Caribbean chartering, out of St Thomas, Tortola, St Maarten, Martinique, St Lucia and Canouan, our trip to the SVI 2 years ago is near the top of the list.

St Thomas -> Culebra -> Vieques -> St Croix -> St John -> St Thomas. No ferries. No BB. No crowds. No hassle. Plenty of free FCFS balls and anchoring spots. A sufficient number of decent restaurants. Lots of great sailing. More time on the water instead of rushing for a mooring. True bluewater experience. A watermaker is (almost) mandatory, but they are becoming standard equipment on the newer boats. The USVI forum has a lot of great information.