Warm greetings from chilly Indiana. We are headed down on January 14 for an 8 day charter through CYOA (as always) and are looking into a few days in the SVI. Does anyone have any recommendations for useful resources; specifically relating to navigational charts and general touring information (where to go, what to see, good anchorages, etc..)?

Hey Shifty - we loved the SVIs. I put a cruising guide up on our website after our trip last fall. Hope it helps and have fun!

https://yachtwarriors.com/sailing-in-puerto-rico-spanish-virgin-islands-cruising-guide/

Here's also the trip report I posted on TTOL:
https://www.traveltalkonline.com/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/261829/Searchpage/1/Main/36051/Words/%2BSVI+%2Btrip+%2Breport/Search/true/svi-trip-report.html#Post261829

We have done this several times from St. Thomas and enjoyed it. I strongly suggest you get the Pavlidis Cruise Guide to Puerto Rico and a chart. I do not recall if CYOA provides these or not. They also had some other requirements so you may wish to check with them.

If you are only going for a few days, I would just go to Culebra. Regardless, you will need to check in with Puerto Rico customs either by phone, or possibly using CPB Roam. You do not have to check back in to the USVI on the return. Be aware that at this time of year, the northern anchorages, Tortuga on Culebrita and Flamenco on Culebra may not be a good idea if there is a north swell. Other options would be Dewey, Dakity, or Almodovar. There are moorings in a few places but I suggest you check the depth before picking one up as a number of them are in very shallow water.

It is also likely that the trip back to St. Thomas will be a slog motoring into the wind for the better part of a day. If the wind comes up to 20 knots or so, your crew may hate you. If you go to Vieques, on the return from Esperanza you will motor east for about 10 miles before you can head to STT. Again, in the winter months if there is a northeast fetch to the wind it will be a long day motoring as well.

Another option if you have a reasonable wind/sea forecast could be to go to St. Croix (Christiansted). From the south side of St. John it is a reach both down and back.

Matt W, thanks for pointing me to your guide. Very helpful resource.

Tothedogs, Great insights and suggestions. I ordered the Pavilidis guide today.

Thanks to you both!

Shoot me an email at jay@cyoacharters.com I can send you what I have.

Jay

Wondering how you made out Shifty ? Did you get to SVI? If so would love your thoughts on the highlights . Looking at doing some time there in March

We did end up going and spent 2 nights. When we arrived at Ensenada Honda on Culebra, I called the number for Puerto Rico tourism. The very nice lady I spoke with said to keep our COVID documents handy and to have a good time.
Stayed on a ball in Mosquito Bay the first night and on anchor close to town the second night. On the second day we rented golf carts and explored the island and the town. Great time. Flamenco Beach was terrific.