[WHOOSH]

TMC, I''d start by reading the Caribbean Compass (http://www.caribbeancompass.com/) and All At Sea (http://www.allatsea.net/) thoroughly, most especially the ads. I''d follow up where the ad suggests construction activity is planned or underway - you often see new marinas, slipways, etc. being announced when the work is months away. I think you''ll need to subscribe to the actual publications vs. just using the web sites, but you''ve got the time and they can be sent USPS First Class.

Also, I''d encourage you to start building a network of USVI contacts, accepting invitations like Waternut extended. Talking to folks already there is essential, from what I can tell, altho'' being there is preferred. Emailing and phone conversations might produce some info not otherwise well distributed, and which you can follow up on.

Finally, my own impression is that things are slow there post-9/11. I''d encourage you to expand your consideration to include Puerto Rico, where much more economic activity goes on, where cruising sailors don''t seem to struggle to find work (at least at the E end of the island), and where the U.S. infrastructure''s benefits is even more at hand...along with the offshore tax advantages.

Jack