[jnunnink]

I am thinking of a similar trip..leaving either rhode island or south to either the USVI or st martin in the late fall. I have had the chance to sail offshore from marsh harbor to newport...that trip has the gulfstream with you and we used Herb for the weather (with mixed to poor results - he is better for trawlers than sailboats in my opinion)...several options are available for your trip..one is to do it solo..or you can join a cruising rally..or several boats can hook up this way...if others are interested this would be your best bet in my opinion...also, I live on lake champlain so if you use that waterway to get to nyc than let me know..I have a mooring you can use for a short time...good luck - chris