[JohnYates]

My group of usual suspects did the trip and found it more of a challenge. Much more blue water sailing. The diehards loved it, the novices would have preferrred the BVI. The chefs loved the French cuisine at St Barts. But, I found the customs officials very rude. Everyone loved the Mini-mokes. We watched the Cowboys whoop the Stealers in Super Bowl (X something) and never had so much fun. An international crowd, watching the Americans watching football. It was crazy. Anyway, it''s not the party circuit like the BVI. But it''s a great experience and will round out your sailing palet and give a springboard for other sailing adventures. Since you''re considering alternatives, check into sailing in Greece. As for sailing challenge/skill required, it falls between VI and the Leewards. The people are great and you can visit cultural icons that mark the virtual beginnings of modern civilization. And you''d be hard pressed to spend $15 for dinner. I''ve been there twice now. Next November I''ve booked a trip from St Vincent to Martinique. I''ve gotten some feedback from this site that suggests I should have booked a one way from St Vincent to Grenada. It looks a little rough and I''ve been forewarned about the boat boys.