POSITION 18:23.19N 64:42.17W SOPERS HOLE

Aurelia
Shirley and Michael Webb-Speight
Mon 12 Feb 2007 01:47
We said a sad farewell to our American family in St Thomas about 2 hours ago and we are now back in the BVIs at the Pussers Rum bar checking email.
We had such a great time with them and I have to say I hope my daughter is as delightful as Lauren when she is 16 turning 17!
Lauren was great - no dramas, tried everything - e.g. going over the side, up the mast, under the water - and even tried vegemite!
Anne of course is one of our favorite people. we have made plans to meet up in 2008 in Hawaii - assuming we have made some money by then!
Georgie was her wonderful self and Doc was amazing - he of course was into everything and talked non stop - but loved the snorkeling especially!

We spent the day with them going to St Thomas in the USVI on the ferry. On arrival we had a very positive discussion with the nice man at immigration about the visa waiver programme and how to bring the boat in.
What we learned was that having gone into the US on a licensed carrier (the ferry) we now have a 90 day visa under the visa waiver programme and can return to the USA waters with our boat whenever we want within that time. Of course we will need to clear in as usual but the visa thing is sorted. We also need to remember to return the visas within that time if we don't go back, otherwise they will assume we have overstayed. it seems very simple but we found it impossible to resolve prior to coming here and checking it out ourselves. This was exactly what Jason and Jo told us in Palma, but have heard many other versions, however they were right. Thanks guys!

Our impressions of the USVI - lots of lovely bays to anchor in - a little less busy that then BVI's in that respect. LOTS of shops housing developments and hotels - very Americana in the main town of Charlotte Amalie. We are quite interested to take the boat there as it doubles the size of the cruising area available to us - and we think if we are spending any significant time around here we may need that!

We made it back here just on sunset and arrived to an empty boat. There is quite a vacuum when the boat goes from 9 to 5 people and we do miss em Yankees!