USVI anchorage question

[docwood]

Neither of my cruising guides mention Salt, West, or Dutchcap Cays. Navionics shows srong currents in area and one anchorage off West Cay. Can anyone give me info on these Cays.(off-limits/mooring balls, swells. Thanks.

[AnsleyS]

Doc,


The problem out there is that those islands are so steep and the wind, waves and current will make a most uncomfortable night. Dutchcap has no anchorage at all and the only possible spot for the three of them is in the cove on the SW of West Cay. This is a very steep bank with reef on both sides. A boat could drop a hook off the beach but one would not sleep well.

[docwood]

Thank you. Figured if they were great spots they would be mentioned in one of my guides. Looks like we will spend a lot of time at St Johns. Any northern bays off St. Thomas you would recommend. PS How does one tell if the"swells' are bad. My thought is weather report that has wave height , windspeed and direction? Thanks again for your reply. 3 weeks and counting