Give an anchorage a second night
The temptation on a first visit is to plot a new island for every day. In the British Virgin Islands, short passages make that possible. They also make it unnecessary. A week feels more generous when a favourite bay is allowed to become familiar.
Build the route around the people aboard. Children may want a dependable swim each morning; keen sailors may prefer a longer passage; others will value a shaded lunch ashore. Cabin layout, crew and provisioning deserve as much attention as the route.
Keep the plan provisional
Wind, moorings and local advice should always have the last word. Confirm access and restaurant opening times, and let the skipper adapt the day. The point of a sailing holiday is not to complete a route. It is to enjoy the time between places.
