[Mustang Sally]

If you go via the Bahamas you likely won't make it. Hundreds of cruisers every year head to the caribbean via the bahamas and get stuck there. The bahamas are lovely but cold in the winter with cold fronts going through weekly. That is one option but after having done both, the offshore route from either the Chesapeake or Beaufort, we feel, is better, getting you right into the virgins in 9-11 days. Also consider the Caribbean 1500 rally from Norfolk to BVi in November. A great bunch of experienced offshore sailors that will teach you a lot. Check out their website carib1500.com