gene80,
I have a thought for you, but then I'm a light weight and don't like getting beat up clawing into the
wind. Port Everglades and
Freeport have a number of yacht transports that will take you to St. Thomas for a quick and easy trip. If you show up to the transport ship the week before it leaves, they'll give you half
price, if they are NOT FULL.
Assuming you have time flexibility and you can get a half
price deal, it's cheaper than sailing into the wind, after you consider
repairs, time,
food, etc.
Now you're there and can look forward to the coast down hill on the way back.