Thanks for the excellent summary! I agree with the other comments that problems you encountered justify a partial refund rather than a future charter credit. Our group is planning to include St Croix as well (2/26 - 3/8) but hopefully without the seasickness. Can you share what the wind velocity and sea state was for your passage? We are planning to give everyone at least a day or two of shorter sails before sailing to St Croix and only if the conditions are favorable.
Not trying to answer for FrenchLaundry on this but just giving you our own experience with the STX crossing.
We've done that trip twice sailing our Beneteau 45 monohull. It's a beautiful sail under the right conditions. Our first attempt it was blowing 20 with seas of 4 to 6. That was too rough for my crew and we turned around and waited for the next day when it was blowing 15 and seas of 3 to 5. And that went well. No shame in turning around if you/crew doesn't like it. The worst part is actually the first few miles where it tends to be choppy. After you cross the south drop it tends to smooth out a bit.
I completely agree with Baard that it's not something you should attempt until the crew is in the groove a bit. In November we went down on the fourth day. I found out from one of the newbies afterwards that he thought there was a good 10% percent chance he was going to die (we hit squall blowing 30+ for a few minutes). So make sure the crew is doing well and make sure they understand that anyone can decide it's not fun and ok to turn around. You're there to have a good time and if you're not pull the plug.
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