Passages West - St. Martin to Norman Island, B.V.I.

On February 6, 2008 we left the Simpson Bay lagoon by way of the bridge at Marigot, on the French side, with yet another new, warranty replaced windlass on board.
We set a course of 308 degrees magnetic for Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands.
As we plotted our way it soon became obvious that with the strong swell and winds pushing us we would arrive before dawn. We therefore changed course to travel down the east side of Virgin Gorda and south of the other islands in the chain.
It was a very "rock and rolly" night with no moon. The complete darkness and constant bounce made it difficult to fix the horizon not to mention hold the course (albeit great star gazing).
At daybreak we attempted to take shelter at Peter Island but the 2 anchorages that we tried were both too deep and crowded. We carried on to Norman Island where we layed anchor in Benures Bay, completely exhausted from steering throughout this dark and difficult passage.
It's supposed to be easy going this way.