The Windward and Leeward islands form the eastern border of the Caribbean Sea. Stretching from Grenada to Martinique, the Windwards got their name because British ships sailing from other colonies frequently had to beat to weather to reach them. The northern islands of the archipelago are more to leeward, so the British called them the Leeward Islands. They begin in Dominica, just above Martinique, and arc gently northwest for a bit under 150 miles to include Guadeloupe, Antigua, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, Anguilla, and many others. They end near St. Martin 150 miles east of Puerto Rico. These waters are an ideal location for staging a crewed St. Martin yacht charter to a variety of destinations throughout the Leeward chain.
Whether the island is British, Dutch, French, or independent, each has unique characteristics ranging from the upscale and trendy to the laid-back and isolated. Some islands are mountainous remnants of ancient volcanoes carpeted with lush rain forests. Others are low-lying, flat, and rimmed with incredible white-sand beaches and coral reefs teeming with sea life made to order for an unforgettable crewed St. Martin yacht charter.
Due to Hurricane Season, this charter destination is closed during the month of September.
Because of the extent of the cruising ground a crewed St. Martin yacht charter represents a diverse offering of sailing adventures. A charter aboard a luxury St. Martin yacht can easily match an individual’s tastes. Yachting itineraries with short passages or those with more of an emphasis on spirited open-water passages are all possible, as is a blending of the two. The professional captain of a luxury St. Martin yacht is there to ensure that sailing vacations in the Leeward Islands meet all expectations, and the accomplished gourmet chef acting as partner to the captain is an ideal complement. The trade winds typically blow from the northeast to east November through March and east to southeast April through October, ranging from 10 to 25 knots. The Leeward Islands have one of the most pleasant climates in the entire Caribbean, with average year-round temperatures holding at about 80°F (26°C).
A crewed St. Martin yacht charter usually encompasses several key activities in addition to the delights of making passages in the balmy trade winds in one of the world’s premier cruising grounds. Many sailors enjoy a charter that includes going ashore to enjoy shopping, dining out, dancing in nightclubs, trying Lady Luck in a casino, and sightseeing at historic sites such as the many forts scattered throughout the Leeward Islands. On other days, snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, kayaking, beach combing, and relaxing in the cockpit with a refreshing cocktail before the chef serves a delicious meal on board eases the cares of a busy life. A crewed St. Martin yacht charter promises all of these diverse experiences, and some of the best sailing in the Caribbean.
Known for its beautiful beaches, numerous coves and bays, as well as its marine park, low-lying Anguilla is laid-back Caribbean charm at its best. The mix of quiet anchorages and towns with a variety of restaurants and bars has long attracted sailors. The snorkeling on the reefs where colorful tropical fish abound is excellent in many locations, and scuba diving on the seven wrecks sunk deliberately on the reef to create a thriving habitat for sea life is some of the best in the Caribbean. Dives off Sandy Island and the Prickly Pear Cays are popular. The anchorage off Crocus Bay, on the north shore of Anguilla, is protected, quiet, and beautiful.
The island of St. Martin has two spellings since half of it is French (St. Martin) and the other half is Dutch (St. Maarten). More than one million visitors arrive every year to enjoy the beautiful beaches, the duty-free shopping, the hundreds of restaurants, luxury hotels, and the dozen or so casinos. For sailors the annual St. Maarten Heineken Regatta held every March and the classic yacht regatta in January are major events. The full-service marinas in Simpson Bay and Simpson Bay Lagoon (the landlocked lagoon is 12 square miles!) are always a bustle of activity, and the megayachts are everywhere, like floating palaces. Marine parks on the island offer superb swimming and snorkeling, and the beaches are fantastic.
St. Barts (St. Barthemey) is a relatively small island popular for the French allure of Gustavia, the main harbor and settlement. A wide mix of chic boutiques, art galleries, and upscale restaurants line the streets of this scenic town tucked against the shore at the base of lush green hills. A short hike up to the lighthouse at Fort Gustav affords unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding islands. The quiet, picturesque anchorage at Anse de Colombier is a secluded bay off the beaten track, promising a restful night in a beautiful setting. The white-sand beach curves along the shore, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The bay is part of the St. Barts Marine Reserve, well known for its superlative snorkeling and scuba diving.
St. Kitts (St. Christopher Island) is replete with astonishingly blue bays fringed with tall palms and white-sand beaches as well as excellent scuba diving on the extensive reefs. Mt. Liamuiga, a Carib word meaning fertile isle, St. Kitts’ original name, rises to 3,792 feet above sea level. The mountain is cloaked in an often cloud-shrouded rain forest, home to many plants and animals, including African vervet monkeys, which are in evidence on the many hiking trails. Once active sugarcane plantations are open for tours or have been converted to inns and restaurants well worth visiting by taxi or in a car rental. There’s also a fascinating old fort. White House Bay and Ballast Bay are lovely anchorages. Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts, is the site of the original French settlement and has eclectic shops and a number of restaurants. The nearby island of Nevis is also an interesting stop.
Our 2013 brochures with new destinations
Just south of rugged St. Vincent, there's a group of islands known…
St. Lucia is sometimes called the Jewel of the Windwards, and it's…
©2013 The Moorings
All Rights Reserved.
