St. Martin Base Guide

Cruising Grounds

Experience Level
A sailing qualifiactions is not mandatory to charter here - but you must demonstrate that you have the necessary experience and ability. If our base staff are not confident in your ability when you arrive, they will arrange for a Moorings skipper to travel with you - at your own expense. Please ensure you have completed a  Sailing Resume  or a Power Resume to ensure you have the necessary experience required.

Cruising Information
All charterers are free to sail the complete ground from the BVI in the north (one way only) to Grenada in the south, subject to prior approval and the restriction of St. Martin boats going to Martinique and Guadeloupe.
Charters that are booked for a one-way drop-off at Guadeloupe will go to "Marina Bas-du-Fort" in Pointe-a-Pitre. Web: www.marina-pap.com
The cruising area includes St. Martin, Anguilla (to the west), and St. Barts (to the southeast). There are over 20 protective anchorages in this area and miles of sandy beaches, as well as beautiful reefs for snorkelling, diving, and exploring. Sailing distance between the islands is about 2-4 hours.

Please note: Current itinerary options may vary due to government COVID-19 travel regulations in this destination.

Cruising Area Restrictions 
Several zones in The Caribbean have been restricted by The Moorings for the client’s security. These are reviewed in the briefing and include:

• The dock in Gustavia, except briefly for water only – you may only briefly go on the dock in Gustavia for water only.
• Oyster Pond due to hurricane damage 
• Saba and Barbuda without checking with Customer Service
• East coast of Antigua; parts of St. Barts; Anguilla (limited number of anchorages; areas on East coast of St. Martin
• Northwest coast of Nevis
• Montserrat Island

It is strictly forbidden to sail alone, we require two persons minimum on board.

Charts & Pilot Books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing.

Nighttime Sailing 
You must be moored at least one hour before sunset. Night Sailing is not allowed without permission from the base manager. The decision to allow night sailing is based on your skill level and can be requested in advance. You will need to fill out the Sailing or Power resume for the base to review but we cannot guarantee approval.

Cruising Permits & Taxes
Cruising permits are not required in St. Martin

Moorings Fees & Taxes

• Tintamrre & Pinel Island: $3 USD per person, per day.  Payable in cash only to the St. Martin natural parks officials or at the base.
• Anse de Colombier & Fourche Island: Fee is now included in the Harbor fee of Gustavia

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Provisioning

The Moorings Provisioning
This destination offers the convenience of The Moorings Provisioning Service!

Let The Moorings take all the hassle out of provisioning your yacht with the highest quality beverages, fresh foods, and non-food items. Order complete packages when booking online or over the phone. Or choose to order online from our Online Provisioning Store which also offers all packages and an extensive a la carte inventory. We’ll coordinate the details and guarantee that everything is aboard your yacht when you arrive. Visit our Provisioning Page to learn more. Provisioning must be ordered 7 days prior to the start date of the charter for this destination

Supermarkets

Open daily, closed on Sunday afternoon and holidays both side of the island.

Super U: 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi from the marina; Regular full-service grocery store: large selection of fresh produce, canned, frozen, and baked goods. Open from 8AM - 8PM Mon-Sat, 8AM – 12.45PM Sun. 

Fresh Market: On the Dutch side; Regular full-service grocery store with wide variety of goods. Open from daily: 8AM - 8PM Mon-Sat, 9AM - 2PM Sun.

CadisMarket: 10 minutes walking distance downtown. Open daily 7AM to 8PM.

Monoprix: 5 minutes driving distance, open 8AM to 7PM

Carrefour: On the Dutch side. Regular full service grocery store with wide variety of goods, also has bakery, deli. Open from: 8AM-8PM Mon-Sat, 9AM-2PM Sun.

Please note all shops are Duty Free!

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Water Toys & Sports

For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter prior to arrival at the base. They will be waiting on your boat upon arrival. You are able to rent these at the base; please keep in mind that we have limited availability. For more information, please view our Water Sports Options.

Diving 
Can be rented at The Scuba Shop, situated in Simpson Bay near the international airport.
Octopus diving is operating now in Philipsburg, they might move back soon to Grand Case
Shoal Diving is available in Anguilla
Serial diving and St Barts Plongée are open again in Gustavia

Water Sports 
Kayaks and Stand Up Paddle Boards can be added to your charter contract. Windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, and jet skiing are activities that are regularly offered at the more popular beaches and in the inland lagoons. Rental and instruction tend to be fairly inexpensive.

Fishing
Can be rented at the base at 60$ per week payable in cash only. No license is required.
Ciguatera is a BIG problem. Don’t eat any fish you have caught before checking with a local fisherman.

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