The Caribbean

Sailing out of St. Martin             St. Martin Yacht Charters. The St. Martin area reflects the influences of many different nations; Holland, France, Sweden and Britain.  This area provides a mini Europe in culture, cuisine and language.      Your yacht will lie just a short distance from the airport near Simpson Bay Lagoon which is a land locked lagoon enclosed by both Dutch and French St. Martin.  As you relax aboard with a chilled drink you can look forward to a lovely lunch prepared by your cook.  This gracious meal will go a long way to dispel the flight you have just completed.      After lunch you will leave the lagoon under the lifting bridge and through a short canal out into the Caribbean Sea.  Here the water is clear and you can take a swim or explore the shopping in the many boutiques ashore.  Safely at anchor, your yacht will offer a shower, a lovely harbor and home made snacks to go with your drinks before dinner.      Next morning you will sail along St. Martin shores bound for the British island of Anguilla.   Anguilla is 8 miles across the channel.  As you pass Blowing Rock and round Anguillita, a beautiful coastline stretches out in front of you.  Long white sandy beaches are contrasted by cliffs of sedimentary rock over shallow aquamarine waters.   In the distance 3 or 4 palm trees seem to rise from the see and as you get closer, the tiny Sand Island appears in sight.  It lies off Road Bay, your first port of call.      Road Bay, Anguilla's main port is the building spot of many of the local skiffs and trading boats.   Drawn up on the beach are beautifully crafted open boats which carry huge masts and sail plans.  They are a delight to watch under sail.  These are some of the most beautifully and finely built craft in the West Indies.      You will have lunch aboard as the captain deals with formalities ashore.  After lunch you will enjoy a short sail to Crocus Bay.  Here under Flat Cap Point lies a gem of an anchorage set amidst a marine conservation area.  Snorkel under the cliffs or just relax and watch the pelicans dive.      A short sail after breakfast the next day takes you to the Prickly Pear Cays with the Seal Islands Reefs stretching off into the distance.  Superb snorkeling in crystal clear water over a vibrant living reef.     Marigot Bay, a small French town lies on the opposite side of the Anguilla Channel, on St. Martin.   You will be transported into a different world; a waterfront of French Cafes and Bistros.  The language is French and the streets are lined with the fashions and perfumes of Paris.  The markets are filled with French breads, local fruits, wines and cheeses.      Past Grande Case, along the north shore to Anse Marcel where a new resort has been carved from a lagoon.  Jet skis can be rented here if you want to try.  And then on to Tintamarre, a tiny flat island that forms the tip of French St. Martin.  It is a perfect strop for lunch and a swim and snorkel along the reef.  Behind lies Orient Bay and The Ile Pinel.      Ile Fourche forms a halfway stop to St. Barths across the St. Barthelemy channel, where you might spot a whale.  And then on to St. Barths or Saint Barthelemy.  Originally a Swedish Colony, St. Barths is today very French.  The port captain quickly deals with all formalities in Gustavia, a quaint capital.  You can step ashore and browse the many small exclusive boutiques.  Or rent a Moke to drive the beautiful island.      Beneath the cliffs you will round Ile De La Point to Anse De Colombier.  The entire top of the island was once owned by the Rockefellers.  It frames a glorious beach accessible only by yacht.  A calm anchorage, this is a relaxing stop.      From St. Barths to Philippsburg, the center of Sint Maarten, the Dutch side of St. Martin, it is a short 3 hour sail.  This is a shoppers paradise.  The prices are lower for electronics, cameras and accessories than most places.  Bargaining is common so shop around.  After dinner perhaps you will want to try the Casinos in the various hotels.   Here you will find more of the night life than in most Caribbean islands.      Then, it's farewell to your wonderful crew and off the airport for a flight back home. [Top Of Page] [New Destination]  [New Caribbean Destination]