Destination Spotlight
St. Lucia & Martinique
Best season: December - April
Sailing in St. Lucia and Martinique offers a captivating blend of nature, culture, and adventure. The lush landscapes of St. Lucia, with its iconic Pitons and vibrant rainforests, provide a stunning backdrop for sailors. Martinique, known as the "Isle of Flowers," enchants with its rich French-Caribbean culture and picturesque coastal towns. The sailing conditions in this region are generally favorable, with steady trade winds and clear waters ideal for both novice and experienced sailors. Adding to the allure are the numerous rum distilleries scattered across both islands, where visitors can savor the local flavors and learn about the traditional rum-making process, enhancing the overall cultural experience.
In a nutshell:
Who can join:
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On a shared boat: experienced and inexperienced sailors - may require hiring a captain
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On private boats: Guest's choice of crew, self-skippered or an option to hire a captain
What:
Enjoy living aboard and cruising a luxurious sailboat (monohulls and catamarans under 4 y/o) in the Caribbean sea. Enjoy the company of old friends and make new ones, make lifetime memories, enhance your sailing skills, and learn new life skills.
On top of it all - the Caribbean weather - with 75-80F and a nice steady north-easterly breeze (while temperatures back home in the Northeast will be around 20-30F...).
Getting there:
Direct flights with JetBlue and American Airlines (from JFK) and United (from EWR) are available daily to St. Lucia Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and back. Flight duration: 4:30 hours.
Itinerary:
The following is a skeleton Itinerary and is subject to changes before and during the trip.
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Check in day 1 – Arrive in Bas du Fort Marina of Pointe-à-Pitre, check in to boats at 5pm, settle in and enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant
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Day 2 - Embark marina by 11am. Sail to Sainte Anne - 9.5NM Petite Terre - 25NM
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Day 3 – Sail from Sainte Anne to La Desirade - 22NM. “The Forgotten”, La Desirade, is the oldest island in the Lesser Antilles, and as such a geological Natural Reserve. Tranquility and simplicity are the characteristics of this island. Superb white sand beaches, protected by long coral reefs attract snorkelers and swimmers.
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Day 4 - Sail from La Desirade to Petite Terre - 7.5NM. Petite Terre Islands National Nature Reserve: Enjoy a day of hiking in this delightful all-natural Eden of flora and fauna. Most notable here may be the Lesser Antillean Iguana, but sea turtles are often spotted here as well.
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Day 5 - Sail Petite Terre to Marie Galante - 18.5NM. AKA the Island of 100 Windmills, the landscape includes sugarcane fields, rum distilleries and up to 100 old windmills, providing a scenic and peaceful respite.
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Day 6 – After a morning snorkeling, sail to Le Saintes - 15NM - This group of tiny islands is reminiscent of St. Barths, with its red tiled roofs and French culture. Spend the day exploring and sampling French cuisine at the many restaurants. Don’t miss Fort Napoléon and Pompierre Beach on Terre-de-Haut.
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Day 7 - Sail from Les Saints to Pointe-à-Pitre - 22NM - arrive at the Bas du Fort Marina by 4pm - fuel, fill up water tanks.
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Day 8 – Morning - by 10am - disembark boats.
