Here is a sample itinerary of what you may expect while enjoying a sailing vacation with TradeWinds in Sint Maarten/St Martin and the neighboring Islands of Anguilla and St Barths. Weather or other outside factors may mean that your Captain sets an alternative course.
Arrival Day
Embarkation is at 5pm, you are welcome to drop off your luggage any time on Saturday, checkin is open from 3pm to 5pm. Your catamaran is on the dock at Marina Fort Louis, in Marigot on the French side of the island. Upon arrival at our offices in the Marina, you may tag your luggage according to your allocated yacht, your luggage will be stored onboard while you relax in a nearby bar or have a wander around the local duty free shopping mall.
From 3pm you will be greeted by our base manager who will take you through the check in procedure. At 5pm your crew will collect you from the lobby and bring you aboard for a refreshing welcome cocktail with new friends. Just before sunset we cast off the bowlines and anchor up in Marigot bay for the evening. Once at anchor you will be shown to your cabin and helped to settle in to your new home for the week. Enjoy a delicious 3 course dinner aboard. The rest of the evening you can enjoy a relaxing time onboard.
Cruising Day 1
Following breakfast and a short briefing on all safety aspects, you will set sail to one of the many beautiful bays on the South side of Anguilla where you can jump in and enjoy the clear turquoise waters. Anguilla is home to some of the Caribbean's finest beaches and incredible sea life. On the sail over we may see dolphins and, if we are lucky, even whales. If you wish to participate and learn more about the handling of the yacht and sails you are welcome to do so, or you can just sit back and relax.
Once you have finished lunch onboard you will sail to Road Bay on the northern side of Anguilla. You may explore the fun bars on the beach front such as the famous Elvis’ Bar with its beautiful wooden ship bar (made out of an old wreck that has survived many hurricanes now)! Relax in hammocks or play some corn hole, whilst enjoying some downtime.
Cruising Day 2
After breakfast you will sail to Crocus Bay, a part of the Anguilla Marine National Park. The fish and bird life is astounding. Take the kayak for exploration of the cliffs teeming with bird life and cactus plants, or snorkel ashore and laze on the tiny secluded beach at Little Bay (secluded, because the only way to get there is by kayak or dinghy off your private yacht, or by climbing down a very steep cliff with only the aid of an old rope!).
On Monday afternoon you will sail to the village of Grand Case in French Saint Martin, the small boutiques and art galleries invite you in for a bit of 'retail therapy' - Caribbean style.
Cruising Day 3
Breakfast in the shade, surrounded by morning sunshine. You will hop over to Creole Rock for some snorkelling in some of the Caribbean's finest corals, whilst a multitude of fish swim within right by your nose. The sail to Baie Longue allows you to recharge your energy levels before lunch. Relax to the sound of the waves and seagulls at this white sandy beach, kick back and live the Caribbean dream.
After a swim you will sail to Simpson Bay for the night. Enroute keep an eye out for airplanes landing over the iconic Maho Beach. Dinner is ashore in one of the many waterfront restaurants lining this narrow spit of land between the Caribbean sea and the island's lagoon
Cruising Day 4
After a fantastic breakfast you will set sail for Anse de Colombier, St Barths. This is our longest sail of the week but well worth the crystal clear turquoise waters which await you upon arrival. This sail also offers the best fishing opportunity of the week - think mahi-mahi, red snapper, tuna…
Anse de Colombier has a lovely white sand beach lined with vegetation, and is the last beach on the island not served by a public road. It is a secluded beach - an entire bay area only accessible by boat or foot. The only building which can be seen from the beach is the home of billionaire David Rockefeller. Colombier is great for snorkelling. At times hundreds of enormous orange starfish can be seen in the bay. If you are more experienced, the rocky outskirts of the beach house offer a large variety of sea life.
Cruising Day 5
After a scrumptious breakfast, be prepared for the true delights of the French isle of St Barths, as we hop into the stunning and bustling port of Gustavia. With plenty of fancy shops and a lively atmosphere, St Barths is a real gem of the Caribbean, the playground of the rich and famous. A short stroll over to 'Shell Beach' is a treat and for those more active hikers, bring your camera and walk up along the road towards the airport 'mountain' for some 'never-seen-before' propeller approaches.
After lunch we set sail for the beautiful uninhabited isle of Ile Fourche, you will drop anchor in the crater of this ocean filled volcano. Hike up to the peak for glorious sunset and some refreshments. This is another location where light pollution from the islands is virtually non existent. Enjoy a nightcap and a late evening of some amazing stargazing; seeing the Milky Way and shooting stars are highly likely.
Cruising Day 6
After breakfast snorkelers need only hop overboard to acquaint themselves with the underwater denizens of the bay: multi-colored fish, rays, sea turtles, the occasional barracuda….
Once refreshed you will sail towards one of the beautiful white sandy bays on the French side of Saint Martin for your last lunch aboard and swim in crystal clear waters. Later in the afternoon you will sail back to Marina Fort Louis for a farewell meal ashore in one of the many of the nearby French restaurants.
Departure Day
After a last tasty breakfast onboard, it is time to gather your belongings, as well as your wonderful memories of a week in this most beautiful environment. Before exchanging fond farewells, your crew will arrange transport to the airport. You will already be planning your next cruise with TradeWinds.