St. Maarten/St. Barth’s/Anguilla
The Leeward Islands in the Caribbean are a favorite home base of charter yachts each winter, when guests flock to enjoy the quiet harbors, pretty beaches, and warm sunshine. Many islands remain minimally developed, while others offer world-class dining and shopping. A yacht charter here can truly be anything that you want it to be, whether you are interested in “getting away from it all” or sampling the finest of the Caribbean’s culture. If you have already chartered in the British Virgin Islands and are looking for a new destination to try out, The Leeward Islands is often close enough so that you can explore a new region while still enjoying your favorite Virgin Island yacht and crew.
WHERE CAN WE GO?
General Itinerary: (Please note: this is a general itinerary of what you can expect. Your actual itinerary will be dictated by weather conditions at the time of charter along with your group’s preferences) Please only use the following itinerary as a guide for ideas to discuss with your crew.
Day 1: Dutch Sint Maarten
• 0 nautical miles
• Arrive via the international airport and meet your yacht at Simpson Bay, where several megayacht marinas offer a glimpse at some of the world’s largest charter yachts. Spend a day at the beach or in the shops ashore.
Day 2: Dutch Sint Maarten to Anguilla
• 6 nautical miles
A quick sail that takes less than an hour aboard a yacht that cruises at 10 knots. About an hour aboard a sailing yacht that cruises at 6 knots. Lounge and snorkel amid Anguilla’s sandy beaches and coral reefs. Travel by tender to smaller nearby islands such as the Prickly Pear Cays, which are filled with birds, flora, and fauna. Enjoy an afternoon of swimming and relaxation.
Day 3: Anguilla to French St. Martin
• 12 nautical miles
Another easy sail of little more than an hour aboard a yacht that cruises at 10 knots. About two hours aboard a sailing yacht that cruises at 6 knots. Cruise into Grand Case on the island’s French side. Shop in the charming boutiques and enjoy a beachside drink there, or in nearby Marigot, before returning to your yacht via tender for a private dinner at anchor.
Day 4:French St. Martin to Ile Fourchue
• 10 nautical miles
About an hour aboard a yacht that cruises at 10 knots. Just shy of two hours aboard a sailing yacht that cruises at 6 knots. Enjoy the seclusion of a large, protected bay with minimal development onshore. Swim, snorkel, and play with your yacht’s other water toys, or relax onboard with sunbathing or a long nap.
Day 5: Ile Fourchue to St. Barth’s
• 4 nautical miles
Less than a half-hour aboard a yacht that cruises at 10 knots • Less than an hour aboard a sailing yacht that cruises at 6 knots • Anchor in the bay at Gustavia Harbour and go ashore by tender to one of the Caribbean’s most chic island towns. Shop in the French boutiques and jewelry stores, enjoy a glass of fine wine, and mingle with yachties from around the world.
Day 6: St. Barth’s to Nevis or St. Kitts
• 44 nautical miles
With your sealegs properly established, you are ready for a longer sail can take in the waters of the Caribbean. About four and a half hours aboard a yacht that cruises at 10 knots. A little more than 7 hours aboard a sailing yacht that cruises at 6 knots. Enjoy a morning of cruising across the Caribbean Sea, with views of the clear-blue water in every direction. At Nevis, golfers can enjoy a round or two at the par-71, 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones II for the Four Seasons.
Day 7: Nevis or St. Kitts to Sint Maarten
• 44 nautical miles
About four and a half hours aboard a yacht that cruises at 10 knots. A little more than 7 hours aboard a sailing yacht that cruises at 6 knots. Return to Sint Maarten after a day of sailing and enjoying the warm breezes. Enjoy an early-evening swim before dinner at anchor for your last night at sea.
Day 8: Nevis or St. Kitts to Sint Maarten
• 0 nautical miles
Take an early-morning walk on the beach or enjoy water sports on your charter yacht before your afternoon flight home. There’s no need to rush, since the international airport is just 15 minutes from the yacht anchorage.
