Leeward Islands

YACHT CHARTER GUIDE

Situated in the central part of the Caribbean island chain, the Leeward Islands span 130 miles from Anguilla to Dominica, including from small cays to world-famous ports. Anguilla, Nevis, St Kitts, St Barthelemy and St Martin are in the north, Antigua and Barbuda in the centre and the islands of Montserrat and Guadeloupe in the south.

With a perfect fusion of British, Dutch, French and Caribbean cultures and traditions, they are the ideal destination for a yacht charter holiday. They are called the Leeward Islands because of the prevailing winds blowing from the north and most of these islands are volcanic in origin.

Each of the Leeward Islands has its own special charm that makes it unique. Antigua, known as the land of 365 beaches, lush tropical vegetation and rich cultural heritage, St. Barthelemy (popularly known as St. Barts) is a trendy place with touches of French elegance, fantastic restaurants, boutiques and vibrant nightlife. Saint-Martin with a Dutch and a French side is a unique island. Here you will find friendly people, spectacular cuisine, wonderful beaches and beautiful scenery. Anguilla, which sits on a coral reef, has white sandy beaches and a large National Marine Park.

Gastronomy The rich and varied cuisine of these islands deserves special mention. The fusion of cultures mentioned above has had much to do with their varied and delicious cuisine. Many of the most popular dishes make use of local seafood such as lobster, mahi mahi, tuna, snapper and other local fish.

Climate It has the perfect climate with temperatures in the upper 20’s C to low 30’s C and cool constant winds. With the prevailing wind and calm waters.

Best time to charter As many other Caribbean islands, is primarily a winter destination and the ideal time to enjoy a yacht charter holiday in the Leeward Islands is from November to July.

ST MARTIN

St Martin is the smallest country in the world shared by 2 nations, the Dutch and the French. Philipsburg is the capital of the Dutch side and Marigot the capital of the French side. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, friendliness and the tax free shopping for jewelry and European luxury brands. Las Vegas-style casinos, Miami-inspired nightclubs, clothing-optional beaches (such as Cupecoy Beach), St Martin combines Caribbean island tranquillity with European sophistication. There are more than 300 restaurants on the island, making St Martin the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean. Along with the sun, sea and sand this island offers beautiful scenes of nature with abundance of greenery and hiking places. Experience the unique blue of St Martin onboard your yacht charter, go scuba diving and discover the underwater world and its magnificent inhabitants.

Grand Case is a small village by the sea with some of the finest gourmet restaurants on the island and the Caribbean. Loterie Farm is a unique tropical rainforest that combines eco-adventure, relaxed luxury and Caribbean charm.

St Martin has 37 beaches including: Mullet bay, Cupecoy beach, Simpson Bay, Maho Beach, Little Bay, Friars Bay, Orient bay beach, called the St Tropez of the Caribbean, Galion beach and one of our favourites, Anse Marcel, a truly protected cove. Petite plage is a quiet cove and a great place to enjoy.

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ST BARTS

Just a few miles west of St Martin and across the Saint Barthélemy Channel lies the exclusive French island of St Barts or Saint Barthélemy, famous for its laid-back glamour-chic style and as of the preferred playground of the elite. St Barts exudes a blend of European sophistication, natural beauty and island charm. Reminiscent of its Swedish rule is the name of its capital and main port, Gustavia, after Gustav III of Sweden. The island is less than 10 square miles and is also a natural marine reserve. It has 14 dream beaches such as St Jean Beach, two beaches divided by Eden Rock, Shell Beach: a beach that has bits of shells instead of sand. Governor's Beach, Colombier Beach or Cul de sac are other beautiful beaches on this enchanting island. On your charter boat you will have the best view of the island, enjoy the turquoise waters on your piece of paradise. Each bay has a reef to be explored. The island offers more than 22 dive sites with wrecks, caves and many other underwater adventures. The quality and variety of the gastronomy is superior in St Barts, plus it is a duty free port and if you enjoy shopping you will be delighted with the selection and number of shops, the largest concentration of shops being in Gustavia.

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ANTIGUA

Antigua is a great winter charter destination in the Caribbean. She is the largest of the British Leeward Islands, 14 miles long and 11 miles wide and about 108 square miles in total. The capital is St. John situated on the west coast. Antigua has a large number of coves and pink sand beaches to visit, not to mention its beautiful sunsets. Worth exploring are Half Moon Bay, Darkwood Beach and Nonsuch Bay. The Pillars of Hercules are a natural geological rock formation guarding the entrance to Freeman's Bay and English Harbour, and can be only appreciated from the sea.

Antigua is known for its festivities, interesting historical sites, great restaurants and overall for its annual race week, in April.

When to Charter Antigua is a year-round destination. In the winter months is more crowded, but between May and November the weather is still good and the anchorages will be much less crowded.

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