Adventure Travel Blog

Okay, so you have been to the British Virgin Islands and you are ready to try something new. How about a sailing vacation to the island of St. Martin? If you are an experienced sailor or you have a crewed charter, and you have an extra week, it is about a 17 hour passage between the BVI and St. Martin.

Or you can simply fly directly into St. Martin and pick up your sailing charter. Regardless of how you get there, St. Maarten/St. Martin has been half Dutch and half French since 1648. The island’s rolling green hills overlook deep set coves that, in the past, provided ideal hiding places for pirates. Today, with unrestricted border crossings, the island is one of the major tourist destinations in the Caribbean, especially as a shopper’s Mecca, with duty-free status on luxury items such as jewelry, watches, cameras, liquor, perfumes, and crystal. With 37 beaches, historical sites to explore, biking and hiking, golfing, luxury hotels, casinos and nightclubs, and a wide choice of excellent restaurants, there is something for every cruiser enjoying a Caribbean sailing charter to this piece of paradise known as, “The Friendly Island.”

St. Martin is suitable for all types of cruisers, including party-goers looking for an active night life, families with young children, and wealthy sailors with their luxury yachts. On the Dutch side, the currency is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder, while on the French side, the euro is the local currency. Most establishments, however, will quote in and accept US dollars. The island has always boasted a wide ethnic mix in its population, including Dutch, French, African, Asian and Indian,creating a melting pot of over 350 dining choices. Traditional French, Dutch, Asian and Creole creations are often fused with Caribbean foods. The island has an amazing array of outdoor activities to keep the Caribbean cruiser amused, including sailing regattas, scuba diving, hiking, and mountain biking. In addition, an excellent variety of water sports including windsurfing and jet skiing are available. The French Orient Beach on the northeastern coast is the center for water sport activity with several places to rent jet skis, windsurfers, snorkeling gear, as well as parasail and boat trips out to nearby Green Cay, Tintamarre and Ilet Pinel.On the Dutch side, Simpson Bay also has plenty of operations renting out similar equipment.

Diving on St. Martin is okay, although certainly not the greatest in the Caribbean . The best dive spots include:
1) Proselyte Reef: The HMS Proselyte sank in 60ft. of water in 1801. The reef surrounding the frigate rises to within 15 ft. of the surface and there are plenty of fish and corals to see, as well as the occasional turtle and ray.
2) Simpson Bay Bridge: In the late 1980’s, the remains of the old bridge were submerged and now serve as an artificial reef for schools of fish. 50 ft. at its deepest, the site also has several nearby wrecks as well as an old aircraft.
3) Split Rock and Cable Reef: Split Rock is a large boulder you can swim through, and Cable Reef is home to many large fish, including pompano. Both sites are at 55 ft.

Another fun activity is sea kayaking. With guided tours, this has become a popular way to explore the island’s beaches, historical sites and mangrove ecosystems. With a dozen or so marinas dotted around the island, and some of the world’s most beautiful yachts moored in them, it is no wonder that many visitors enjoy spending a day on the water. Whether you sail on an America’s Cup winning vessel, spend the day onboard a party boat, or take an excursion on a tall ship, there are many opportunities to explore the waters surrounding St. Martin.

If you are looking for a break from your sailing vacation, St. Martin offers many onshore activities including mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. Mountain biking tracks are available for all levels of riders.  The Cay Bay and Mullet coasts are particularly friendly for beginners, while the Bellevue loop between Port de Plaisance and Marigot is more demanding. For those looking for an adventuresome hike, Pic Paradis (at 390 meters- the highest point on St. Martin), offers a 3-hour trek over rocky trails and through fields of papayas and bananas up into the rainforest for a fantastic view of the island.

Apart from Pic Paradis, the Sint Maarten National Heritage Foundation has over 25 miles of hiking trails through hills, valleys, cliff tops and beaches. These trails are rated for all levels, and vary in length from 90 minutes to 4 hours. Finally, a horseback ride on the beach is an unforgettable experience, especially if you take one that includes swimming with the horses through the surf. Both Bayside Riding Club and Lucky Stables can accommodate novice or experience riders. Regardless of where you go on St. Martin, paved roads link the major tourist areas. The roads, however, are narrow and sign-posting is limited. The major problem is the sheer volume of traffic, particularly on the Dutch side. Traffic can slow to a crawl or even a standstill, especially when the Simpson bay Bridge rises for yacht traffic. Allow plenty of time to get around.

Although one island, a cruiser from a Caribbean sailing charter will see there is a distinct difference between the French and Dutch sides of St. Martin. French St. Martin is less commercialized than the Dutch side, even though it has some of the finest beaches and restaurants. The capital of Marigot is a charming mix of French chic and Caribbean tropical style. The main focus is the harbor, which is the departure point for ferries to Anguilla, St. Barths and Saba. It is also the site of a large colorful marketplace offering spices, flowers, and tropical produce. Side streets house a number of designer boutiques like Cartier, Hermes and Mont Blanc.

Heading north from Marigot, is the gastronomic capital of St. Martin- the little town of Grand Case. The most touted creativity in St. Martin is culinary, and this village alone offers dozens of choices lined up along the beachfront road. If you are looking for a break from your Caribbean sailing charter galley, this is the place to do it. With daily specials chalked up outside, Grand Case prides itself on its well-deserved reputation as one of the finest dining centers in the Eastern Caribbean. Wherever you opt to dine, you will not find a bad meal here! There are also several art galleries and a golden-sand beach that lines the wide sweeping bay.Continuing east from Grand Case, the road leads around a salt pond, which attracts many birds, to the tiny settlements of Anse Marcel and Cul de Sac. Sheltered Anse Marcel is a favorite spot with Caribbean cruisers who take advantage of the large resort there as well as the long sandy beach. Driving through the rolling countryside and mangrove swamps, you will come to Cul de Sac, characterized by its cute little red-roofed houses. Cul de Sac is the departure point for boats making day trips to Ilet Pinel, a pristine and uninhabited offshore island that offers excellent snorkeling and several lunch spots. Along the rough Atlantic shores of the east coast, there are several isolated beaches popular with windsurfers. Perhaps the best known beach in this area is Orient Beach. The area consists of a large development of hotels, villas and condos, but the beach itself is a fabulous swatch of brilliant white sand lapped by turquoise blue waves. As mentioned above, this beach is the hub for water sport activity. And, if you are looking to acquire an all-over tan, the Club Orient, a nudist resort, is located on the southern end of the beach. From Orient Beach, an easy day trip to the offshore isle of Tintamarre will also provide an unforgettable experience. The anchorage provides a nice rest for those on a Caribbean sailing charter that want to soak in the world-renowned mud baths. If you have had enough beach time on St. Martin, the Ferme aux Papillons is a good distraction. The best time to come is in the morning when this large collection of tropical butterflies is most active. Finally, continuing south, you will come to Oyster Pond, which is divided in half by the French/Dutch border. This is a well protected landlocked anchorage. If you are into buffets, Captain Olivier’s lays out an impressive

Caribbean spread with whole grilled grouper and lobsters, as well as various salads and desserts. The best beach in Oyster Pond is actually on the Dutch side. Dawn Beach is the perfect place to watch the sun come up as well as enjoy great views of St. Barths. There is good snorkeling offshore and the reefs lure scuba divers to their caves and cliffs. Beware, however, that the coast itself is wild and the waves can really roll in. The charter bases there recommend that you allow one of their captains to bring you in and it is best to heed their advice. Nightlife on the French side is usually quiet, although several of the hotels may have their own entertainment and there is often a Jump-Up in Grand Case on Friday and Saturday nights, especially between January and May.

Unlike the French side, the Dutch Sint Maarten is more commercialized and touristy. Other than the language and some of the names, there is little you can describe as characteristically Dutch. Although this side of the island is often crowded, there is plenty of fun to be had on the beaches and the numerous lively bars, restaurants and casinos. Philipsburg, the Dutch capital, is a lively commercial town unabashedly in search of the tourist dollar. Its main two roads, Front Street and Back Street, are linked by a series of narrow alleys supporting a cruise ship dock, several hotels, and perhaps the largest shopping center of the Leeward Islands. Front Street sells every sort of duty-free goods from alcohol and cigars, jewelry, cosmetics, perfumes, designer clothes, souvenirs, and electronics, while Back Street sells cheaper no-name goods. The town itself wraps around the long semicircular Great Bay Beach. It is not the most beautiful beach, but it has great views of Saba and offers numerous waterfront places to eat or drink.

Few people stay in Philipsburg, preferring instead the hotels, resorts and series of white sand beaches around the Simpson Bay Lagoon that dominates the west coast of St. Maarten. Maho Beach is often drowned out with noise as airplanes swoop down into Juliana airport. Nevertheless, the beach is very popular and the Sunset beach Bar is usually packed when the sun goes down. Millet Bay Beach is one of the more popular beaches. It is known for its gentle surf, white sugary sand and ample shade provided by numerous palm trees. The quieter Cupecoy Beach has long been clothing optional. It is a dramatic beach with richly colored limestone cliffs and caves. The best nightlife in terms of bars, nightclubs and casinos is on the Dutch side. For partygoers, there is something happening every night from small salsa bars to happy hour two for one specials and raucous booty-shaking music in the nightclubs.

A busy island shared between the Dutch and French, St. Martin is a haven for shoppers and sun seekers. It is a great destination for a Caribbean sailing charter. Whatever its origins, St. Martin’s border bisects the smallest landmass (37 square miles) in the world shared by two countries. The difference between the two is immense. The quieter St. Martin is decidedly French in style, developed on a small scale but including Parisian shopping and gourmet restaurants while Dutch St. Maarten is a party-goers delight with its resorts, casinos and fast-food chains. Whatever your pleasure, there is no other island like it in the Caribbean. Where else can you book a Caribbean sailing charter and explore two countries on one island? To experience this unique piece of paradise yourself, contact www.visailing.com. A tropical adventure under two countries is yours to discover.

For yacht charters and more articles on Caribbean Sailing click here

Caribbean Sailing at it’s best through Virgin Island Sailing Ltd. which offers bareboat, yachts with crew and mega yacht charters, throughout the Caribbean and world wide.
Written By Donna Wolfson of www.visailing.com
Photographs By Donna Wolfson of www.visailing.com

 Virgin Island Sailing,  2216 Lakeshore Drive Nokomis FL 34275 USA Phone:  (800) 382-9666   -   (941) 966-9387 Toll Free Secure Fax: (866) 813-1230  -   Secure Fax: (212) 500-0028

Tips for finding the right monohull or catamaran charter for your sailing vacation

Once you have made up your mind that a bareboat sailing charter to the Caribbean is the perfect way to experience a paradise vacation, you still have several decisions to make. For instance, where in the Caribbean do you want to go; what cabin layout do you prefer; what size sailing vessel will you need and do you want a monohull charter or a catamaran charter? A good charter yacht broker (like VISailing.com) can assist you in choosing which sailing vessel best suits you based on the number of people in your party, you budget, your sailing skills and your desired level of comfort. Which type of charter is best? The answer is that there simply is no such thing as the best boat. The range of available monohull and catamaran charter boats can be mind-boggling. Selecting the right one for you means finding the sailing vessel that can best serve your needs.

Here are some tips to keep in mind and point you in the right direction in order to find the optimal monohull or catamaran charter boat for you.

Location: Unless you have unlimited time, most sailing charters last somewhere between one and two weeks. Therefore, you have to select a destination in the Caribbean. Whether you want an easy island-hopping vacation; long offshore open water passages or something in between, where you intend to cruise may have a strong impact on what sailing vessel you select.

The US and British Virgin Islands are confined in a 60 square mile area at the northeastern corner of the Caribbean. The British Virgin Islands are one of the most compactly perfect cruising areas and thus have become the world capital for bareboat chartering. The weather varies little year round in the Virgin Islands, with brisk trade winds mostly from the east. Much of the sailing area is protected, though the stronger winter breezes can kick up a good sea in the more open stretches of the Sir Frances Drake Channel (the main waterway at the heart of the British Virgin Islands). A good anchorage is never more than an hour away from any spot in the area

Enjoying the same wind and weather conditions as the Virgins are the rest of the islands of the Caribbean which string down from Anegada Passage at the eastern end of the BVI to Grenada- 90 miles from the coast of South America. These islands are rich in history and local color- each with different cultures and physical features. The sparsely inhabited Grenadines that lie between St. Vincent and Grenada are close enough together for easy daytime sailing.

There are short stretches of open water and some protected sailing in the lee of the islands. North of the Grenadines, the islands of St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, Guadeloupe and Antigua are bigger, more mountainous and more populated. The sailing varies from wet, hard fast reaches in the open channels between the islands anywhere from 20-35 miles across, to idle motor sailing in the lee of the high mountains.

Regardless of your destination, you need to consider the conditions and purpose of your charter boat vacation. Do you want a vessel for superior sailing or stability and comfort while making a passage? Will you be in shallow waters? Do you want to minimize any roll while at anchor? How experienced a sailor are you? How experienced is your crew? Do you plan to cover as many islands as possible during your vacation or explore hidden coves at a leisurely pace? Your answer to these questions may mean the difference between selecting a monohull charter or catamaran charter, and might even influence the size boat you select. If you plan to make longer, open water passages, consider the largest boat your budget will allow and that you can comfortably handle. Discuss your cruising plans with your charter broker. They are very familiar with the monohull and catamaran charters in their fleets and are happy to provide specific advice about the type and size of boat you choose based on where you are cruising.

Cabin Layout:Once you have chosen where you want to go, your next choice is selecting the cabin layout. Cabin layout is a balance between the number of people in your sailing party and the comfort level or tolerance you will have spending 7-14 days with those people. Layout will also determine the size of your monohull or catamaran charter.

If you have a party of 6, you will need at least three cabins. Many charter boats can accommodate two people sleeping in the main salon on a convertible settee. I really do not recommend this because it may be a bad start to a sailing trip for the person or couple who draws the short straw for sleeping in the salon. They will have no privacy. Furthermore, the quarters can get rather cramped if you are trying to cook in the galley, plot a course at the navigation station or anything else that might occur in the salon that has now been converted to a “pseudo-cabin”. If you can afford it, it is always nice to charter a boat that has one more cabin than necessary. It serves as a good storage room for all your extra gear and serves as additional sleeping quarters if someone wants to sleep alone during the cruise. If you have 4 or more people, I would also suggest having at least two heads (bathrooms). Otherwise, it gets really inconvenient and has the potential to become as nasty as an airline lavatory on a cross-Atlantic flight.

Keep in mind that your layout choice will affect the privacy level of your entire party. Typically, in a monohull charter, the cabins will be contiguous and are only separated by a plywood wall. Almost every sound and word in one cabin will be heard in the next. If you ever saw the sailing scene from the movie, Four Seasons, where Carol Burnett and Alan Alda are trying to tune out the “lovebirds” in the next cabin, you know what I am talking about. In contrast to a monohull, a catamaran charter will provide you with considerably more room everywhere on the boat. A typical 38-47 foot catamaran will have four large cabins with double or queen-sized beds, each with an in-suite head. Cabins are usually located fore and aft in each hull. This layout configuration gives you full privacy and you do not hear anything from one cabin to the next. The cockpit and salon in a catamaran are on the same level, providing spacious and comfortable gathering areas. The foredeck has a big net between the hulls, which makes a great sunbathing area. As a result of this roominess, it is easy to get some seclusion and quiet time away from other members of your party.

Regardless of whether you choose a monohull or catamaran charter, when you visit the charter broker’s web site, you will see all the layouts of the boats in their fleet. Everyone has their own tolerance levels for comfort/discomfort, privacy or lack thereof. A group of twenty year olds or a group of buddies on a “boys’ trip” will not have the same expectations as a multi-generational family trip or a group of middle-aged couples. Take your time to determine which layout will be the most comfortable for you and the rest of your party.

Size: The size of your charter boat is determined not only by the level of comfort you want, but also by your budget and sailing experience. As mentioned above, the cabin layout frequently dictates the size of your charter. Boats from 32-36 feet usually contain a 2 cabin/1 head layout. Vessels ranging in size from 36-50 feet often have a 3 or 4 cabin/2 head layout.  A 4 cabin/3 head layout usually requires at least 46 feet, unless you charter a catamaran.  A 5 cabin/4 head layout will be around 50 feet or more. Obviously, the bigger the charter, the more money you must spend. Your charter broker will help you find a vessel to fit your budget. Some charter bases maintain an older but well-maintained fleet which may be a lower cost option.

Another factor that influences the size of your charter is your sailing experience. Although not technically difficult, sailing a 47 foot boat is entirely different than sailing a 36 foot boat because everything is much bigger and therefore more difficult to control. The bigger the boat, the more you have to anticipate and the sooner you and your crew have to prepare for upcoming squalls, wind direction changes or anything else that might test your sailing skills. Be honest with yourself or you may have to deal with the consequences of too much boat.

Monohull vs. Catamaran Charters:There is no absolute right answer in choosing a monohull over a catamaran charter. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I have already addressed the advantages of a catamaran charter in terms of its layout configuration

for the ultimate in privacy and spaciousness. Another major advantage of a catamaran charter is that it is very stable. Catamarans do not heel and do not roll at anchor. For those prone to seasickness, this can be a big factor in opting for a catamaran charter. Because of their greater stability, it makes it somewhat safer for kids running around or less sure-footed older cruisers. A catamaran usually sails faster than a monohull on some points of sail, such as a beam reach and downwind. Finally, catamarans have a shallower draft, allowing you more options for cruising or anchoring in shallow water. The major disadvantage of a catamaran is that it typically does not sail as well upwind and it may be somewhat more difficult to raise and lower the sails. Also, if you are a hard core, “rail in the water” pure sailing buff, you will not get the same sailing feeling as you do with a monohull since catamarans do not heel. In contrast, a monohull will tack easily, it will sail well upwind, and it appeals to sailing traditionalists. A monohull, however, does heel and will have a tendency to roll at anchor. This may be an issue for those concerned about stability or seasickness. Again, there is no right answer in selecting a monohull over a catamaran charter. I have chartered both throughout the Caribbean in a variety of seas and have enjoyed all of my sailing experiences. Ultimately, the type of vessel you select will largely depend on your cabin layout preference and who you are sailing with. If you are bringing a party of first time sailors, very young or older people, or people who may feel somewhat apprehensive while at sea, you might be better off chartering a catamaran.
  
Anticipating your Caribbean sailing vacation is great fun, yet choosing the right charter might almost be as difficult as selecting that ideal Caribbean sailing area. To select that perfect boat, talk to your charter broker about where you want to go, the cabin layout, the size boat that will accommodate your needs, your experience level and who is sailing with you. Today there are several options of sailing vessels to match all budgets. Contact www.visailing.comto book your monohull or catamaran charter. Whether you are an experienced “sea dog” or a complete novice, you can enjoy all the pleasures of a sailing vacation in the Caribbean.

For yacht charters and more articles on Caribbean Sailing click here.
Caribbean Sailing at it’s best through Virgin Island Sailing Ltd. which offers bareboat, yachts with crew and mega yacht charters, throughout the Caribbean and world wide.

Written By Donna Wolfson of www.visailng.com
Photographs By Donna Wolfson of www.visailng.com

Vacation by Sea and  Vacation by Land

A Combo Vacation Package in the Caribbean

First few days by land next few days by sailing the islands last few days by land

Mix and match anyway you wish for convenience we recommend at least the first night on land (most flights from the states come in mid day to late afternoon)

The best of both worlds St. Thomas’s most reasonably priced accommodations with a view that even the top resorts can’t rival and sailing and exploring the beautiful Virgin Islands with a unique romantic anchorage each evening.

Can’t decide whether to spend your vacation in a Caribbean Mountain Site Hotel or on a sailing yacht? You can have both at the Mafolie Hotel and SailingWithTerry.

Stay at the Mafolie where the hotel clings to the side of Mafolie Hill, overlooking the harbor and downtown. Enjoy pool deck and the canopied restaurant at sunset when cruise ships set out from port, and the lights on the surrounding hillsides flicker on. You can take a cruise ship to the BVI, but you won’t have access to some of the places that SailingWithTerry go too. You can’t even fly in and rent a car on some of these islands. These are places where no one goes, except by chartered yacht or sailboat. Best of all you plan the agenda not the cruise director. The dinghy hitched to the back of the boat is used to disembark and motor to excursions on land.

Guests (sailors) of SailWithTerry.com design their own itinerary upon reaching their embarking place in the Virgin Islands. Unique outings could include a deserted island (Sandy Spit), about one acre in size and with only one palm tree; an island of 200 inhabitants (Jost van Dyke) with native restaurants; fresh-catch 3-pound lobster fests (Anegada); and one-bar outposts with local drinks and native music (the Painkiller at Soggy Dollar Bar in White Bay). Want to change your itinerary during the cruise? No problem, mate.

Captain Terry says, “We teach our guests to sail if they want to you chose the activity level and the amount of participation. As soon as we’re out of the harbor, we switch from motor power to wind power. We put our guest sailors behind the helm and help them put up the sails. Being on the water is one thing, but sailing the boat is part of the experience, part of the enjoyment of the vacation.”

Captain Terry makes sure his guests are aware of all the activities available, including snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, biking, hiking, wind surfing and kayaking. If you like, he will even take time from his captain duties to lead guide an expedition to a prime snorkeling site (and there are many in the Virgin Islands). Maybe you prefer to find a sunny spot on the boat to loll away the hours listening to the gentle lapping of the sea?

Summertime is off-season for the Caribbean, making it the perfect time of year for a more solitary experience with this combo package. Both the hotel and the boat take advantage of the Trade Winds provide constant cooling and the clear, turquoise salt water is a perfect 81 degrees for no-shock diving and swimming.

Terry Clark started sailing almost before he could walk. After nearly 30 years in corporate America selling software, he has decided to follow his dream – earning a living on a sailboat.

He is the owner of Sail With Terry, offering captained charters in the Virgin Islands. Trips can include just a captain – Clark – or a captain and one crew/cook.

More.. LakeSideNews 0408

A half day sail from the glitz and glamour of St Barths lays the tiny Dutch island of St. Eustatius or Statia (pronounced Stay-sha) as it is known by the locales. The first impression is that this island is not your typical Caribbean escape for a sailing charter. For one, if approaching from the north, your first glimpse will be of the 2,000 foot dormant volcano that dominates the southern part of the island.
    

With the top cone frequently covered in clouds, it looks imposing. Second, as you near the island, enormous super tankers wait offshore to deposit or retrieve fuel stored duty free in large terminals. Passing by them on a sail boat is rather intimidating and makes you wonder just how commercial is this island. Finally, as you approach the main town and anchorage of Oranjestad, you realize there is no easy access ashore by dinghy. You need to tie up to the ferry dock and literally climb around and over the local fishing and dive boats until you find a footing on the wall to haul yourself up onto.

Well off the beaten path for most sailing charters, for those that make the effort, however, Statia is an irresistible and delightful island. Peace and quiet are what you will find on this small Caribbean hideaway known as, “The Historical Gem”. With only about 3,000 residents (mostly of African descent, Dutch and a handful of expatriates eager to share their story), a lack of tourist development, beaches that are less than memorable and a nightlife that is almost nonexistent, Statia has remained unspoiled.  

No other island is matched in the friendliness of its people towards visitors. Life on Statia is like taking a step back in time. You will feel the warmth as you are greeted as lifelong acquaintances by the locales, including the Governor himself. It is in this uncrowded and unhurried atmosphere that a visitor from a sailing charter will find the perfect place to roam past the historic ruins of this once proud and wealthy trading post between America and Europe, hike the network of trails in and around the Quill or dive a vast underwater landscape just waiting to be explored.

It is hard for present day visitors on a sailing charter to imagine that this tiny island once had one of the busiest ports in the region. During its heyday in the 17th and 18th Century, Statia was known as the, “Golden Rock”. With over 3,000 ships per year, it was the international trading center for the western hemisphere. As the 18th Century drew to a close, Statia gradually lost its importance as a trading center and most merchants and planters left the island, leaving their warehouses and homes. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, the people of Statia realized the cultural value of their unique heritage and initiatives were taken to preserve and maintain their history through the St. Eustatius Historical Foundation and the Marine Park of St. Eustatius. If you are on a sailing charter, you will most likely stay in Oranjestad Bay. Once you manage to get ashore and check in with the Harbor office and Marine Park Office, you are free to wander and explore the island’s rich historical past.

Oranjestad (the only town) is made up of Lower Town and Upper Town. Lower Town, in the harbor area, still has a few remnants of its former glory. As you walk under the cliffs along the mile long harbor, you can still see the ruins of old warehouses and stores that have mostly collapsed into the sea, although the restored Old Gin House provides a glimpse of what Statia looked like in its heyday. Continuing along the road, you will pass Oranje Beach. The beige and black sand is a good place to rest, and snorkeling along the old city seawalls and ruins is good provided there is not a swell which tends to make the surf rather rough.

Upper Town is where Oranjestad currently exists. There are three ways to reach this sprawling town perched on the cliffs above the bay. The first is to follow the paved harbor road from the Harbor office to the far end - about 1 mile. The road then curves sharply and rises steeply up onto the cliffs and into town. This route is easier by car than on foot. The second route is to climb a few deep stone steps behind the Old Gin House which brings you to the cobblestone “Old Slave Road”. This road goes straight up the cliffs.  

It is a lot easier going down than up, but if it is raining do not attempt it at all because the road becomes a waterfall. If you are hardy enough to use this route, the views of the harbor below are spectacular. The third route - often used by the locales- is the goat trail. It can be picked up behind the Marine Park Office and winds its way up the cliffs to the top where it stops in the backyard of a neatly painted white gingerbread trimmed house in the middle of town. Make no mistake - it is literally a goat trail. The goats complained bitterly as my husband and I intruded on their path, but they did move.

Statia’s once great past is readily seen in the charming mix of homes, buildings and ruins of Upper Town. Fort Oranje, strategically situated on the Cliffside overlooking Lower Town and Oranjestad Bay, is the dominant building. It was built in 1629 and restored in 1976. Its cannon, peeking through the old stone and brick wall, commands breathtaking views out to sea looking towards Saba. Outside the fort, the beautifully restored Government Guesthouse is now home to the governor and courthouse.

Nearby, the Sint Eustatius Museum, housed in one of the town’s many 18th century houses, holds an impressive collection of historical finds ranging from Amerindian pottery and tools to colonial glassware and furniture that provides a taste of the high quality of life the island’s merchants once enjoyed. Down an alley, you will find the remains of one of the oldest synagogues in the Caribbean. Built in 1739, this two-story yellow brick building no longer has a roof and is gradually being taken over by vegetation. A few blocks further, the mid-eighteenth century Dutch Reformed Church is also largely abandoned, though the tower was restored in 1981 and the cemetery around it is beautiful.

If trekking up to Upper Town from the harbor is not exercise enough, Statia is a hiker’s paradise for nature lovers. By far the most popular hike is up the Quill, a perfectly formed dormant volcano located on the south end of Statia.

The Quill, designated as a national park in 1998, soars 2000 feet to a perfectly formed crater nearly 1000 feet across. The Marine Park office provides maps or you can take a guided tour with one of the park rangers. A sometimes steep path starts in the outskirts of Oranjestad on the road leading west out of town. The footpath begins in low level scrub and climbs through dry woodlands and lush tropical rainforest to the crater, about a 45 minute walk away. Considering this is rainforest, the path is one of the most well maintained trails we have ever been on! The Panorama Track at the top has breathtaking views overlooking the entire island, as well as views of St. Barths, Saba and St. Martin.    

The Quill National Park has many species of endangered and rare species of flora and fauna, including at least 17 different kinds of orchids, the Antillean iguana, the harmless red-bellied racer snake (found only on Saba and Statia), the Bridled Quail Dove (found only on Statia), exotic black and yellow striped butterflies and purple and orange hermit crabs that look like rolling stones as they tumble toward the sea inside their shells to reproduce before making the arduous return journey back up to the crater.

As well as hummingbirds, there are at least 54 recorded species of birds chirping and flitting through the forest. Once you catch your breath at the top, you can climb down into the crater itself, although since the path is not always easy to follow, it is best to do this with a park ranger. Hikers will find remnants of once cultivated planters’ crops such as coffee, cocoa and cinnamon trees, as well as bananas. An alternative hike is along the slippery Mazinga Trail, with a spectacular view of St. Kitts and Nevis. It is advisable to start out hiking the Quill early in the morning while it is still cool and before the afternoon clouds shroud the volcano top.

Be advised that this is an energetic hike. There are no picnic tables, water fountains or outdoor toilets. If you are the adventurous type, however, this is an exciting and unspoiled way to discover a unique park. Just bring water and perhaps an energy bar.

The history of Statia does not end on land. It is one of the few locations in the world that offers coral reefs, walls, archeological and modern wreck dives in such close proximity. Between 1775 to1800, Statia was the busiest seaport in the world with over 3,000 ships landing per year. With this volume of shipping traffic, it is no wonder that quite a few never left the surrounding sea. There are an estimated 400 ship wrecks around Statia resulting from hurricanes, fires, war, poor maintenance and deliberate sinking. Through both the Statia Marine Park and the St. Eustatius Center for Archaeological Research, American and Dutch archaeologists have conducted extensive work defining the primary anchorage area by carefully mapping the artifact concentrations spread across the sea floor as well as identifying around 40 sunken vessels.

When visiting Statia on a sailing charter, you can choose between near-shore archaeological sites and those that are further offshore. Near Lower Town, just a short swim from shore, snorkelers and divers can view the centuries old stone seawall and explore partially sunken warehouses built along Oranje Bay. The sea bottom is scattered with old ballast stones and other historical remains of the Golden Rock era. Now completely covered in coral, you can find cannon balls, clay pipes and even the blue glass trading beads in popular use during the 18th century. In deeper water, accessibility is only available to divers.

As every artifact is important to learning about the history of Statia, and to ensure that divers do not remove anything from the shipwrecks, diving is only permitted if you go with a local dive shop. There are 3 PADI dive centers located in Lower Town happy to assist in your underwater exploration. There are approximately 30 dive sites around Statia ranging from 30-200 feet.

Visibility often exceeds 100 feet with water temperatures averaging 78-84 degrees. Some of the more spectacular sites include:

Double Wreck: This site is marked by two separate ballast piles from a Dutch ship, sunk between 1720-1730 and an English ship, sunk in 1760. It is surrounded by reef populated with slipper and spiny lobsters.

Triple Wreck: This site consists of two coral-encrusted wrecks lying just 150 feet apart.

Doobies Crack: This site is a large cleft in the face of an underwater reef complex with a sand bottom about 100 feet.

Anchor Reef: A large anchor about 14 feet long and setting upright is found here. There is an extensive variety of corals, fans and sponges, as well as lobsters, sea turtles and many varieties of fish.

Barracuda Reef: This site is a 400 foot vertical ledge.

The Wall: This site is found at the base of the Quill. A steep system of coral pinnacles starts at 90 feet and drops vertically 900 feet or more into a trench. You will see an abundance of sea life here including large fish such as black tip sharks and barracudas.

Other dive sites include the Drop Off (a phenomenal wall); Five Fingers (a series of lava covered reefs); Gibraltar (a pinnacle which rises from great depths to just below the surface); and Stenapa Wrecks (a 45 foot tug boat that is part of an artificial reef). Whether you want to dive a pinnacle, a reef, a wall, wrecks, or an archeological site, Statia has it all. With all the exploring on or off shore, you no doubt will develop an appetite. For a tiny island, Statia has a huge amount of restaurants. With virtually no nightlife, according to Chris Doyle, “the oilmen need something to do”.

Food ranges from the obvious fare at Super Burger; American and Tex-Mex at Smoke Alley; German cuisine at King’s Wall; French and Creole food at Blue Bead; numerous Chinese restaurants, and local dishes at Golden Era Hotel. My husband and I found prices to be extremely reasonable and the amount of food generous. In addition, like everyone we encountered the restaurants owners were beyond friendly and accommodating. The owner at the Chinese Restaurant offered, “You no like my food, you no pay.” (Our plates were clean). One of the co-owners at Blue Bead made us delicious mango and banana milkshakes after our return from the Quill, even though he was between the lunch and dinner hours. And while we were dining on delicious seafood at the open air patio of the Golden Era, one of the oilmen came in mentioning he had a craving for lasagna. Within an hour, he had a huge plate set before him- served with a big smile!

For those on a sailing charter who like a sense of adventure, Statia is an historical gem of a Caribbean island. Whether exploring the ruins of its Golden Rock period in Oranjestad, engaging in a wonderful hiking experience in the Quill National Park, or diving and snorkeling over the wrecks, walls and remains of the 17th and 18th century, Statia is a friendly, peaceful place off the beaten track.

To book your sailing charter, contact http://www.visailing.com/ and discover this hidden treasure of the Caribbean for yourself.  

For yacht charters and more articles on Caribbean Sailing click here.

Caribbean Sailing at it’s best through Virgin Island Sailing Ltd. which offers bareboat, yachts with crew and mega yacht charters, throughout the Caribbean and world wide.

Written By Donna Wolfson
Photographs By Donna Wolfson

Sailing Vacations. Want to get away from it all? Escape all but the welcome distractions, sailing into a small cove dropping anchor, taking off in the dingy to find a new reef to snorkel on, later taking a walk on a snow white beach, and that evening you take the dingy ashore to a small charming beach bar/grill, you have dinner while watching a sunset and listening to island music. 

The trouble is you don’t know much about sailing and don’t know how to handle a sailboat. Her you have a terrific opportunity to experience the tranquility and beauty of sailing in the Caribbean, on your own personalised Caribbean Sailing Vacation, with your choice of sailing vessel, your own captain, your own agenda and for a price less than hotel room?

Caribbean Sailing Vacation

Depending on where you take your Caribbean sailing vacation, shopping will probably be an extremely popular activity during your Caribbean charter. Many of the Caribbean islands are known for their duty free and even tax free shopping. Duty free shopping allows you to save money on luxury goods such as jewelry, designer clothing, watches, perfumes, and of course, rum and liquor. You will also find souvenir shops selling t-shirts and all kinds of other rather cheap items featuring the name of the island you are visiting. Aside from shopping for discounted duty free items that you can just as

easily find back home, it is much more fun to think outside the box when it comes to souvenirs from your  Caribbean sailing vacation. The Caribbean offers locally made crafts, jewelry and artwork that make perfect reminders of your time spent on a Caribbean charter. Caribbean craftspeople bring a rich and colorful blend of African, Native American, and European influences to their handiwork- a combination that reflects the intriguing makeup of their culture. Throughout the Caribbean, shopping locales range from ultra-modern, air- conditioned malls to independent vendors who set up stands randomly along the roadways.

Three tips will make your souvenir shopping easier. First, regardless of where you shop, most vendors will accept dollars or euros, even if their island may have their own currency. To be on the safe side, however, you may want to exchange some money into East Caribbean dollars- the official currency of Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia. Second, in most of the established shops of the Caribbean, bargaining is not welcome and may even

be considered insulting, although some vendors may offer a discount for cash rather than credit card payments. You might cautiously give it a shot at open-air markets or with street vendors. Remember, however, that profits from selling homegrown or handmade items are likely to be the craftsperson’s only income, so prices are not usually set artificially high. Finally, not all island sales clerks will know all the rules about duty limits and taxes. Find out before leaving home what you will be allowed to bring back and at  
what cost. By doing your research before shopping, youwill avoid the risk of losing your purchase at customs, incurring a fine or being detained. Whatever you buy, a shopping trip to the Caribbean can be a wonderful chance to discover the striking uniqueness of this region. Below are some of the items you might want to look for and purchase during your Caribbean sailing charter.

The British Virgin Islands

You will find bargains on British goods like woolens, china, crystal and porcelain as well as on locally made straw goods. From the colorful pottery at Bamboushay Studio on Tortola or the roadside shop of Pat’s Pottery on Anegada, to the fabulous metal sculptures of Beef Island’s Aragon Studio, to the indigenous shells and driftwood at the North Shore Shell Museum, the BVI has quite a collection of art for you to discover. If you are into clothing, do not miss the HIHO brand. Year-round sales of the annual HIHO regatta event’s unique sun logo t-shirt led to beach bags then board shorts. Inspired by life in the Caribbean and their water sport roots, the HIHO brand launched a surf shop in Road Town in 1998. Today, HIHO boasts a line of clothing for men, women and kids. Finally, a particularly interesting souvenir is the BVI stamp. It is the only BritishCommonwealth stamp sold in a denomination of US currency.
 
Anguilla

Despite being such a small island, many local artists, including the potter and sculptor, Courtney Devonish, sell their art in local shops. Crafts to look for include tablecloths and linens, hand-crafted mats, pottery and painted woodcarvings. The best thing to bring back as a souvenir, however, is the Anguilla stamps, especially if you are a stamp collector. Each stamp is truly a magnificent piece of art. 

St. Martin

The island of St. Martin is well known for its shopping. The duty free shops are the biggest draw for visitors. With luxury items costing up to 50% less than other countries, it is no wonder that shoppers head here to buy European fashions, jewelry, perfume, electronics, china/porcelain, watches, Italian leather, crystal, liquor and other expensive goods. Jewelry is definitely one of the staples of St. Martin shopping. The duty free shops offer something for both the wealthy and bargain hunters. The Front Street jewelers offer everything from diamonds and emeralds to original creations of gold and silver, while many boutiques on the island offer jewelry handcrafted from natural amber, shells and bits of broken sea glass. With duty free prices, it is hard to resist buying liquor. If you are looking for something unique to St. Martin, however, consider buying Guavaberry liqueur or Ma Doudou rum.

Guavaberry is the legendary folk liqueur that has been made in private homes for 100’s of years. It is an integral part of St. Martin’s cosmopolitan culture. There are folk songs and stories about it. Guavaberry is made from rums and the wild local berries from which it gets its name. The fruit is found high in the warm hills in the center of the island. Guavaberries are not like guavas. The liqueur has a woody, fruity, spicy, bittersweet flavor all of its own. If you are looking for the warm, velvety taste of the Caribbean, Ma Doudou creates some of the best “arranged” rums. Along with her family, Ma Doudou makes this oh so smooth tasting rum from her cabin. Each bottle is treated individually, with regard to its components, orange, coconut, passion fruit, cinnamon, ginger-as well as the hand-painted labels which define it to the madras bow capping the bottles. Macerating the fruit, preparing the syrups, bottling, painting the decorations-all of it is done in Ma Doudou’s home. If you cannot find her cabin, do not worry. Her colorful, good-natured flasks are displayed all over the island. St. Martin also has some wonderful native arts and crafts. Popular offerings include cane furniture, embroidered linens, straw goods and colorful pareus.

St. Barth

Sophisticated St. Barth is more like the south of France than the Caribbean. Shopping is centered mainly in Gustavia and in St. Jean where visitors will find exquisite French fashions and other luxury goods, including cosmetics, perfumes, jewelry, watches, wines, liquors, Cuban cigars, crystal and porcelain. Locally produced items include delicate handcrafted straw mats, natural skin and hair products, mahogany reproductionsof colonial furniture, and original gold jewelry. The skincare products of Ligne St. Barth® are exclusively manufactured on the island and contain all the active ingredients of the Caribbean plants, fruits and flowers from which they are extracted. Perfumes Ana Tiana, is also an artisan creation of St. Barth.  The perfumes are created from the flowers and spices of the Caribbean, while the sun oils are made from native cocoa, roucou, avocado and aloe.  If you are interested in handmade jewelry created just for you, do not miss Deanna or Fabienne Miot. Deanna’s jewelry collection is born from the sights and sounds of St. Barth. She has channeled the French culture, the brilliance of the island’s colors and the hip-ness of the international jetsetters into her jewelry designs. The result is beautiful luxury gemstone jewelry that is understated yet chic. Fabienne creates exclusive and unique 24K gold, pearls, and precious stones into incomparable creations. A warning to shoppers in St. Barth: although items are duty free, the prices will no doubt astonish you! Whatever you purchase in St. Barth, do not expect to bargain-it is simply not done!

Saba

The Dutch island of Saba provides a unique shopping experience. Enter into any of the shops within the villages, and you will be invited into conversation. Artists find Saba a perfect inspiration for their work. Many watercolors, photographs and jewelry are displayed in 2 art galleries. Barbara Joyce is known for her decorative frames on her paintings, while Saban born Patricia Johnson’s oils and watercolors reflect the dramatic shorelines, landscapes, flora and fauna of Saba. Jobean’s Hot Glass Studio is the only flame-working studio in the Caribbean. You can see rods of brilliantly colored glass transformed into dancing fish, sea creatures,fanciful frogs and elegant jewelry. Her creations make a memorable present for yourself or a gift for someone else. Delicious homemade Saba Spice is a sweet rum-based liquor available only on the island. It is made from the local spices in the kitchens of many Saban ladies and is especially delicious poured over ice cream. Saba is also known for its beautiful, delicate linen items with hand-drawn threadwork designs. Saba lace is a unique needlecraft painstakingly created by the industrious women of Saba. Blouses, dresses, tablecloths and napkins are only a few of the pieces Saban women create in a variety of colors. Finally, a visit to El Momo Folk Art is where you will find a multitude of Molas for the perfect gift or souvenir. A Mola is a multicolored, multilayered hand-stitched panel of cotton cloth worn by Kuna Indian women in the San Blas Islands. Each one takes 40-70 hours to sew. Molas are considered one of the most highly developed contemporary folk art forms and are sought after by collectors around the world. Choose your Mola and within an hour, El Momo’s will make you a bag, a pot holder, a t-shirt or simply frame your favorite Mola.

Antigua

The main shopping district is in St. John’s. Visitors will find duty-free British woolens, linens, an assortment of luxury goods, as well as locally made rum, pottery, straw work, shell crafts and curios, and hand-made dolls. If you are into buying fruits, vegetables and spices to enjoy while in the islands, the farmer’s market is one you will not want to miss. 

St. Kitts and Nevis

Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts, is riddled with small shops and malls carrying a wide assortment of Kittstian merchandise. Duty free shops line the Circus offering crystal, china, porcelain, gold and silver jewelry, tobacco, liquor, watches, leather goods and many more items. You can buy rich art work from art galleries, as well as locally designed

clothing, including the popular and well sought-after Caribelle batik. Colorful pareus used as beach wraps are also a very popular souvenir item. Local crafts created by talented sculptors and craftsmen are made from a variety of materials and objects including dried coconut shells, seashells, wood, metal, stones and fabric. There is plenty to buy on Nevis, as well, as much of it is handmade. Fiery Nevis hot sauce, fragrant honey and handcrafted red clay pottery items are among the most popular souvenirs to take home. Many local crafts are made by members of local cooperative groups of craftsmen that work together to continue local traditions. One of these is Nevis Pottery, where potters create red-clay pots and other artifacts. Another is the Nevis Craft Cooperative, where craftspeople weave rugs, make whimsical wooden mobiles and other wood and ceramic pieces.

Montserrat

For craft lovers, there is a variety of attractive, locally made handicrafts, volcano soaps, gifts and local products to be found on Montserrat. Crafts on sale include handcrafted leather goods, hand-woven items from locally grown sea island

cotton, t-shirts, volcanic souvenirs made of ash and volcanic rocks, handmade dolls, local preserves such as guava jelly and hot pepper sauce. The national dress features green and yellow madras plaid cotton fabric, which is incorporated into many craft items. Montserrat’s Emerald Spa recently launched the production of exquisite natural volcano soaps capturing the therapeutic cleansing qualities of the active Soufriere Hills volcano. These hand made soaps embody a unique fusion of natural volcanic ash, clay and fine sand, fresh local aloe, rosemary, honey, coconut and other natural oil and mineral blends. Bay leaf and lemon grass essential oils and mango fragrance delicately scent the soaps. 

Guadeloupe and Les Saintes

Guadeloupe is quickly becoming more shopper-friendly. You will find wonderful products from France in Pointe-a-Pitre’s trendy boutiques. Expect to save about 20% on luxury items such as perfume, crystal and designer clothes. Most tourists take home a bottle of Guadeloupean rum. Domaine de Severin, Montebello, Longueteau and Damoiseau are some of the most popular, but visit the