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Sint-Maarten (Antilles) - St. Martin Island
Yacht Rental and
Bareboat Charter or Crewed
NAVTOURS offers bareboat and crewed charters from the French side called St. Martin.
History
Arawak indians were the first to occupy . Columbus discovered the island in 1493 and named it after saint Martin of Tours. Well aware of the Carib Indians' hostile greetings, he continued his journey without delay. The Spanish colonized the island for a time but were routed by French and Dutch prisoners who destroyed their settlement. It soon became the smallest territoty in the world shared by two sovereign states, France and the Netherlands. Although the border was made official in 1648, the harmonious coexistence of settlers has lasted.
Geography
This 92 Km2 island is located on the outer edge of the Caribbean Arc, at the junction of the Greater and Lesser Antilles. Topography and shores of the island are various, from pounds to mountains.
The French capital of St.Martin is Marigot. Philipsburg is the capital of the smaller but more developped Dutch side.
Weather
This island enjoys a particularly healthy, warm, mostly sunny, sub-tropical climate. Old Sint-Martiners define the weather as the "small season with big rain in Autum and the big season with small rain in Winter and Spring ". Mean temperature varies from 20 to 28oC.
Here are the actual weather information for Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe. Météo Média offers weather forecasts for the next 7 days.
Gastronomy
The dual nationality of the island adds a dimension of variety in the food. Although Gallic cuisine dominates, restaurants offer everything from French crepes, snails and bouillabaisse to Dutch beef stew. Native specialties include fresh seafood and tropical fruits.
Sailing Conditions
Wind blows year round northeast to southeast, in the Summer months 10-20 knots and November to May 15-25 knots. Winter season winds are generally east/northeast. Currents usually flow in a westerly direction and the tidal range is approximately 20 cm (8 inches).
Information for travellers
U.S. and Canadian citizens need a vadid passeport. For other countries, please check with your travel agent since proof of citizenship is often sufficient.
The official currency is the euro on the French side. The Florin and the US dollar are widely used on the Dutch side. It is not necessary to bring traveller checks with you. Use your bank or credit card to get cash from one of the numerous automatic counters available throughout the island.
The main departure bases are located in the french part of St.Martin, at Anse Marcel or Marigot Bay. Direct airlines service to St.Martin are available. Many daily flights to Princess Juliana Airport are available from from Europe, U.S.A. or other Caribbean islands. Air Transat provide direct charter flights from Montreal in Winter time. Marinas and yachting facilities are numerous and of good quality in St.Martin. We suggest to stop in the different bays and to go ashore to visit various beaches and villages.
Itinerary suggested for your cruise
For example, a one week cruise gives you the opportunity to visit French and Dutch parts of the island and to enjoy wonderfull St.Barts. For a two week cruise, discover the British Virgin Islands located north. It is also possible to sail south as far as St.Kitts, Nevis, Barbuda and Antigua. Here is our suggested program for a one week cruise :
Day 1 - Embarkment and provisionning.
Day 2 - Grande Case and Tintamarre island.
Day 3 - Road Bay in Anguilla.
Day 4 - Orient Bay via Scrub Island.
Day 5 - Gustavia in St.Barts.
Day 6 - St.Barts, Colombier Bay.
Day 7 - Return to St.Martin via Philipsburg. |
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Sailboat/
Bareboat Charter or Crewed
Ovni 39' - Caroline
Catamaran/
Bareboat Charter or Crewed
Belize 43' - El Gringo
Privilege 49' - Byzance
(may change without notice)
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