Help with Leeward Islands Charter

[RichR]

Are you doing a roundtrip back to your starting base?

We did a one-way charter from Guadeloupe to St. Martin. The money spent for the one-way fee was money very well spent. Pretty much all broad-reaches. We stopped at Antigua, Nevis-St. Kitts, St. Barts, and finally St. Martin. In a 45' sloop, some of these were all-day sails averaging maybe 8 knots in the open water. If you prefer great sailing to shore trips, this is the way to go.

The one-way was the only way we could cover so much ground/water.

As far as customs: I second the suggestion of taking crew lists (with passport numbers). Make a copy for every clearance you anticipate, and a few extras. If they accept your list, this will save time. You might have to copy the info to their form anyway.

Being dressed appropriately, being polite and respectful goes a long way. I saw a fellow in Antigua (English Harbour) get sent to the back of the line. He had sauntered in wearing a swimsuit and a grubby t-shirt; was disorganized and pushy; and the official let him know who was running the show. Don't know if they still have it; but the clearance office had a bullwhip hanging on the wall at that time.

The officials I encoutered were professional and helpful. But they have little tolerance for arrogant yachties.

Most of the islands have customs and immigration on the waterfront. But, we did have to travel inland to a courthouse on Nevis for immigration, I believe.

Between your charter company briefing and cruising guide, you should have up-to-date clearance info before you start out.

Have a great trip!

[RichR]

Its been a few years since I was there.

But, if you make it to Antigua (English Harbour area), they have a Jump-Up on Sunday nights at Shirley Heights( on a hill overlooking English Harbour). Bands, Food, Drink, etc.

Lots of tourists, as well as locals. But it can be a great time.

[bluewater_ny]

Ile de Fourche (between St. Martin and St. Barts) is a nice stopover. Also has (free) moorings if you want to stay overnight. Snorkeling at the NW corner of the bay is one of the best in the area, saw nurse sharks, turtles, barracudas and groupers there.
Clearing in and out takes a lot of time indeed. You might want to cut down on the number of island nations to visit and stay longer in one place instead.
If you plan to visit Barbuda you will have to clear into Antigua first. Clearing out of Barbuda is somewhat adventurous. The anchorage off the west coast is a beautiful beach, however the water is very shallow and some charter companies don't let you go there (no problem with a cat though, I would say). To get to customs & immigration you'll have to drag your dinghi over a little sandbar and then motor across the lagoon to Codrington (30min). The customs office is at the airport which is another 15min walk. You'll also have to visit the police station in town. But you will probably be the only tourist around. Last time I did this was in 99, maybe the rules have changed since then.
Statia has a dormant volcano with tropical rainforest in the crater. Nice hike up there.
Don't drive in lee of the volcano on Montserrat, this can be very dangerous. The least is that your boat will be rained on with hot sulfuric ash.
Anguilla: The prickly pear keys are the caribbean at it's best, white beaches, palm trees, and a blue lagoon with nice snorkeling.
For reading I would suggest to get Chris Doyle's 'The Cruising Guide to the Leeward Islands'. That book has almost everything in it.
Cheers, Paul