Help with Leeward Islands Charter

[JanW]

Our crew (5 people) are barboat chartering a Catamaran in February 2007 for 14 days in St. Martin. We are planning on covering St. Martin, St. Barts, St. Eustatius, Anguilla, Nevis and possibly Antigua, Barbuda and/or Monserrat.

We have chartered before in BVI (7 and 14 days) but this is our first time in the Leewards. I would like any input that I can get from people who have made this trip before....

1. Do you have any recommendations for anchorages/moorings?
2. Snorkeling
3. Sailing itinerary
4. Restaurants/bars
5. Beaches
6. Provisioning
7. Things to see
8. Any other recommendations?

Also, what is the customs/immigration process like? I hear that it is much easier than the BVI to USVI process but I would like some details.

Any input would be very helpful.

THANKS.
Jan

[Sialia]

I love St. Barth's despite it being a little pricey. My favorite anchorage there is Anse de Columbier. It's a horseshoe shaped harbor accessable only by sea and a single goat path atop a sheer cliff, so you may have some privacy. The holding is pretty good but be prepared to pick a spot with little or no grass and dive on the anchor to make sure it's set well. I have seen many boats drag here and it can get a little dicey in a blow. There's little roll and the protection is typically good. After a day here, head to town. You can make in a big dinghy but you're better off driving the boat around the corner. They have great French bread and the food, in general, is excellent. It's a charming town.

If you get as far as Montserrat, take a tour with Robert and make sure to have him take you to his favorite Roti restaurant. We ate rotis in just about every island from the BVI's down to Grenada and we all agreed that these were the best.

His tour is truly moving. You'll witness the raw and devastating power of a modern-day volcano. It is awe-inspiring.

Have a great trip.

Chris

[camaraderie]

Sorry Chris...the Roti Palace in Roadtown makes the best!!
Good to see you on line...We're safe & sound from Alberto here in NC right now. Hi to the family!!
GB

[chrondi]

How can someone sailing around the Leewards for fourteen days not mention Antigua as worth calling at? There is ample time to even sail south till Guadeloupe and come back!

[jmdelbello]

Check out this link, you may find some of the answers you are looking for.
http://www.sailing-advisor.com/stmar...-vacation.html

[JanW]

Thankls for your help - it will be very useful in our planning. However, can anyone give me first-hand experience with Customer and Imigration in any of these countries? We have a concern that we will waste a lot of time clearing in and out. Can anyone give me insight into the process?

Thanks again.
Jan

[Chuteman]

Anguilla - I did it in '05 from St. Martin. .....very simple & about 15 mins (including local info help). Be friendly, go properly dressed. All done in Immigration office - Road Bay .....next To Johnno's.........Dinghy dock on front of formal looking bldg. But that office was closed when I went to clear out which diverted me to Customs office next to comm'l dock = time consuming (30 mins +) line behind comm'l customers. Beautiful beaches, great snorkling & nice people in Anquilla.............strange entry / park fees but divided by your crew will be worth trip. I used dinghy & 10 hp motor to hit many spots from Road Bay.

St. Martin - don't miss Grand Case - NW corner................great place to eat both in formal restaurants (try L'Alabama) or informally at local street/beach BBQ restaurants.

Your sail plan looks ambitious.............lot of water to cover.
Don't forget to get plenty of crew list copies before you leave charter base which will speed up check =-ins
Have a Great Trip.

[katie66]

Heard that the customs from St Martin to Anguilla are strict. I know of friends that had more people on their charter boat than what was allowed - they had heavy fines...

[kavakava]

Unlike BVI's, there are few moorings, so be prepared to anchor well. More open water sailing too, so reef early. SXM to St. Barth's is upwind and a wet ride. Check out the cruising fee/tax for Anguilla - a bummer.

[camaraderie]

Check noonsite.com for latest on entry/customs etc. on each island.