This sailing trip in the Caribbean takes us from Guadeloupe down to the Grenadines, to the Windward Islands in the southern Antilles. Our route of approximately 500 nautical miles could take us past Dominica, Martinique, and St. Lucia to Bequia and the Tobago Cays, before we sail north again along the same island chain. This itinerary is just one example. Because we've built in plenty of buffer time, we'll decide together with the crew which islands to visit based on wind and weather conditions.
The focus is on two long passages, each lasting approximately one and a half days and two nights. After a training day and a first night at anchor off Îlet du Gosier, we set course south early in the morning. With the trade winds at our backs, we pass Marie-Galante, Dominica, Martinique, and St. Lucia, until, for example, Admiralty Bay in Bequia lies before us. We sail around the clock on a watch system, with a watch leader taking responsibility on deck during each watch. Whether at the helm, trimming the sails, or navigating among the island lights, you'll be right in the thick of things and accumulate the majority of the sailing trip's nautical miles on these two legs.
From December to March, the trade winds blow steadily at 15 to 25 knots from the east to northeast. On our way south, they carry us swiftly along, while on the second leg back north, we sail close-hauled against the trade winds and waves. This leg demands stamina from the entire crew and is the greatest sailing challenge of the entire route. Between the islands, conditions often change rapidly. It becomes calmer in the lee of the high islands, while in the open passages between them, the wind picks up noticeably. Squalls, short showers with strong gusts, also frequently approach. Recognizing them in time and adjusting the sails quickly becomes routine on board. The nights remain pleasantly warm, and between the showers, a clear, starry sky stretches above us.
Between the two longer sailing trips, we'll take some time to explore the Grenadines. In Bequia, we can complete the immigration process for St. Vincent and the Grenadines before exploring Port Elizabeth ashore. From there, it's just a short sail to the Tobago Cays. We'll anchor safely behind Horseshoe Reef, snorkel over the reef, and with a bit of luck, encounter turtles. Depending on the wind, Mustique, Mayreau, or Union Island may be on our route afterward. On the return journey, Les Saintes off Guadeloupe is a great option. The bay of Terre-de-Haut, with Fort Napoléon, is considered one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean and is a special place to arrive after nights at sea.
The starting and finishing point is Marina Bas-du-Fort in Pointe-à-Pitre, just a 15-minute drive from the airport. Guadeloupe is easily accessible via Paris, and we sail through the French islands without any border formalities. You can also book this cabin charter in the Caribbean on your own, as you'll have your own single cabin and be part of a crew of up to eight people.
