This Caribbean sailing trip takes us from Guadeloupe to the northern Antilles, to the Leeward Islands. The route, covering approximately 500 nautical miles, can extend via Antigua and Barbuda to Saint Martin, before a longer voyage takes us back south along the island chain. Short legs in the north, numerous shore excursions, and a passage past volcanic islands make this sailing trip particularly varied. All the islands mentioned are examples of possible routes. Because we deliberately build in plenty of buffer time, we decide flexibly with the crew where to stop, depending on the wind and weather.
The trip begins with a training day off Guadeloupe and our first night at anchor at Îlet du Gosier. Afterwards, a close-hauled leg can take us across to Antigua. In English Harbour, we'll clear customs and experience Nelson's Dockyard, a historic naval port and UNESCO World Heritage Site. British seafaring traditions are still very much alive here. Just half a day further lies Low Bay in Barbuda, where we can anchor off a 17-kilometer-long beach. Ashore, Codrington Lagoon beckons with its colony of frigatebirds. With an overnight passage, we can then continue northwest to Marigot on the French side of Saint-Martin. Besides a day ashore, there will be time here, depending on the wind, for either Anse Marcel or Tintamarre.
Then comes the longest leg of the sailing trip. We can expect to spend around 40 hours and two nights at sea, with the island chain constantly as our backdrop. Passing Saint-Barthélemy, St. Kitts, and Nevis, our course takes us, for example, to Montserrat, where the Soufrière Hills volcano is still active. We can see its exclusion zone directly from the sea. We continue past Guadeloupe to Martinique or Dominica. On this leg, we sail around the clock using a watch system, with a watch leader in charge of each watch. This way, everyone on board gradually takes on responsibility for steering, sail trimming, and navigation at night.
At this time of year, the trade winds reliably deliver 15 to 25 knots from the east to northeast. On the northbound legs, we sail close-hauled and feel the full force of the wind and waves. On the long southbound leg, the trade winds come from astern at an angle, and the SY Imagine demonstrates just how fast she can be in these conditions. In the open passages between the islands, the wind picks up, while in the lee of the high islands, it drops. Squalls, rain showers with short, powerful gusts, pass through frequently. We practice how to recognize them early and react in time on board. Even at night, it remains so warm that we often stand watch in T-shirts and shorts.
For a stopover on the return journey, Martinique or Dominica are ideal. Saint-Pierre on Martinique was once destroyed by the eruption of Montagne Pelée. Here we can explore the volcano and visit the Habitation Depaz rum distillery. On Dominica, the Indian River, rainforest, and waterfalls beckon. We conclude our trip by sailing through the Dominican Channel to Les Saintes, where we anchor for the last time.
Our port of arrival and departure is Marina Bas-du-Fort in Pointe-à-Pitre, a 15-minute drive from the airport. Guadeloupe is easier to reach via Paris than many other Caribbean islands. You can book your single berth with us on a berth charter and sail as part of a crew of up to eight people.
