St. Maarten, St. Barths & Anguilla
Jan. 26- Feb. 2, 2008
Registration Form
Boat Skippers & Crew
Pictures &
Reports from Past Regattas
Post
Regatta Survey
In January & February 2008, our sailing club will do it's first cruise of St Maarten, St. Barths & Anguilla. This week long sailing vacation will be first class. There are direct flights from NYC to St. Maarten. We will spend an extra day of rest on the luxurious island of St. Barths. This week of cruising will be a sailor's dream.
Preliminary Schedule
This itinerary is subject to change based on wind and weather conditions. The red line on the map graphic below is not our route but just somewhat close.
Friday, January 25 - first sailors fly down to St Maarten a day early (always a good idea).
Saturday, January 26 - Receive our Boats at Oyster Pond, 6 p.m.
The Moorings base is located at Oyster Pond on St, Maarten. We will receive our boats at around 6 p.m. on Saturday evening after a skipper briefing. You and the rest of your crew will be able to g aboard, select your cabins and stow your baggage. Then your provisions should arrive. This is a good evening to prepare your vessel, assign duties among your crew and otherwise prepare for your Sunday departure.
MSC Skipper's Meeting at 8 p.m. at the Moorings Base Bar. The purpose of this meeting is to ensure that all crew and bags have arrived and to find out whether any yachts have challenges which other skippers could assist with.
Sunday, January 27 - Oyster Bay to Simpson Bay Lagoon (8 nautical miles)
Simpson Bay is our first evening gathering spot for De Caribbean Regatta. You can sail along the south side of St Maarten direct to Simpson Bay from Oyster Pond. Or if you get an early start and have an adventurous boat, you could sail first to Marigot Bay for lunch and then enter Simpson Bay Lagoon from the north side. The next morning, you could sail out the Simpson Bay channel.
Simpson Bay Lagoon is where the yachties congregate. This is the mega yacht capital of the Caribbean. It provides a calm first night on the water so you can begin to acclimate to life on the boat. The first night is always a good evening for a Team Building dinner onboard. Then after dinner, sailors can head to shore if they wish.
A visit to Simpson Bay would not be complete for racing enthusiasts without a trip to the famous Sint Maarten Yacht Club, home of the Heineken Regatta. Located in the heart of Simpson Bay, the club is a great hangout and an entertaining spot to watch the mega yachts exit and enter the harbor through a very narrow entrance way.
If for some reason you or your luggage do not get to St. Maarten by Saturday, you can still connect with your missing crew or clothes on Sunday at Simpson Bay which is near the airport.
MSC Skipper's Meeting at 6:30 p.m. onboard the Flagship. A general check in with all skippers about their boats as well as weather evaluation for the next day's sail to St. Barths.
Monday, January 28 - Simpson Bay to Gustavia Harbor, St Barths (16 nautical miles)
An early start is recommended so that you get to St. Barths and can get a good mooring or anchorage.
St. Barths (or Saint Barthelemy) is a good sail from St. Maarten. As you sail over, you will notice the island's distinct physical appearance with many volcanic peaks. We will enter the island via Gustavia Harbor.
Keep a lookout for movie stars and rock stars. Everyone from Nicole Kidman to Jimmy Buffet has been spotted there. Mr. Buffet occasionally makes an appearance at Eddy's restaurant located across the street from the Anglican church in Gustavia. Eddy's restaurant is one of the great values in St. Barths and the atmosphere is casual and the fresh seafood is excellent.
Tuesday, January 29 - Day of Rest on St Barths.
MSC Skipper's Meeting at 9 a.m. onboard the Flagship. A general check in with all skippers and plans for that evening and subsequent day's Great Sail.
We will spend a free day in St. Barths to explore, relax and do whatever you and your crew desire. You can rent a scooter or moped and explore the island's many fabulous beaches or spend the day shopping at high end boutiques in town. St. Barths is the most expensive island in the Caribbean so keep this in mind.
Wednesday, January 30 - THE GREAT SAIL - St Barths to Road Bay, Anguilla (32 nautical miles)
Get an early start from St Baths for an invigorating day of sailing and a great reward! Anguilla is north of St. Maarten and measures 16 miles long and 3 miles at its widest point. Anguilla is a low island surrounded by spectacular white sand beaches and banks of coral. Road Bay is considered one of the most pleasant anchorages in the northern leeward islands
We must clear customs in Road Bay. The customs office is located behind the dinghy dock and it's hours are 0830-1200 & 1300-1600. You can clear in and out of customs at the same time and there is a departure tax of $3 per person. You may also need to get a cruising permit (and diving) at customs which will cost additional. Please be sure to inquire so that you are properly cleared.
Thursday, January 31 - Road Bay to Prickly Pear to Crocus Bay (6 nautical miles each way)
MSC Skipper's Meeting at 9 a.m. onboard the Flagship. A general check in with all skippers and weather evaluation for the possible sail to Prickly pear Cay.
If weather conditions permit, yachts can sail from Road Bay to the sailor's paradise of the Prickly Pear Cays which is about six miles north. The West Cay consists of rocky coral and scrub. But once you pass between the cays, the north side of East Cay will give you a long, beautiful white sandy beach. You can snorkel amongst the coral reefs and have lunch at Prickly Pear Bar & Restaurant.
After lunch, we will sail back to Crocus Bay.
Crocus Bay is a secluded and protected anchorage with spectacular views of the island's coastline and cliffs. It is also the site of an historic invasion by the French in 1745. Take the dinghy ashore and enjoy the beach. If you walk down the western end of the beach, search the fallen cliff face for fossil remains of marine life. Keep a lookout for large starfish in the shallow water and turtles when snorkeling. Crocus Bay is also the home of Roy's Restaurant and Bar where you can enjoy fish and chips and British beers.
Friday, February 1 - THE GREAT RACE - Crocus Bay to Orient Bay - ( 20 nautical miles)
MSC Skipper's Meeting at 8:30 a.m. onboard the Flagship. A very short meeting to set the final rules and start time for the Great Race.
Ambitious racing sailors should be prepared! Here is the Regatta Championship. The start will be from the Flagship off Crocus Bay and the finish will be orient Bay. You can choose to go northeast around Windward Point on Anguilla or southwest around Anguillita and then north of St. Maarten. The start will be at 9 a.m. for this exciting day of sailing which will include some tacking to windward! Trophies and recognition that evening.
When walking along Orient Bay, hide the kids! This is the French side of the island and nude bathing is perfectly acceptable. The beach is filled with cafes and bars. You may have to pay a small fee to have use of beach chairs.
Saturday, February 2 - Sail home. Orient Bay to Oyster Bay (3 nautical miles)
Regatta picture at 9 a.m. on the beach.
Bring your coffee cups and sun tan to be part of the Commemorative Picture. Then load up your boat and sail back to the Moorings Base. Or adopt more of a pirate attitude and keep going and going and going. Boats are due back at the Moorings base by 12 noon. Then you can hop a flight back to New York City. or you could hang around, relax at the bar, enjoy yourself and unwind and fly back on Sunday!
Map of St Maarten:
