The Leeward Islands stretch from the Virgin Islands to Dominica and include the island nations of St. Martin – half Dutch and half French, St. Barths, Saba, St. Kitts & Nevis and Anguilla. Featuring a large international airport and gambling on the Dutch side of St. Martin, the sheltered Lagoon is home to some of the largest power yachts during the winter months. Jetsetters will board their mega power yachts and set off for the charming island of St. Barths. However, there are a wide range of power yachts available to cruise these islands at a budget to suit almost everyone’s taste. Some may choose to use their motor yachts to cruise to nearby beaches for sunning and swimming during the day but return to the dock for the local nightlife at the end of the day. Others motor to Saba, which supplies the oceans’ sailing ships with sea captains, has two villages: ‘Top’ and ‘Bottom’ (still uphill) and some amazing wall dives. Anguilla is famous for her long white sand beaches, while St. Kitts & Nevis offer old style Caribbean ambiance.
Split between Dutch and French sides, St. Maarten/Martin has numerous marinas that cater to luxury yachts, especially large power yachts. During the winter season, many motor yachts from 50 to 300 feet use this area as their base. Megayacht services are well set up, airlines arrive from the US and Europe daily. St. Barths is just a shrt distance away.
One aspect to consider when planning a charter in the Leewards is that generally the harbours around St. Maarten are less sheltered than in Antigua and that means we do recommend a yacht with stabilizers, and zero speed (at anchor) stabilizers for those who worry about ‘mal de mer’. Many client choose a longer charter and begin in Antigua and travel one way to St. Maarten as a way to work with prevailing wind and weather conditions.
If you plan to remain around St. Marten and St. Barths, then a high speed power yacht with its planing hull will let you linger and travel to your next spot quickly.
The Leeward Islands are referred to as such as the prevailing winds for these islands blow from the East. This makes them downwind of the Windward group which are the first islands to encounter the Trade Winds as they make their way across the Atlantic. Leeward Islands power yacht charters are for those who want to cover great distances in a week. The distance between these islands can be greater and for many sailing yachts, a day’s sail. The coastline of Antigua is ideal for cruising with many harbours for exploration. The Leeward islands will afford you many options, especially in the Winter months, when it comes to choosing the perfect yacht. Embarking on your yacht in Antigua offers a great place to launch your charter through the Leewards’ with your journey ending in St Marten.
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