A chic European style meets Caribbean relaxed island lifestyle, the Leeward Islands of St. Martin, St. Barth's and Antigua offer a unique flair to their visitors. Fine shopping and dining are a trademark of the French St. Barth's, whose beaches range from secluded to hopping - a place to see and be seen. St. Martin each bears the distinctions of their respective heritages - French and Dutch, though they share the same landmass (and airport). Antigua's red ensign origin is but one reminder of its former British colonial rule, and plays host to the prestigious regatta known as Antigua sailing week every year in the month of April.
A yacht charter in around these islands can only be described as the ultimate in Yacht chartering, with a unique blend of European sophistication and Caribbean hospitality, St Martin is an intriguing Caribbean delight.
St Martin is the smallest landmass ever to be divided between two nations in the world.
The French and the Dutch can lay equal claim to these majestic green peaks, stunning sandy beaches and sparkling waters. The two cultures exist in perfect serenity, whilst maintaining the individuality of their homeland, giving St Maarten a charm of its own. St Maarten is a perfect starting point for a yacht charter vacation. Sail south through all the Leeward Islands on an epic adventure ending on the French island of Guadeloupe.
If not, head toward the island of St Kitts or north to the unrivalled "wreck dive capital" reef of Anguilla. If you find too many choices, don't do anything at all. Enjoy and relax the atmosphere of St Marten's restaurant and night life. With so many cultural influences, St Martin is renowned for legendary, exotic cuisine and vibrant parties. Surrounding the cosmopolitan areas are superb anchorages, great snorkeling, and sailing.
St. Bart's offer nice weather, 16 exceptional sandy beaches, exhilarating active sports, great shops and resort hotels. This is a unique French island that marches to its own beat and those in the know want to keep it that way.
Antigua is one of the major yachting centers in the Caribbean and home to the world famous Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting, where every December the world's most luxurious mega-yachts gather for Caribbean's yacht charter season.
In the 18th century, the famous Nelson's Dockyard, English Harbour, was the base of the British Fleet in the West Indies.
The island has beautiful beaches, deeply indented bays and has perfect sailing conditions all year around. Barbuda the sister island to the north is a low flat island with miles and miles of near-deserted sandy beaches.
Going south from Antigua takes you on another fascinating tour. First stop is Guadeloupe, the main island in the French West Indies and shaped like the wings of a butterfly. The west is a high, forested island with stunning waterfalls and rain forest walks; the eastern mass is countryside of rolling hills with sugar cane and picturesque ruined windmills. A few miles south, les Iles des Saintes is an irresistible group of islands, more French than the French themselves with mountains climbing to 1,000ft and numerous white sand beaches.
Dominica, an awe-inspiring mountain with deep valleys, dramatic gorges and waterfalls and pinnacles. This lush green island has an abundance of tropical birds, butterflies, fruit trees and brightly colored flowers. Heading first west from Antigua is St Kitts and Nevis, another twin island nation, these outstandingly beautiful island retain much character of the sugar plantation days although many of the plantation houses have been converted to small luxury hotels, while Brimstone Hill on St Kitts has a wonderful old, strategically located fort, a lasting monument to the old enmity between the British and French. Next in the chain going north is St Eustatia, a small island with a big history was once the trade capital of the Caribbean.
This sleepy island offers peace and tranquility and many pretty walks.
Saba a mere five square mile rock which reaches a lofty 3,000ft, offers scuba diving rated as some of the best in the Caribbean and an isolated island character that is spotlessly clean, villages of white-washed red roofed cottages and cobblestone streets built by descendents of Dutch, Scottish and British settlers. Nevis, St Kitts, Saba and Estatia are all volcanic islands often with cloud-topped peaks and for the most part they are surrounded by deep water.
Anguilla is a very low island surrounded by spectacular pristine white sand beaches and banks of coral.

The Leeward Islands charter (St. Bart's - St. Martin)

Day 1
The flavor and fashion of France combine with the Caribbean lifestyle to make St. Barts a fabulous place to begin your five-star vacation. You will understand why many celebrities retreat to this tiny, eight-square-mile island when you see the capital port of Gustavia.

Day 2
View rustic fishing boats and red-roofed bungalows while breakfast is served on deck. Head ashore to shop for the latest apparel then hit the secluded beach at Anse du Gouveneur that faces St. Kitts, Saba and St. Eustatius. That evening, dine at famous Carl Gustaf's while enjoying views of the harbor where your yacht completes the picture.

Day 3
The southwestern side of mountainous St. Kitts, the first English settlement in the Leeward Islands, offers spectacular dive sites. Sandy Point Reef has been designated a National Marine Park with 90-foot, swim-through canyons. On land, explore a lush rainforest complete with waterfalls.

Day 4
Cruise to Nevis for a round of golf at the Four Seasons, which offers "R-and-R" for the non-golfer as well. Your chef prepares a picnic lunch for your party to enjoy ashore as you view tropical and subtropical species at the Botanical Garden. Enjoy a candlelight dinner on the veranda at historic Montpelier Plantation Inn.

Day 5
It's no longer a secret that Shoal Bay on Anguilla's southeast coast is one of the prettiest beaches in the Caribbean. For windsurfing, try Barnes Bay. After an exhilarating day of fun in the sun, enjoy an alfresco dinner while anchored off Sandy Ground watching a glorious sunset.

Day 6
Grand Case on the French side of Dutch-French St. Martin may be the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Often compared to the Cote d'Azur, many restaurants, boutiques and art galleries make time ashore delightful. Kontiki's serves a dichotomy of excellent prime rib and fresh sushi on the beach at Orient Bay.

Written by :

The - YCT - Yacht Charter Team.