12 photo by bill schild
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t hemooringscaribbean british virgin islands the easily navigated waters of the british virgin islands are among the world s most desirable sailing destinations deep-water passages line-ofsight navigation and countless scenic anchorages offer idyllic conditions for novices as well as seasoned sailors places to go things to do the british virgin islands are quite possibly the definition of paradise with their white sandy beaches lush greenery and crystal clear waters you can combine rest and relaxation with fun and adventure as you explore each unique island begin your voyage at road town where you will depart for the bight at norman island here you can snorkel the caves of treasure point believed to be the inspiration for robert louis stevenson s treasure island as you head toward salt island stop over to explore the famed wreck of the rhone which sank during a hurricane in 1867 then sail northeastward to the baths at virgin gorda nature s version of stonehenge by the sea and hike th
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t hemooringscaribbean the bvi cruising area is 32 miles 48 km long by 16 miles 24 km wide with a wealth of secluded beaches and deserted harbors as well as popular restaurants and lively bars warm water and consistent trade winds make these enchanted islands the perfect sailing paradise sailing the way you like it the bvi is home to an infinite variety of adventures and the largest selection of moorings yachts you ll have easy access to everything from our renovated base in tortola we can arrange transportation from the airport to the base where you ll find our open-air bar and restaurant and expanded pool area 2,500 sq ft grocery store and customer service center with atm it s the perfect place to start moorings flotillas and special events there s always something exciting going on in the bvi whether it s a regatta fishing tournament music festival or moorings flotilla see page 48 this corner of the caribbean knows how to have fun ask your vacation planning specialist for informatio
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british virgin islands top 10 spots to visit 1 legend has it there s buried treasure on norman island also known for its popular anchorage called the bight be sure to stop in at the willie t floating restaurant and the shore-side pirates 2 enjoy a relaxing lunch or casual dinner at cooper island beach club near manchioneel bay the resort offers a dinghy dock so sailors will have easy access 3 huge boulders form small grottos in this exotic wonderland known as the baths on virgin gorda it s a wonderful spot for snorkeling or taking a unique hike through the boulders 4 take a break and explore the undersea wreck of the rhone or go ashore at salt island s ancient salt harvesting sites 5 soft white sand surrounds marina cay which features the popular pusser s restaurant as well as a secluded lagoon since the island is ringed by coral check your chart before arriving 6 this small group of islands known as the dogs offers lots of peaceful spots to drop anchor or pick up a mooring ball and
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photo by onne van der wal sailing conditions belize offers 185 square miles of protected sailing easterly trade winds range from 15-22 knots for perfect sailing conditions with an abundance of reef systems good coastal navigation skills are important weather year-round temperatures range from 74º-84ºf 23º-29ºc travel notes the base is located in placencia just 45 minutes by air from belize city direct flights from miami dallas and houston to belize city are available and take approximately two hours 16 hunting cay
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t hemooringscaribbean belize discover the treasures of belize on your moorings sailing vacation savor the richness of the experience for a lifetime a whole new world even though a short flight away you ll be greeted by picturesque cays crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches belize provides the perfect backdrop for a myriad of outdoor activities including sailing diving snorkeling fishing kayaking and wildlife watching you can also explore the mayan ruins and bask in belize s history belize is a spectacular spot catherine frost great sailing by nature belize s brilliant turquoise waters are protected by one of the world s largest barrier reefs while the coast s consistent trade winds offer an exhilarating sail enjoy spectacular snorkeling in the reefs worldclass diving destinations like the blue hole can be explored with the help of a local guide when it s time to surface countless sandy cays offer stunning lunchtime and overnight stops distances between anchorages are short an
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sailing conditions you ll enjoy the challenge of open-water sailing as you go from island to island navigation can be tricky due to numerous reefs winds are nearly always from the east blowing 10-25 knots the west flowing current is often imperceptible weather the area is constantly cooled by trade winds so it s comfortable to visit any time of the year the average temperature is 80ºf 26ºc travel notes the base is located on the east coast of the french side at captain oliver s marina at oyster pond princess juliana airport is located on the dutch side which is a 45-minute taxi ride 18
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t hemooringscaribbean leeward islands the leeward islands beckon sailors with great cruising and diverse destinations experience the melding of french english dutch and island cultures against a beautiful backdrop of volcanic peaks palm-fringed beaches and tropical rain forests st barts photo by paul gelder s t kitts nevis antigua cloud-piercing peaks and endless beaches a single cloud crowns the peaks of the tiny islands of saba and nevis like a halo welcoming you to some of the caribbean s most heavenly spots nevis only town charlestown is home to fabulous shopping restaurants and historic buildings a short distance away lies st kitts with its dramatic mountain range that supports a verdant tropical rain forest the island s rich british and french past offers plenty of sightseeing from old plantations to military forts sstt martin barts a dazzling reefs attract divers from around the world then sail east nguilla to antigua and anchor at one of its 365 stunning beaches continu
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sailing conditions the windward islands promise lively sailing winds blow from the northeast in winter months and from the southeast during the summer at 10-25 knots strengthening around the northern ends of the islands this itinerary also offers sailors the opportunity to make a few longer open-water passages between islands some sails can take 7-10 hours weather temperatures range from 65º-85ºf 18º-29ºc from december to may and 75º-95ºf 24º-35ºc from june to november travel notes martinique the base is located on the southern coast of martinique at le marin le lamentin international is approximately 30-40 minutes away st lucia the base is located on the western coast of st lucia at marigot bay hewanorra airport is a little more than an hour away and george f.l charles is about 20 minutes away 20
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t hemooringscaribbean windward islands martinique s t lucia for a true sailor s adventure voyage to the windward islands find mesmerizing beaches and landscapes in cosmopolitan martinique and gaze in awe at the majestic pitons in st lucia these waters capture the true essence of sailing marigot bay st lucia martinique unmistakably french unbelievably beautiful admire living art in martinique the place that inspired the paintings of famed impressionist paul gaugin martinique brings you a host of picturesque anchorages where you can explore misty rain forests historic plantations rum distilleries fabulous shopping fine dining and quiet beaches and coves snorkel in the barrier reef in the sheltered waters east of st anne or enjoy a bon nuit in fort-de-france the paris of the west indies sail up the coast to st pierre where the mt pelée eruption of 1902 is still echoed a century later in the 12 wrecks offshore don t miss the opportunity to explore the trio of amazing coves at les anses
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sailing conditions the grenadines boast superb winds in the wintertime usually blowing northeast to southeast at 10-25 knots and then consistently less strong in spring itineraries provide for both short and long legs through wide-open waters for more challenging sailing book a one-way adventure starting in st lucia or canouan and enjoy a downwind sail to grenada weather temperatures range from 75º 82ºf 24º-28ºc travel notes the base is near the tamarind beach hotel just a 15-minute taxi ride from the airport flights from the u.s stop in puerto rico before heading on to canouan 22
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t hemooringscaribbean the grenadines canouan put your yacht through its paces in the lower caribbean where good winds and exhilarating passages offer exceptional sailing depart from our base in canouan and discover a welcoming paradise rich in nature and culture set sail from canouan canouan places you at the heart of the grenadines from here sail the tobago cays or head south to grenada canouan is home to our base as well as the tamarind beach hotel and restaurant where you can dine on delectable italian cuisine while in charlestown bay scan below the surface for giant starfish bequia mustiquea wealth of beauty and charm anchor in bequia s admiralty bay a haven for pleasure yachters that was once home to square-rigged warships walk to friendship bay on the east coast and enjoy a warm welcome from the locals of this fishing village a short sail to mustique brings you to one of the world s most exclusive ports of call an island playground for entertainment legends you may rub elbows wi
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