Sailing Guides
- Sailing in the Caribbean
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- Sailing in the Windward Islands
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- Sailing the Atlantic
Planning a sailing trip to the Windward Islands? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know – from weather patterns to harbours, charter options, and local sailing etiquette – all presented in an easy-to-scan FAQ format. Written in clear British English with concise paragraphs and headings, it’s designed to help even a novice charterer plan confidently for an adventure in this Caribbean paradise.
Where Are the Windward Islands?
The Windward Islands are the southern islands of the Lesser Antilles in the Eastern Caribbean, generally including Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Grenada (some definitions also include Barbados). They earned the name “Windward” because old trade ships approaching the Caribbean from Europe first reached these islands, catching the prevailing trade winds. For sailors today, this region offers an incomparable sailing experience – steady warm trade winds, magnificent tropical scenery, and a chain of islands each with its own culture and charm.
Why sail the Windward Islands?
The Windwards boast spectacular landscapes (from Dominica’s lush rainforests to St. Lucia’s striking Piton peaks), vibrant coral reefs, and plenty of sheltered bays. The sailing routes between islands are longer and more open than in some beginner areas (like the British Virgin Islands), but they reward you with more adventurous blue-water sailing and less-crowded anchorages. You can enjoy line-of-sight navigation in many cases (the next island is often visible on the horizon), yet also experience the thrill of open-ocean conditions in the channels. For a sailor seeking both reliable winds and a bit of challenge amid gorgeous surroundings, the Windward Islands are hard to beat.
Windward Islands Sailing Conditions
Weather and Wind
The Windward Islands enjoy a tropical marine climate with warm temperatures year-round (typically 25–30°C by day). The consistent trade winds are one of the biggest perks of sailing here. Generally, expect an easterly breeze of 15–20 knots on most days in the winter and spring months. During December–January, the so-called “Christmas Winds” can bring stronger spells around 25–30 knots in gusts. In contrast, by late spring and summer (May through August) the trades ease and can blow more from the south-east at around 10–15 knots, making for slightly calmer sailing. September and October are often the calmest months with light winds (occasionally below 10 knots), although you can usually count on a sailing breeze even then.
Dry vs Wet Season
The dry season runs roughly December to May, bringing predominantly sunny skies and low rainfall. You’ll have warm days and pleasant nights, with just the odd brief shower to cool things off.
From June to November is the wet season, when you’ll encounter more frequent rain showers (sometimes heavy downpours) and occasional overcast days. Even in wet season there’s plenty of sunshine, but you should be prepared for rain especially around mountainous islands which attract showers.
Importantly, June–November is also hurricane season in the Caribbean. While the Windwards are farther south than the typical hurricane track, they are not immune – storms can hit or brush the area (for example, Hurricane Tomas struck St. Lucia in late October 2010). If you plan to sail in these months, keep a very close watch on tropical weather forecasts and have contingency plans. Many charter companies prohibit or restrict charters in peak hurricane months for safety. The best time to sail is generally late autumn through spring: December to April offers the ideal mix of steady winds and minimal storm risk.
Sea State
In the channels between islands, the open Atlantic can kick up a moderate sea state. With the trades blowing against the westward current, expect waves of 1–2 metres (3–5 feet) on a typical day in the channels. These seas are large enough to be exciting but usually comfortable for crews with a bit of experience. During strong wind episodes (or if a northerly swell is running), waves can be larger and choppier in the channels – reefing down sails in advance is wise if forecast calls for 25+ knot winds.
On the lee side (western side) of each island, the waters are comparatively calm and protected from ocean swell. Here you’ll often find flat seas or a gentle chop, which makes for relaxed sailing and comfortable overnight anchoring. Tidal range in this region is minimal (only about 0.5 metres), so currents from tides are negligible and won’t significantly affect your navigation. This means you can largely ignore tide tables – a relief for those used to big tidal waters. However, be aware of localised currents near headlands or in narrow channels, and of the occasional strong gusts that can blast out from between mountain valleys (a common surprise when passing islands like Dominica or St. Vincent).
Harbours and Anchorages in the Windward Islands
One of the joys of the Windwards is the variety of harbours and anchorages – from full-service marinas to quiet coves with nothing but a beach and palm trees. Here’s what to expect in terms of where to park your boat each night:
- Marinas: You’ll find modern marinas at major sailing hubs. For example, Rodney Bay Marina in St. Lucia and Le Marin in Martinique are large, sheltered marinas with dozens of slips, fuel docks, water, electricity, showers, and nearby provisioning stores. These marinas often use Mediterranean mooring style (stern-to dock with a bow line or mooring) or floating pontoons; marina staff will guide you in. Booking a slip in advance is wise in peak season. Marinas provide convenience and security, and many charterers spend the first or last night of their trip there to get sorted. That said, most nights in the Windwards you’ll likely be at anchor or on a mooring buoy rather than in a marina, as the natural anchorages are the highlight.
- Anchoring: The Windward Islands offer countless bays and coves where you can drop anchor. Popular anchorages include Admiralty Bay in Bequia (a large well-protected bay with a charming seaside town), Marigot Bay in St. Lucia (a picturesque cove ringed by mangroves and hills), Salt Whistle Bay in Mayreau (a tiny postcard-perfect bay), and many more. The seabed in most anchorages is sand or fine coral rubble – generally good holding for anchors. Depths can vary: some bays are shallow near shore, others drop off quickly. Notably, in spots like Soufrière Bay beneath St. Lucia’s Pitons, the water gets very deep close to shore (over 30 metres), which makes anchoring tricky. In such places, yachts either use mooring buoys or employ a special technique (anchor in deeper water and take a stern line to a tree or rock on shore to keep the boat from swinging into deep water). If you’re unfamiliar with stern-to-shore anchoring, local boat hands often assist for a small tip. Anchoring etiquette is important: give other boats plenty of space (at least a couple of boat-lengths), ensure your anchor is well-set (with sufficient scope, typically 4:1 or 5:1 in these non-tidal waters), and check that you won’t swing into any coral heads. Many bays have clear water where you can snorkel over your anchor to verify it’s dug in properly.
- Mooring Buoys: To protect coral reefs and seagrass – and to make life easier for sailors – many high-traffic bays provide mooring buoys. These are usually white buoys fixed to the seabed with heavy tackle, which you can tie your boat to (typically via a line through the buoy’s rope eye). In the Windwards, you’ll encounter mooring fields in spots like Tobago Cays, Petit St. Vincent, parts of St. Lucia’s marine park areas (e.g. Anse des Pitons), and around popular snorkelling sites. For example, in St. Lucia’s Anse Cochon, you’ll find mooring balls (the red ones reserved for dive boats) and can anchor only in specified zones. Using moorings is recommended when available – it’s secure and saves the hassle of anchoring in very deep or environmentally sensitive areas. Mooring fees are common; expect to pay a local ranger or attendant a fee (e.g. in the Tobago Cays Marine Park, moorings cost around 45 EC dollars per night). Always inspect a mooring’s condition before trusting it overnight (a quick visual check of the lines and shackles). If unsure, fall back on your anchor.
- Typical Mooring Style: Unlike the Mediterranean, you won’t often be doing med-mooring to a quay (except in marinas). The typical mooring method is either anchoring or picking up a mooring buoy. When anchoring, you usually drop anchor at the bow and let out rode, possibly with a bow bridle/snubber on a catamaran. In tight anchorages, some skippers rig a stern anchor or stern line ashore to limit swing – this can be useful if a bay is small (ask locals if this is customary for that spot). When using a mooring ball, come up to it heading into wind, have a crew on the bow pick up the pennant with a boat hook, and secure your bow line(s) through it. It’s wise to call ahead on VHF if you’re unsure about mooring availability or procedures at a particular harbour; for instance, Marigot Bay’s marina in St. Lucia requests yachts to check in via radio before picking up a mooring, and then grants access to their resort facilities when you’re on one of their buoys.
- Local Assistance: In several anchorages, especially in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, you’ll meet “boat boys” – local entrepreneurs who come out in skiffs to help yachtsmen with mooring, or to sell fruits, ice, or souvenirs. They can be very helpful (for example, guiding you to a safe mooring or taking your line ashore). Official park wardens or marina staff may also assist (in Soufrière, St. Lucia, certified guides can help tie you to a mooring or a coconut tree on shore). It’s customary to offer a tip for such help. If you prefer to manage without assistance, a polite decline usually suffices; if you do accept help, clarify any fee beforehand to keep the exchange friendly.
In summary, the Windwards offer a mix of well-equipped ports and idyllic wild anchorages. Plan your stops: perhaps alternate a night on anchor under the stars off a quiet island, with the next night in a marina or mooring near a town to resupply. The typical mooring style is straightforward – either anchoring or using mooring buoys – so even if you’re used to marinas, you’ll quickly get comfortable with anchoring routines. The key is to secure your boat well each evening so you can relax and enjoy the tropical sunsets.
Charter Types
There are many charter options available but here are the most popular types. If you require a different type of charter, fill out our concierge form and we will discuss options with you.
Charter Type | Description | Crew Provided | Ideal For | Typical Cost Level |
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Bareboat | You rent the vessel alone and skipper it yourself. | None (you must hold an appropriate license/certification) | Experienced sailors seeking full control | Low–Moderate |
Skippered | You charter the boat and hire a professional skipper to navigate and handle operations. | Skipper only | Small groups or novice sailors wanting guidance | Moderate |
Crewed | Full-service charter with a professional crew (skipper, chef, steward, deckhand, etc.). | Full crew (skipper + additional staff) | Travelers desiring luxury, service, and relaxation | High |
Cabin Charter | Individual cabins are sold rather than chartering the whole boat; crewed service included. | Full crew | Solo travelers or small couples avoiding full-boat hire | Moderate–High |
Flotilla | A convoy of similar yachts sails together under the guidance of a lead boat with a flotilla leader. | Skipper and assistant on lead boat | Groups of friends/families wanting community and support | Moderate |
Luxury Yacht | High-end motor or sailing yachts with all amenities and hospitality services. | Full professional crew | Luxury travelers seeking premium experience | Very High |
Chartering – What you need to know
Licenses and Documents
If you do plan to skipper your own boat, ensure you bring any sailing certificates you have (originals or certified copies) and some form of photo ID that shows your competency (some bases may ask for this, though many rely on their own assessment). It’s also wise for at least one crew member to have a Short Range VHF radio certificate, especially if your charter company or local regulations require a licensed operator (this can be the case in European waters; in the Caribbean it’s more relaxed, but having that knowledge is useful anyway).
Charter Formalities
Your charter company will usually handle or brief you on local necessities like cruising permits. Each country in the Windwards requires visiting yachts to obtain a cruising permit or pay clearance fees. For example, St. Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines charge modest fees for cruising in their waters. If you’re chartering out of, say, St. Lucia and sailing to the Grenadines, your base may arrange advance paperwork or at least provide the forms for you to present at customs checkpoints. Always budget some extra cash for clearance, customs, and immigration fees when you cross borders (often charged per person and per boat tonnage).
Important Charter Rules
Nearly all charter contracts in this region include certain rules for safety: no night sailing (you must be moored or anchored by sunset each day), no sailing alone (minimum two competent people on board at all times), and restrictions on how far afield you can take the boat. For instance, charters starting in St. Lucia might allow sailing south to Grenada but not further, or prohibit heading east to Barbados. Check your sailing area limits – usually they will exclude going too far off the beaten path or into known trouble spots. Adhering to these rules isn’t just about the contract; it’s also sensible given the local conditions (reefs and unlit hazards make night approaches dangerous).
Windward Islands Sailing Level
Sailing experience level is an important consideration when choosing this region. The Windward Islands are generally regarded as a medium-to-advanced sailing ground. Here’s a breakdown for different experience levels:
Beginners (limited sailing experience)
If you have never chartered before or have only skippered in very protected waters, the Windwards can be challenging. Novice sailors may find the combination of strong winds (20+ knots common), the lively seas in the inter-island channels, and the need to manage customs clearances a bit overwhelming. This doesn’t mean beginners can’t enjoy a Windwards trip – but it’s advisable to take along a professional skipper or an experienced friend as co-skipper. Another approach is to limit your cruising ground to an easier subsection of the Windwards. For example, a beginner-friendly plan might be to stick to St. Lucia and Martinique only, where the distances are shorter and you can stay in the lee of the islands (thus avoiding the rougher open passages). Or consider basing in Grenada and exploring Grenada’s coast and the nearby Grenadine islands like Carriacou – you can find short hops and sheltered waters there. If you’re a beginner determined to bareboat here, try to schedule your trip in the calmer shoulder season (late spring or early autumn when winds are lighter) and plan very short sailing legs. Also, bone up on your anchoring skills and systems knowledge beforehand. In truth, many first-time charterers cut their teeth in easier locales (like the British Virgin Islands) and then “graduate” to the Windwards once they have a few trips under their belt. But with preparation and possibly a hired skipper, a newcomer can still safely enjoy the Windwards. The key is not to overestimate your endurance – passages of 5-8 hours in open water can be tiring for a new skipper, so don’t over-schedule your itinerary.
Intermediate Sailors (some coastal/offshore experience)
If you have a solid foundation – perhaps you’ve chartered before in moderate conditions or you sail regularly on the coast at home – the Windward Islands are a fantastic playground to elevate your skills. You should be comfortable reefing sails in 20-knot winds, handling a bit of swell, and navigating by chart/GPS (not just by sight). Intermediate sailors will find certain challenges here that are rewarding to overcome: for example, timing your departure to exploit calmer morning winds for a channel crossing, or using terrain features for wind shelter. Parts of the Windwards lend themselves well to intermediate level: the Grenadines (Bequia → Mustique → Tobago Cays → Union Island) involve a series of day sails mostly within 10-20 nautical mile legs, which is very manageable. The waters behind the reefs (e.g. in the Tobago Cays) are relatively calm, and navigation is straightforward with good charts – though you must keep an eye out for reefs and shallows. Likewise, a loop of St. Lucia ↔ St. Vincent & the Grenadines can be done by an intermediate crew, as long as you’re prepared for a couple of longer upwind segments.
One strategy is to sail leeward (downwind) whenever possible: many charterers choose a one-way route north to south (e.g. starting in Martinique or St. Lucia and ending in Grenada) so that the predominant easterly winds are coming from behind or on the beam for much of the journey. This makes the sailing easier and more comfortable (you avoid long upwind slogs). In contrast, going south to north means more beating into wind and waves, which is strenuous. So for intermediate sailors, aligning your route with the wind’s favour is smart. Another consideration is island lee effects: you’ll need to handle both calms and gusts – often as you sail behind a high island like St. Vincent, the wind may drop completely in its wind shadow, only to surge suddenly as you clear a headland. Experienced Caribbean hands know to reef sails before exiting the lee, so that when the full force hits, you’re prepared. These nuances are part of the learning curve; as an intermediate sailor in the Windwards, you’ll likely come away with new skills and confidence.
Expert Sailors (extensive experience)
For seasoned skippers who may have done offshore passages or challenging cruising elsewhere, the Windward Islands offer delightful yet still engaging sailing. While the conditions are not extreme (except in rare squalls), an expert will appreciate the opportunity for longer passages and navigation in a semi-ocean environment. For instance, an expert crew might undertake a ambitious itinerary like a one-way from Grenada all the way to Guadeloupe (covering the entire Windwards and Leewards) or venturing to out-of-the-way spots like Barbados or Tobago. Experts can handle the occasional gale or make quick decisions if a tropical disturbance threatens, and they’ll know how to fine-tune the sails to get the best speeds on those exhilarating beam reaches between islands (8–9 knots on a well-trimmed monohull is not uncommon in 20-knot trades!).
The Windwards can still test experts with its variety: navigating through reef passes (like entering the lagoons of Union Island or navigating inside Tobago Cays) requires good eyeball navigation and perhaps use of satellite charts; dealing with overnight squalls at anchor will call on your anchoring prowess; and managing crew fatigue on a long 8-10 hour sail will draw on your passage-making experience. In terms of sailing skillset, experts will find a lot of their knowledge directly applicable – the consistent wind allows for pure sailing enjoyment, and lack of significant tide means less calculus in navigation. Experts should, however, remain humble and cautious – the sea is the sea, and even “champagne sailing” waters can become dangerous if underestimated. A prudent expert will still do daytime only passages, maintain a proper watch, and avoid the temptation to push the schedule in unsuitable weather.
Regional Suitability
It’s worth noting that within the Windwards, some areas are more forgiving than others. For example, Martinique has numerous bays on its west coast that are close together – a relatively easy cruising ground where you are never far from a safe harbour (good for less experienced crews). In contrast, St. Vincent’s west coast has fewer developed harbours and has had security concerns in the past, so it’s often bypassed unless you’re confident (many charter itineraries skip from St. Lucia straight to Bequia, avoiding St. Vincent overnight). Similarly, Dominica (if on your route) has limited yachting facilities, so beginners might give it a miss, whereas experienced cruisers relish its unspoilt nature (using the mooring services in Portsmouth for safety). Meanwhile, the Grenadines are a bit of a sweet spot: they offer the dreamy scenery and island-hopping ease that less experienced sailors can handle if conditions are mild, but can also challenge you with very brisk winds funnelling between the smaller islands or a surprise ground swell. Think of the Windwards as a step up from the easy, line-of-sight sailing of places like the BVI – not prohibitively hard, but demanding enough that you should honestly assess your skills. Charter companies will often label the Windward Islands as suitable for “intermediate to advanced” sailors.
What Regional Differences Should I Plan for (Customs, Logistics, Culture)?
Cruising the Windward Islands means you will be moving not just between islands, but between countries – each with its own regulations, currency, and character. Here are the main regional differences and logistical points to keep in mind:
Customs and Immigration
Unlike sailing within one nation, here you will clear in and out of multiple countries during your voyage. For instance, Martinique is French (EU), St. Lucia is independent, St. Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG) is another nation, and Grenada yet another. This means when sailing southbound you might go through formalities in each: clearing out of Martinique (if you started there), in to St. Lucia, out of St. Lucia, in to SVG, out of SVG, and in to Grenada – or some combination thereof. It’s not as daunting as it sounds: the Eastern Caribbean islands are well used to yacht clearance procedures.
Most have a simple one-page form to fill and charge a small fee. Many use a computer system called SeaClear that can expedite the paperwork (your charter base can advise on this and may pre-register your boat’s info). You should fly the Q (quarantine) flag when entering a new country’s waters and keep it up until you’ve cleared in, and also hoist the country’s courtesy flag (their national flag, smaller size) once you’re cleared – this is part of proper yachting etiquette and is expected Plan your route so that you arrive at an official Port of Entry when entering a new country. For example, if coming into SVG, you should make your first stop at Bequia or Union Island (both have Customs offices), not at an uninhabited Tobago Cay.
Similarly, when you leave a country, you’re supposed to visit Customs to check out. The process is usually quick, especially if you arrive during business hours. Some ports have overtime fees for clearance on weekends or late afternoons, so factor that in. Also note, one crew member (usually the skipper) handles the clearance in the office while others remain on the boat – dress modestly (no swimsuits) and bring the boat’s documents and passports. The bureaucratic aspect is just part of cruising life here, so embrace it with patience and a smile – officials are generally friendly. After clearing, remember to swap courtesy flags and stow the Q flag until the next border.
Currency and Costs
Different islands mean different currencies. Most of the Windwards (St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Vincent & Grenada) use the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). However, Martinique (and Guadeloupe if you venture farther north) use the Euro (€), and Barbados uses the Barbados Dollar (BBD). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas across all islands (especially for things like dining or taxi fares), though often at a set rate (e.g. 1 USD = 2.67 EC$ which is the official peg, or sometimes rounded to 2.70). It’s wise to have some EC$ cash on hand for smaller purchases, local markets, and fees (the EC$ is used in six islands, so it’s versatile). Euros will be needed if you go to Martinique or want to buy that delicious baguette and brie in a Martinique village bakery. ATMs are found in major towns (like Fort-de-France, Rodney Bay, Port Elizabeth in Bequia, St. George’s in Grenada) and usually can dispense local currency with an international bank card. In terms of costs, provisioning and dining out in the Windwards is moderate – imported goods might be pricey, but local produce and rum are cheap. Marina fees are generally lower than in Europe or North America, but more than anchoring/mooring which is often free or just a small charge. Budget also for fuel (you’ll likely motor some of the time, especially in calms or to charge batteries) and water (some places charge per gallon to refill tanks).
Provisioning and Supplies
The availability of groceries and marine supplies varies by island. Martinique is provisioning heaven – as a department of France it has large supermarkets (Carrefour, etc.) with a fantastic selection of foods, wines, and cheeses at reasonable prices. Many charterers starting in Martinique are astonished at the quality of provisioning (comparable to Europe). St. Lucia has decent options too – Rodney Bay has an IGY marina with a mall nearby including a well-stocked supermarket and even some chandleries for boat parts. Grenada (southern end) is another cruiser hub with good stores (especially around St. George’s and Grand Anse) and yacht supply shops. In contrast, the smaller islands of the Grenadines (Bequia, Union, Mayreau) have only small groceries – you can get basics (fresh fruit, veggies, bread, fish, etc., often from local markets or street vendors) but don’t expect gourmet variety or specific international brands. It’s a good strategy to provision heavily at the start (in the larger island base you depart from) for the bulk of your needs, and then top-up with fresh produce along the way from island farmers or fishermen. Each island often has its speciality: e.g. don’t miss buying some local Grenadian nutmeg or cocoa, St. Vincent’s rum, or the excellent fish in Bequia. Also, plan your fuel and water stops: fill water tanks at marinas like Rodney Bay or Le Marin or Port Louis (Grenada) where water is treated and ample. In the Grenadines, water is a scarcer commodity – some islands rely on rain or limited desalination, so they may have water only via boat-delivery or at a single jetty in Clifton (Union Island) for example. Conserve water on board (most charter boats have 400+ litre tanks which can last several days with careful use). Fuel (diesel) is available at main harbors (Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay, Bequia, Canouan, Union, Carriacou, St. George’s etc.), but if you have an outboard engine for the dinghy, bring a bit of 2-stroke oil if needed as that can be oddly hard to find on tiny islands.
Yacht Services and Repairs
If you encounter any technical issues with your yacht, be mindful of where you can get help. The major bases (Martinique, St. Lucia, Grenada) have maintenance facilities and technicians. Martinique, in particular, being a larger yachting center, has extensive repair services and spare parts (many long-term cruisers stop there for refits). In an emergency, St. Lucia’s Rodney Bay has a boatyard, and Grenada’s southern bays host many cruiser businesses. However, in the middle of the chain (say, you’re in the Tobago Cays or on Mayreau), you won’t find a mechanic on hand – at best, the charter company might dispatch someone from St. Vincent or Union Island if needed, or you might have to sail to the nearest base. So, ensure you do thorough boat checks at the start and carry spares for simple fixes (fuses, flashlight, etc.). Many charter boats will have a cellphone or contact method to reach the base if something goes wrong – don’t hesitate to use it if you’re concerned. It’s part of the “adventure” that you can’t just pull into a marina every night for service, as one might in more compact cruising grounds.
Navigational Differences
Navigationally, note that Martinique (France) uses European charts and markers (which generally follow IALA-B buoyage in the Caribbean – actually the entire Caribbean mostly uses IALA-B which is the same as USA: “red, right, returning” for harbor entries). This is a change if you’ve only sailed in Europe which uses IALA-A – but since most charterers here are either locals or from North America/UK, it’s usually understood. Just pay attention to channel markers: in the Caribbean, red buoys are on your starboard side when entering a harbour from seaward. Also, distances between main islands can be 30-50 NM, which might be longer than what a casual holiday sailor is used to. Planning a passage from St. Lucia to Bequia, for example, is a ~50 NM trip which could be 8+ hours – basically a full-day sail. It’s not difficult, but it requires an early start and keeping an eye on time to ensure arrival in daylight. If that seems too long, break the journey (e.g. stop at St. Vincent for a lunch break, or at least sail past close enough to admire it then continue).
References
- The Moorings St. Lucia Itinerary (Marigot Bay): Example of anchoring/mooring options – you can anchor outside Marigot Bay or go inside to pick up a marina mooring buoy, or dock at the marina. Calling on VHF is advised before taking a mooring to register and gain access to facilities moorings.com.
- The Guardian – Climate of the Windward Islands: Dry season (Dec–June) is mostly sunny and dry, wet season (June–Nov) brings heavier rains and risk of hurricanes theguardian.com.
- The Moorings (Martinique Cruising Conditions): Prevailing NE trade winds ~15–20 knots, stronger “Christmas winds” up to 30 knots; by summer winds ease to 10–15 knots from the SE. Minimal tidal range (~45 cm) and typical waves 1–1.5 m moorings.com.
- Yacht Ibis – Caribbean Weather Patterns: Steady easterly trade winds in the Caribbean; strongest in Dec–Jan (Christmas Winds), weaker and less stable during June–Nov (hurricane season) yachtibis.com.
- The Moorings – Charter Experience Level: Windward Islands (St. Lucia, Grenada) are rated as Level 3 – our most challenging destinations, suitable only for confident, experienced sailors with 20+ days as skipper moorings.com.
- WindCheck Magazine (Chartering St. Lucia & St. Vincent): At St. Lucia’s Pitons, plan to use a mooring because of very deep water; arrive early (by 2 pm) to secure one. Alternatively, anchor further north in Soufrière and call on VHF 16 for assistance. Also, remember to switch courtesy flags when crossing into St. Vincent’s waters windcheckmagazine.com.
- Yacht Warriors – Tobago Cays Guide: Tobago Cays Marine Park rules include a 5-knot speed limit, no fishing or jet skis, and use of mooring balls where available to avoid damaging coral. Mooring fee is EC$45/night; anchoring permitted only in sand areas (avoid seagrass) yachtwarriors.com.
- LTD Sailing (Grenada) – Bareboat Charter FAQs: Most charter companies require at least ASA 104 Bareboat certification (or equivalent) plus a sailing resume for bareboat charters. Certain regions require an ICC or similar license (especially in the Med, whereas Caribbean is more about experience) ltdsailing.com.