Good winds and moderate seas make for superb sailing and exhilarating open water cruising. Enjoy a relaxing sailing vacation in the French West Indies (St Martin) and the Netherlands Antilles aboard a crewed yacht and discover dozens of sparkling, secluded beaches, while toasting the sunset in one memorable anchorage after another. With a capacity of 8 guests, you are assured personalised service and an intimate experience. Visit the beautiful island of St. Barts, an island of high fashion and haute cuisine, and then for a complete change of pace, experience the Caribbean at its unspoiled best in Anguilla. This pristine island, with its charming villages and stretches of powdery white beach, has a great selection of excellent restaurants. You'll also explore the deserted islands of Prickly Pear Cays, with their dazzling beaches and incomparable snorkeling.

Consider chartering the 8 person capacity yacht on an exclusive basis for the ultimate in luxury and privacy.

In the north of the Caribbean's Lesser Antilles chain lies St. Maarten / Saint Martin, a small territory shared by two cultures, two countries, and thousands of tourists each year. The European capital of the Caribbean, delightfully Dutch and fantastically French, this tiny island of just 36 sq. miles is the smallest country shared by two nations. The southern Dutch half comprises the Eilandgebied Saint Maarten (Island area of St. Martin) and is part of the Netherlands Antilles. The northern French half comprises the Collectivité de Saint-Martin (Collectivity of St. Martin) and is an overseas collectivity of France.

Fly into Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side of the island of Saint Martin and take a private airport transfer with a private vehicle and professional driver. The yacht is located at Simpson Bay Marina, just a few moments away from the airport.

The luxury Lagoon 440 represents the leading edge of catamaran design with decks unencumbered by sail tie-backs. The vessel was voted Charter Boat of the Year by cruising World Magazine 2005, and features headroom of 6'9'' throughout, an 8 person dining in rear cockpit, forward trampolines, forward bench seating, deck shower and air conditioning throughout. The open deckside allows for plenty of room to move around and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Inside, the air conditioned salon features large 360 degree windows, allowing for picture postcard views. All cruise departures include a captain and a chef/hostess. The vessel has air-conditioning in the main salon as well as having individual controls for each cabin. When at anchor, a generator which is located beneath the seat in the rear cockpit supplies the necessary energy to run the AC. For those who prefer the natural breeze, each cabin offers a cabin deck hatch and port hole as well as a top hatch in the bath which allows air to flow throughout this area.

The Simpson Bay Marina is where the yacht is based which is located on the Dutch side of St. Maarten. The meeting time to board the yacht is at 5:00pm on Saturday. Because of crew time needed for provisioning and yacht preparation, no one will be able to board prior to 5pm on Saturday. If you have a few hours to kill, after meeting your crew and storing your bags, you may like to stroll around the duty free shopping and sidewalk cafes. Enjoy welcome cocktails and dinner on board your yacht this evening. Taxi services are available to take you to a Casino or for late night dancing if you feel like heading off the boat for a few hours this evening. When you are ready for bed, your berth will be waiting...

The Lagoon 440 Sailing catamaran features three guest cabins, each with private ensuite bathrooms. Each cabin features a queen size berth with individual reading lamps, hanging closet, drawers, cupboards and bathroom vanity providing plenty of privacy, comfort and storage space. The bathroom features a toilet, vanity, sink, medicine cabinet and shower/faucet. The charter layout features four cabins and four heads (one is taken up by crew and three are for guests). Internet is limited to certain locations and not available in all destinations. The catamaran is very stable and comfortable. All sailing is done during the day and anchored at night in protected coves and bays to assure a restful night's sleep.

Overnight at Lagoon 440 sailing catamaran.

All on board activities such as sea kayaking, snorkeling gear and ocean fishing are included in your trip, so all you have to do is decide what you'd like to do each day. If you have a diving certificate, you can explore some of the Caribbean's best dive sites for a modest additional fee, with the crew providing all of the necessary equipment. Of course, if your idea of the perfect day is lounging on a deserted beach, you will be provided with towels and refreshments to assure your comfort.

After a good night's sleep on board the yacht and a hearty breakfast, the vessel will depart through the Dutch Bridge en route to Road Bay on the British Island of Anguilla. Enjoy the leisurely morning sail and lunch at Road Bay after which you will have the opportunity to go ashore and mingle with the locals at Johnos and enjoy the live music. See the locally made sailboats on the beach ready for the next regatta, which is the National sport of Anguilla. Also visit Roys bar and enjoy a cocktail with the resident beer-drinking parrot.

All (7) breakfasts, (7) lunches and 5 dinners are included in your all inclusive sailing package. This includes gourmet meals prepared by a professionally trained chef. The mouthwatering menu selections are certain to satisfy even the most discerning of palates. While on board you will enjoy fantastic appetisers, unique deserts and wonderful food all round. There is a well stocked bar on board which operates like an open bar.

Overnight at Lagoon 440 sailing catamaran.

After breakfast this morning, the destination is Prickly Pear Cays – a remote uninhabited rocky atoll to the west of the main island of Anguilla. The cays have amazing bird life and an unspoiled lagoon surrounded by a living coral reef. Snorkel to the white powdery beach or jump in the dinghy with your Captain for a snorkel over the magnificent coral. Enjoy an afternoon sail to Crocus Bay/Little Bay with a gentle Trade Wind to enjoy cocktails on the beach.

Overnight at Lagoon 440 sailing catamaran.

Spend the morning snorkeling as you explore the waters of Little Bay where shoals of small juvenile fish totally surround you and you can see the Pelicans diving. This area has been designated as a Marine Park providing excellent snorkeling and swimming in the azure waters. Later we sail down the coast of Anguilla and across the channel to Marigot the French Capital of St Martin. After lunch in the bay you have the opportunity to go ashore to explore this picturesque town and do some shopping.

If you are interested in diving, arrangements can be made for a local dive company to meet the boat while on charter. The fee would be paid directly to the diving company at the rate of approx $90 per dive for certified divers (rate and conditions to be confirmed at the time of diving). You will need to have your valid certification card with you to present to the dive operator.

Late afternoon, after anchoring off Grand Case, you are sure to enjoy dining ashore in the Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean.

Overnight at Lagoon 440 sailing catamaran.

After breakfast and a short snorkel around Creole Rock, you will head off to the small uninhabited island of Tintamare. This is a great adventure – if you dare! According to the local folklore, the clay cliffs of Tintamare will give you “Everlasting Youth”. Scrape up the clay, mix it with a little Caribbean Sea and plaster the paste all over your body. Bake in the sun until dry and wash it off while taking a swim and feel the difference! After lunch, set sail for Isle de Fourche – 2 hours away over open ocean. This island is the rocky remains of an extinct volcano with nothing but wild goats and cactus. Spend the night in this magnificent moonscape and for those who would like to climb to the summit – there are the most spectacular views to be had.

Overnight at Lagoon 440 sailing catamaran.

A short sail in the morning takes you to the beautiful harbour of Gustavia, the Capital of St Barts. This island boasts the getaway homes of many celebrities and magnificent Mega-Yachts. After exploring the wonderful array of old Caribbean buildings and very French shops and maybe doing an island tour (not included in tour price), enjoy a cocktail at Jimmy Buffet’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise” Café. Enjoy an afternoon snorkel around Gros Islets, the small island in the middle of the anchorage before moving on to spend the night at Anse Du Columbier.

Overnight at Lagoon 440 sailing catamaran.

The morning in Anse Du Columbier is spent exploring the bay in a kayak, walking on the beach or taking the (not too strenuous) cliff path into the next bay where the views are stunning. The bay is inaccessible by car and is totally unspoiled. There is also plenty of time for your last snorkel to see all the varieties of Caribbean fish you could wish for. After lunch, take a leisurely sail back to Simpson Bay, St Maarten to be in time for the Dutch Bridge at 5.30pm and then back to Marina.

Enjoy an exquisite dinner with cuisine of your choice ashore tonight.

Overnight at Lagoon 440 sailing catamaran.

After a nice continental breakfast, say farewell to your captain and chef/hostess.

Take a private vehicle with a professional driver from the marina at Simpson Bay to the Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side of the island.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Your 8 Day/7 Night cruise includes: Lagoon 440 sailing catamaran, Air-conditioned guest cabin with ensuite bathroom, Experienced Captain, Chef/Hostess, Prepared meals, complete with appetizers, desserts and wine, Open Standard Bar throughout your charter week, Onboard Sporting equipment; sea kayak, snorkeling fins and masks, swim floats, Linens, bath towels, beach towels, Tender, All Water, All Fuel, Cruising permits, Required National Park fees & Taxes. Your cruise excludes: Two Dinners Ashore, Gratuities for crew. (15-20% customary ), Special Requested Liquors.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).