There’s plenty of time on this voyage to reach St Martin, so expect relaxed exploration en route with a crew who know the area well.
Think Dominica, Îles des Saintes, Guadeloupe, Saba, St. Kitts and Nevis, Statia, Montserrat, St. Barth and more! In fact, the great thing about travelling by ship is that you get to places that are difficult to reach from land.
Voyage
Vessel
Highlights
Sunshine and sandy shores
Varied and beautiful landscapes
Explore lesser-known gems with a knowledgeable crew
Fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities
Swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters
Enjoy a great mix of coastal island sailing and deep water passages
Your journey begins on the captivating island of Martinique, a French Overseas department. Here, the official language is French, and you’ll find yourself savouring baguettes and croissants while using Euros for transactions. Known as ‘the Island of Flowers,’ Martinique is a lush paradise with rolling hills, dense jungles, and even a cloud forest. The nightlife here is vibrant, offering numerous bars and restaurants to explore if you have time before your voyage. Martinique is renowned for its sugar plantations, which produce some of the finest rum in the Caribbean. It would be rude not to taste it, really!
Stepping aboard Twister, you’ll be greeted by the friendly professional crew and have time on your first evening to settle in, get to know your fellow sailors over dinner, and receive a safety briefing from the Captain. The next morning it’s time to set sail!
Along the Way
The crew will get you as involved as you want to be with sailing the ship. We’d highly recommend getting stuck in as much as possible! You can learn to haul lines, set sails, steer the ship and keep watch. There might even be the opportunity to climb up the rig or out onto the bowsprit!
Twister’s first stop will likely be Dominica, an eco-tourism haven. Dominica’s steep volcanic terrain has preserved its rainforest, resulting in breathtaking landscapes. Dominica boasts diverse flora and fauna, including over a thousand plant species and 195 bird species.
Your voyage continues northward to Guadeloupe, a beautiful archipelago known for its palm-fringed, sandy white beaches. These islands are not just a paradise for humans but also home to over 10,000 iguanas.
Prepare for some serious sailing as you embark on longer hauls, possibly sailing through the night. Nights at sea are truly magical, especially with a balmy Caribbean breeze. This region is brimming with islands, including Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Eustace, each with its own unique character.
Arriving in St Martin
St Martin is an island split between two nations—France and the Netherlands. The northern side, Saint-Martin, is a French overseas territory, while the southern part, Sint Maarten, is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Despite the border, movement between the two sides is unrestricted, giving the island a seamless blend of European and Caribbean influences.
WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
You can expect pleasant Caribbean temperatures and steady winds, providing ideal sailing conditions. While the weather is generally fair, be aware that occasional weather systems can still disrupt this, and it’s best to be prepared for all eventualities.
A NOTE ON VOYAGE DESCRIPTIONS
On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes for the forecast. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described above, but when it comes to sailing, you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description provided is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. As such, the scheduled joining ports, routes, activities and/or destinations may be altered. Due to the complexities of weather systems, this may be at very short notice.
HANDS ON HOLIDAYS
Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail.
SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD
We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.
Start & End Port
Martinique, Caribbean
Martinique is a major sailing hub in the Caribbean. The capital, Fort-de-France, has a deep harbour, and the island is a popular stop for transatlantic yacht crossings and charters. Le Marin, in the south, is one of the largest marinas in the region.
Traditional yole racing, a unique form of sailing with local wooden boats, is a key part of Martinique’s maritime culture.
St Martin / St Maarten
Sailing into St Martin / St Maarten offers breathtaking coastal vistas. Watch for Simpson Bay Lagoon and Tintamarre Island, both havens for marine life. The coastline boasts dramatic headlands, pristine beaches, and anchorages ideal for exploration.
St Martin is an island split between two nations—France and the Netherlands. The northern side, Saint-Martin, is a French overseas territory, while the southern part, Sint Maarten, is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Despite the border, movement between the two sides is unrestricted, giving the island a seamless blend of European and Caribbean influences.
Kit List
What to pack for a sailing adventure aboard Twister
What is Included:
All meals and soft drinks aboard
All safety equipment, including lifejackets and harnesses.
Alcohol- drinks are available to purchase on board- consumption is always at the discretion of the Skipper, and is never permitted whilst the ship is underway.
Waterproofs - sets are available to hire: make sure to discuss this with the ship's team before you arrive.
What to Bring
YOUR PASSPORT! Along with any other required travel documentation. Please read the joining instructions you receive from the Ship carefully to ensure you have everything you need.
Please, no valuable jewellery or other valuables, unless you have got specific travel insurance to cover it.
Waterproofs - see above.
Hats for sun and cold weather.
At least two sets of warm clothes - layers e.g. tracksuit bottoms, shirts, fleece jacket, wool jumpers, thick socks, and neck scarf. It can get cold at sea even in mid summer.
Swim suit and suntan lotion.
Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes. Sailing boots or wellies are also helpful.
All terrain type Sandals are great for dinghy trips ashore – but you do need shoes which protect your toes for sailing.
Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read, a musical instrument, pack of cards, magic tricks...
Any medication, spare spectacles. Seasickness tablets or pressure-point wrist bands (talk to your pharmacist)
Your own logbook if you'd like to keep track of your sea miles.
Tech chargers (along with adaptors for European sockets) and waterproof cases for any electronics. A rechargeable battery pack for your phone / camera can be really helpful.
N.B. BOATS HAVE LIMITED STORAGE SPACE SO PLEASE PACK AS LIGHTLY AS POSSIBLE. Don't use a rigid suitcase or a bag with a rigid frame. Soft bags are much easier to fold up and stow.
