Enjoy a mini-break aboard a striking two-masted schooner, sailing non-stop from Trinidad to Martinique. Experience sailing under starry skies with the warm Caribbean breeze, and the joy of a sunrise at sea!
You’ll step aboard Twister in Port of Spain, Trinidad, where you will be greeted by the ship’s friendly professional crew. After settling into your accommodation and getting to know your fellow sailors over dinner, it’s time for a safety briefing. The Captain will also run through the itinerary for the voyage. Then it’s time to slip lines and set sail!
The passage to Martinique is just over 250 nautical miles which should take around 48 hours. This will be non-stop sailing, giving a fantastic opportunity for experiencing sailing in the dark, with the warm Caribbean wind and a beautiful starry sky.
En route, the ship will pass by some beautiful islands, including Tobago, Grenada, St. Vincent, the Grenadines and St. Lucia. Although Twister won’t be stopping, it’s still a great opportunity for wildlife spotting and admiring the glorious and varied Caribbean landscapes.
After two days at sea, you will wake up during the last morning with a view of the French island of Martinique. After another delicious breakfast on board, it’s time to disembark.
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
Port of Spain, Trinidad
The capital of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain sits on Trinidad’s Northwest Coast, in a wonderfully sheltered position. Best known for its enormous carnival, held annually about 6 weeks before Easter, which travels over 10km through the city.
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.
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.
