Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fri 24-01-2025, 19:00Le Marin, Martinique | Fri 31-01-2025, 10:00Anse Mitan, Martinique | Eye of the Wind | 7 Nights | EYE25/04 |
Get away this winter with a week in the West Indies. This voyage starts and ends in Martinique- the Caribbean’s ‘Flower Island’. Sail to St Lucia with its striking volcanic landscape and take in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Enjoy fun sailing with guidance from a friendly crew, varied and beautiful landscapes, swimming in warm blue waters and soaking up the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere.
Sailing Areas | New Zealand |
Vessel type / Rig | 2 Masted Brig |
Guest Berths | 12 |
Beam | 7.01m (23ft) |
Draft | 2.7m (8.9ft) |
Overall Length | 40.23m (132ft) |
Year Built | 1911 |
Le Marin, on the South of Martinique, is nestled in a large and very sheltered bay of the same name, making it a haven for Caribbean sailors.
If your travel plans allow you to arrive early, there is plenty to do! Consider doing a snorkel tour to get up close with some of the local marine life. Visit the An Mao gardens with their fascinating and moving history as the home of runaway slaves prior to abolition. If you need to stretch your legs before a flight home you could also hike the nearby Crève Cœur volcanic Piton for great views.
Martinique’s original name in the local Creole language is ‘Madinina’ meaning ‘flower island’. The flora is spectacular here, with a huge variety of orchids, bougainvillaea, cassava, oleander, hibiscus and rose among many others.
Stepping aboard Eye of the Wind, you’ll get to know your fellow crew over dinner and receive a full safety briefing, plus an up to date itinerary based on the latest weather forecast.
Learn the ropes aboard, under the friendly supervision of the professional crew, and enjoy the warm and steady winds of the Caribbean. Options for exploration are boundless here, and each day will bring something new. Expect days of cracking sailing, relaxed shoreside excursions, dips in the azure sea and letting the sun warm your bones. Stopovers are planned at St Lucia, with its iconic volcanic Pitons, Saint Vincent and various of the islands of the Grenadines.
Anse Mitan, in the South West of Martinique, is a beautiful sandy beach in a sheltered bay on the Point du Bout peninsula. Enjoy an evening ashore with your new shipmates before a final night on board.
During January, the sea conditions around the Windward Isles are generally moderate, with northeast trade winds creating ideal sailing conditions. Expect balmy temperatures and a mix of sunny skies and brief, refreshing showers – a typical Caribbean winter setting.
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.
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. Handling cargo adds an extra dimension – building teamwork and communication skills and leaving you with a great sense of achievement.
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.
How to Get There
Embarking on a journey to Anse Matin in Martinique is filled with anticipation and various travel options. For tourists from the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia, flights to Aimé Césaire International Airport in Fort-de-France provide easy access.
Already in the Caribbean
Direct and connecting flights are available, depending on your location. If you’re already in the Caribbean, ferries offer a scenic alternative for travel between islands.
What to Do in Anse Matin and Martinique
Martinique, with its stunning Anse Matin, offers a wealth of experiences and activities whether you plan to spend a day or a few days exploring.
History is alive in Martinique. Visitors can delve into the island’s rich past by visiting historical landmarks such as Saint-Louis Cathedral and La Savane Park, or exploring museums like the Regional Archaeology Museum.
Culture flourishes on the island. Local traditions, arts, and festivals form the vibrant tapestry of Martinique’s Creole heritage. Enjoy traditional dance performances, music, and artisan markets to truly immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
Sites of interest to a sailor are plentiful in Anse Matin. Coastal views are breathtaking, and harbours and marinas are well-equipped for all sailing needs. Sailing tours provide an opportunity to explore the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Entertainment is vibrant, with nightlife in nearby Fort-de-France offering a plethora of options including live music, dancing, and clubs. Anse Matin often hosts local beach parties and music festivals, adding to the fun.
Eating out is a gastronomic adventure. From fine dining to casual beachfront eateries, the island’s fusion of French and Creole cuisine tantalises the palate. Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local dishes are a must-try.
Nature is a highlight in Martinique. The rainforests beckon for exploration, the beaches invite relaxation, and outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, and diving offer endless enjoyment. Anse Matin’s beaches are particularly well-known for their beauty.
Unique features set Anse Matin and Martinique apart. The combination of African, French, and Indian cultures creates a unique character. From the tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems to warm hospitality, Martinique offers a one-of-a-kind Caribbean experience.
Special Interests
If you have a special interest that you would like to find out about for this port or to tell us about, we would love to hear from you.
Anse Matin and Martinique extend a warm invitation to all travellers. From history to dining, sailing to dancing, and beyond, this Caribbean gem provides a delightful blend of experiences that promise an unforgettable visit.
Sustainable Travel Carbon Offset Schemes
By selecting sustainable travel options and actively participating in carbon offset initiatives, you can make a positive impact while journeying to or from your voyage.
Here are some suggestions for carbon offset websites.
UK: One popular carbon offset website in the UK is “Clear” who offer a range of carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and organisations. They provide detailed information about their projects and allow users to calculate and offset their carbon footprint online.
North America: In North America, “Terrapass” is a well-known carbon offset website. Terrapass offers carbon offset projects across the United States and Canada. They provide options for individuals, businesses, and events to calculate and offset their carbon emissions. Terrapass also offers additional resources and information on sustainable living.
Europe: A popular carbon offset website in Europe is “MyClimate.” MyClimate provides carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and travel. They offer a carbon footprint calculator and allow users to support various sustainable projects worldwide. MyClimate focuses on promoting climate protection and sustainability.
Australia: “Greenfleet” is a prominent carbon offset website in Australia. Greenfleet focuses on planting native forests to offset carbon emissions. They offer individuals and businesses the opportunity to calculate and offset their carbon footprint by contributing to tree planting projects across Australia. Greenfleet provides detailed information about their projects and the positive environmental impacts they create.
Please note that these carbon offset websites may vary over time, so it is recommended to research and explore multiple options to find the most suitable one for your needs.
If any of these links do not work it would be kind of you to inform us, many thanks.
Practical Advice for Eye of the Wind
Practical Advice for Covid 19 and Eye of the Wind
Suitcases take up a lot of room in a cabin, so it is better to uses soft bags in a ship. A small rucksack for going ashore is useful.
All the power to your plug sockets comes from the ship's generator which runs on deisel. The less the generators have to run to top up power, the nicer it is for the guests on board and also greener for the planet. Please don't bring loads of hairdriers, electric devices to charge.
There is no internet on board whilst at sea.
A fabulous adventure! Words cannot convey the experience.
John, Tortola to Bermuda
Tortola to the Azores! What a great time. Thanks to Captain Pit and the crew. An awesome adventure with awesome people!"
F Coutreau
What a wonderful, lovely, great, awesome trip we've had from Malaga to Lanzarote! I loved and enjoyed every minute.
Thanks again for this wonderful experience. I miss you guys!
Andrea
Now that was a voyage! The EYE crew - all 10 - five women and five men - embody two words:
COMPETENT and KIND
And such a beautiful ship. Thank you beyond measure
Susan
With red sails against a blue sky, Eye of the Wind is a photogenic ship. If you have any new images we would love to see them since Eye of the Wind has only recently returned to our website.
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