Explore Saint Lucia, the Grenadines and Martinique

IDEAL VOYAGE FOR…

Romantics, solo travellers, sun lovers, sailors and novices who want to see the Caribbean as working crew on a square rigger. Feel less like a tourist and experience island life as a sailor. No experience is needed as the professional crew will teach you to find buntlines and braces, clewlines and yard halliards. If you would rather be outdoors and active this winter and feel the wind in your hair then sign up before the mast. Eye of the wind is a sail training ship, but there is no deck scrubbing (unless you like the exercise). Guest crew can dip into the exciting stuff and not feel guilty resorting to the mattresses on the sun deck when there are enough volunteers to set a sail or take a turn on the helm.

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

• A Caribbean Sea Journey with island stops
• Learn to sail a windjammer with a young and friendly crew
• Active sailing and manoeuvering on a 100-year-old tall ship … feel free to participate!
• Caribbean flair ashore
• Excellent onboard cuisine, delicious meals from morning to evening

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

The adventure starts in St Lucia, an Eastern Caribbean island nation famously adorned with a pair of dramatically tapered mountains known as the Pitons on its west coast. St Lucia’s coast is a treasure trove of volcanic beaches, reef-diving sites, luxury resorts, and quaint fishing villages. The island’s lush interior is crisscrossed with trails leading to waterfalls like the 15m-high Toraille, which gracefully pours over a cliff into a garden, offering a perfect spot for contemplation.

As you sail north from St Lucia, the waters shift and change, guiding you towards the equally mesmerising Martinique. This voyage takes you through splendid Caribbean waters, where the sea dances with hues of turquoise and azure, and the opportunity for spotting playful dolphins or gliding sea turtles is ever-present.

Upon reaching Martinique, you’ll find it brimming with rich culture and striking landscapes. The island is home to historical landmarks, vibrant festivals, and culinary delights that fuse French and Creole traditions. Martinique’s harbours and marinas are fully equipped for all sailing needs, providing welcoming rest stops for those who venture through the Caribbean Sea.

For the nature enthusiast, Martinique offers rainforests, beautiful beaches, and thrilling outdoor activities like hiking and snorkelling. Sailing tours allow you to explore the coastlines, coves, and bays that make this island a sailor’s paradise.

Between St Lucia’s scenic beauty and Martinique’s cultural vibrance, this voyage provides an exceptional experience that blends nature, culture, and sailing pleasure in a seamless journey through the Caribbean. It’s a sail that promises memories to cherish, landscapes to admire, and a connection with the sea that only the Caribbean can offer.

The Real Pirates of the Caribbean – Lush rainforests, mountains and waterfalls

There are few things which beat a tropical sunset below the yard-arm whilst at anchor in a timeless setting. A sailing ship as your base gives you access to the unspoilt Caribbean; Fishing villages where the chickens roam the shore, or landing like an early explorer on a remote beach anchorage under a forest covered volcanic peak. 

Island hopping, anchorages & time ashore

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast and most idyllic or sheltered anchors and ports. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described below, but you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. Where the ship goes ashore depends on the wind and weather conditions, and is decided at short notice by the captain, who will take your wishes into account whenever possible. This ensures that your sailing trip is a pleasant mix of adventure, relaxation, active participation and pure enjoyment.

Martinique – A French – Creole Culture

Our journey ends in Fort de France port on Martinique. This French overseas département also bears the name “Flower Island” and is a slice of France in the tropics. Every village has a patissierie selling fresh baguettes and croissants and colonial architecture is everywhere. away from the sophisticated tourist cities are forested areas, banana plantations and sugar cane plantations. Like all volcanic islands with steep slopes, it is not easy to build roads to everywhere, so exploring from the sea gives you opportunity to find deserted stretches of beach and perhaps forest tracks to lure you into the hinterland.

 

Extra Days after your Voyage?

Do not miss renting a car in Martinique to explore the north of the island right up to the green rainforest wilderness of Morne Rouge on the Route de la Trace, a route created by the Jesuits. The church square of the Sacre Coeur de Balata offers a stunning view of the mountainous tropical island. After a few minutes’ drive, you will reach the Botanical Garden, which charms its visitors with a stunning variety of tropical flowers and plants. Our tip: Before you set off home, try the island’s speciality: Rum punch – it is said to be the best in the whole Caribbean.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

Average air temperatures in Guadeloupe are 26-28 degrees centigrade. Sea temperatures are a balmy 26-28 degrees.

If you are on the Atlantic ocean side of Caribean islands the seas can be boisterous and blue. In the lee of any big volcanic island or inside a protecting reef, the seas can be flat. The winds mixed with tropical sun are generally the reason why the Caribbean is a perfect sailing ground. Square riggers under full sail, generally create some shade somewhere on deck or in the rigging so you can always find a cool spot. There is air conditioning in the cabins.

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.

AGILITY & FITNESS

Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application. If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to a voyage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office on 01326 53 1234 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.

What to pack for a sailing holiday on the Eye of the Wind

Working Language on Board is German and English

Practical Advice for Eye of the Wind   

Practical Advice for Covid 19 and Eye of the Wind

What is Included

• Sailing Instruction
• All meals to include refreshments throughout the day
• Duvet, pillow and sheets
• Hand towels

What is not Included

• Waterproof jackets and trousers
• Alcoholic drinks but there is a bar on board
• Any entry visas required

What to Bring

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.

• Eye of the Wind does not supply waterproof jackets and salopette type trousers. Please bring your own waterproof clothing.
• A mix of warm and wind proof clothing.
• Lots of thin layers is better than one thick layer in cold destinations.
• In tropical countries - long sleeves and long trousers to protect you from the sun
• Footwear on board needs a good grip and soft soles- the decks are wood or steel.
• Ashore stout, waterproof walking boots are best if you are in remote places.
• Eye of the Wind has electric sockets in all the cabins 240 V 
• Cameras, spare batteries, chargers if you need them
• Binoculars are handy for bird watching etc.
• Suntan lotion, hats, sunglasses
• Dont forget any regular medication, persciption glasses and spare
• Euros for bar bill 
• Passport, travel insurance, tickets etc
•  To get ashore is usually by dinghy so be prepared to get wet feet. Rubber boots or quick drying sandals - depending on the location.
• The ship provides hand towels but please bring a beach towel
• snorkel and mask for caribbean if you like snorkelling (travel tip: swimming goggles pack up smaller than a facemask)
• Bring insect repellant for Caribbean as can get mosquitos ashore in evening (rare at anchor)
• ear plugs can be handy 

Electricity

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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