Eye of the Wind Martinique to Guadeloupe EYE24/05

Embark	Disembark	Vessel	Duration	Voyage No
Fri 26-01-2024, 19:00Martinique, Caribbean	Fri 02-02-2024, 10:00Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe	Eye of the Wind	7 Nights	EYE24/05

Voyage Description

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Setting Sail from Martinique

The Eye of the Wind is not a ship that likes to lie idle in the harbour, so it is time to cast off the lines the next day. After receiving safety instructions and an introduction to sailing by the ship’s crew, you will soon be able to take part in sailing yourself – no previous knowledge is required. We will set course from Martinique and its neighbouring islands in the Caribbean Sea. You will get to know the Eye of the Wind as a seaworthy and reliable ship that has proven itself in all weather conditions. You can help actively with the sailing manoeuvres or just relax and watch. The setting and trimming of the sails during the days at sea will become an ever more fascinating spectacle from a long gone seafaring era.

Along the Way

As we voyage through the Caribbean, you’ll witness a tableau of natural beauty unfold. Grand Anse, Les Saintes, and Marie Galante are not just melodious names; they’re pristine destinations. Each offers its own unique blend of cobalt blue waters, emerald landscapes, and ivory sands. We’ll drop anchor in bays where the snorkelling uncovers underwater worlds brimming with colourful coral and exotic fish. You may even spot the occasional sea turtle or dolphin if luck’s in our favour. And let’s not forget the landmarks—age-old fortresses and lighthouses that tell tales of pirates and naval prowess. The distances between these islands are just short enough to guarantee rich sailing during daylight, with plenty of time for onshore escapades as the sun dips below the horizon.

palm trees and coconuts - caribbean beach landings — palm trees and coconuts – caribbean beach landings

Arriving in Guadeloupe

Upon arriving in Guadeloupe, the “butterfly island,” you’ll notice the immediate shift from open sea to a haven of natural parks and postcard-perfect beaches. In the port town of Pointe-à-Pitre, you will leave the ship with a sailor’s bag full of unforgettable memories of your journey. The island’s airfield is located around three kilometres from the port. If you decide to linger an extra day, a visit to La Soufrière volcano is a must. It’s an exhilarating trek with views that’ll make you feel on top of the world. Fancy a dip? Head to Plage de La Perle, a beach with golden sands and turquoise waters ideal for a relaxing swim. For those inclined towards history and culture, the Memorial ACTe museum provides fascinating insights into the Caribbean’s complex past.

For nature lovers, Guadeloupe – the Emerald Island – is a green paradise where you can discover the largest national park in the Caribbean with the highest waterfalls of the Antilles, a treetop path, mysterious mangrove forests, and a lush plant and animal life.

rope bridges and waterfalls in the jungle

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

January is a stellar time for sailing in this region. We hope you can expect consistent easterly trade winds, usually in the range of 15-20 knots—perfect for those who love a ship that cuts crisply through the water. The weather is predominantly sunny, but do keep a light jacket handy for the cooler evenings. Sea conditionstens to be generally moderate, with swells around 1-1.5 meters, offering a comfortable but invigorating sail.

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. Handling cargo adds an extra dimension – building teamwork and communication skills and leaving you with a great sense of achievement.

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

For Joining Morgenster, the ship is likely to be at anchor in Fort de France Bay. The ship will text you a meeting point and pick you up in the RIB.

Adam Purser

Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe

How to Get There

From the UK and Europe: Direct flights from London and major European cities like Paris are your best bet. Once at Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport, taxis and car hire services are readily available.

From North America: Direct and connecting flights are available from major U.S. and Canadian cities. You could also opt for a Caribbean cruise that stops in Guadeloupe.

From Australia: There are no direct flights, but you can easily connect through major airports like London, Paris, or New York. It’s a long journey but worth the trek.

What to Do in Pointe-à-Pitre

History: The Memorial ACTe museum is a standout, exploring the history of slavery and its impact. Also, the old part of the city, with its colonial architecture, gives you a feel of its historical background.

Culture: Local markets like the Spice Market are a sensory experience that showcases the island’s rich culture. Music festivals and local dances like the Gwo-Ka are worth checking out as well.

Sites of Interest to a Sailor: Guadeloupe’s coastline is quite a treat for any sailor. There are plenty of harbours, marinas, and sailing tours you can join. Bas-du-Fort Marina is a hub for sailors, fully equipped with all necessities.

Entertainment: The city comes alive at night with a variety of bars and clubs playing everything from jazz to local Caribbean tunes. Not into the bar scene? There are movie theatres and art galleries.

Eating Out: The food here is a blend of French and Creole cuisine. Don’t miss out on tasting local dishes like Bokit and Accras de Morue. Fresh seafood is an obvious choice, given the location.

Nature: Guadeloupe is not just about the beaches. It’s got splendid rainforests where you can hike or zipline. The Pointe des Chateaux is where you’ll see the Atlantic meet the Caribbean Sea, a sight you don’t want to miss.

Unique Features: What sets Pointe-à-Pitre apart is its mix of French and Caribbean culture, which you’ll see everywhere—from the language to the food. The scenic mix of rainforests and beaches also makes it unique.

Honestly, whether you’re looking to sail or just soak in some local culture, Pointe-à-Pitre is a must-visit. It offers a bit of everything, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason not to fall in love with this place.

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.

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.

Kit List

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.

Review

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

Vessel Gallery

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.