Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fri 17-01-2025, 19:00Soufrière, St Lucia | Fri 24-01-2025, 10:00Le Marin, Martinique | Eye of the Wind | 7 Nights | EYE25/03 |
Get away this winter with a week in the West Indies. Starting in St Lucia with its striking volcanic landscape, you’ll take in St Vincent and the Grenadines, including the picturesque private island of Mustique, en route to Martinique. 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 |
Soufrière, St Lucia’s original capital, is on the west coast of the island. It’s surrounded by enormous volcanic peaks, hot springs and sandy beaches. The town itself is full of colonial era architecture and brightly painted wooden houses, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
If your travel plans allow you to arrive early, consider trekking up one of the two Pitons: giant, conical volcanic peaks that rise sharply from the sea. The spires and their surrounding lush forest are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and views from the top take in Dominica, Martinique, Barbados and Saint Vincent.
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. En route to Martinique various stopovers are planned among Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, including the picturesque private island of Mustique.
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. Enjoy an evening ashore with your new shipmates before a final night on board.
If your travels allow an extra day here, 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.
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.
Hot springs, sandy beaches and volcanic peaks make Soufrière a stunning town to visit. Tourism is on the up here but it remains largely unspoiled. Hikers and rock climbers make up a lot of the visitors, eager to scale the two Pitons that dominate the landscape.
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
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