Caribbean Cruising aboard Twister

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Setting Sail from St Martin

St Martin is an island split between two nations—France and the Netherlands. The northern side, Saint-Martin, is a French overseas territory, while the southern part, Sint Maarten, is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Despite the border, movement between the two sides is unrestricted, giving the island a seamless blend of European and Caribbean influences.

Stepping aboard Twister, you’ll be greeted by the friendly professional crew and have time on your first evening to settle in, get to know your fellow sailors over dinner, and receive a safety briefing from the Captain. The next morning it’s time to set sail!

Along the Way

The crew will get you as involved as you want to be with sailing the ship. We’d highly recommend getting stuck in as much as possible! You can learn to haul lines, set sails, steer the ship and keep watch. There might even be the opportunity to climb up the rig or out onto the bowsprit!

The captain knows the area well, so expect some beautiful out-of-the-way anchorages and idyllic bays. On these trips, passengers are also allowed to contribute ideas, so if there are places in the area that you definitely want to visit, let the crew know and, if possible, they will be added to the itinerary! This trip is taken at a “cruise” pace, meaning fewer miles per day and more time to explore ashore, swim and snorkel.

Some likely stop-overs include Guadeloupe, a beautiful archipelago known for its palm-fringed, sandy white beaches. These islands are not just a paradise for humans but also home to over 10,000 iguanas. Also Dominica, an eco-tourism haven. Dominica’s steep volcanic terrain has preserved its rainforest, resulting in breathtaking landscapes. Dominica boasts diverse flora and fauna, including over a thousand plant species and 195 bird species.

Prepare for some serious sailing as you embark on longer hauls, possibly sailing through the night. Nights at sea are truly magical, especially with a balmy Caribbean breeze. This region is brimming with islands, including Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Eustace, each with its own unique character.

Arriving in Martinique

Your journey ends on the captivating island of Martinique, a French Overseas department. Here, the official language is French, and you’ll find yourself savouring baguettes and croissants while using Euros for transactions. Known as ‘the Island of Flowers,’ Martinique is a lush paradise with rolling hills, dense jungles, and even a cloud forest. The nightlife here is vibrant, offering numerous bars and restaurants to explore if you have time before your voyage. Martinique is renowned for its sugar plantations, which produce some of the finest rum in the Caribbean. It would be rude not to taste it, really!

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

You can expect pleasant Caribbean temperatures and steady winds, providing ideal sailing conditions. While the weather is generally fair, be aware that occasional weather systems can still disrupt this, and it’s best to be prepared for all eventualities.

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.

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.
• Your bunk, bedding and a towel

What is Not Included:

• Travel to and from your voyage
• Personal travel insurance (see our advice on Travel Insurance)
• 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.

Voyages on Twister