Spring Sail 2023: Saint Martin, Anguilla, Saba and St Barts

YachtXP Presents

There are few places in the world where you sail between so many countries in such a short period of time. Flying into St. Martin gives you the first glimpse of the differences between a Dutch and French world. Contrast that by the immediate departure to the British territory of Anguilla you've covered most of Colonial Europe without a dozen miles. The follow details YachtXP's longest sailing trip to date and the sailing trip with most time clearing customs!

Thursday marks the beginning of our exciting sailing adventure. We set sail from Anse Marcel on the north side of Saint Martin. As we leave the harbor, the gentle breeze fills the sails, and the turquoise sea stretches out before us. Our destination for today is Anguilla, a short sail to the north. A deep broad reach gets us around the edge of Anguilla and the monohull darts upwind while the cats slowly make their way into the wind. After a day of relaxing at Elvis's bar, renting a car, or exploring Anguilla, we retreat to our anchorage in Rendezvous Bay for the night.

Friday we head out to sea, specifically Prickly Pear Cay. The Prickly Pear Cays are a pair of uninhabited islands located just off the northwest coast of Anguilla in the Caribbean Sea. These cays are a hidden gem and a popular destination for day trips, offering visitors a taste of paradise.

The entire flotilla consolidated to two boats with a few coolers and set sail. With all of our dinghies in tow, we quick arrived ashore for an afternoon of relaxation, kite boarding, snorkeling, and cocktails.

We returned for one final day on Anguilla before departing to Saba. Majority of the group went ashore and explored Anguilla. Activities ranged for renting ATVs, kite boarding, exploring beach bars and relaxing.

We bid farewell to Anguilla and set a course for the unique and rugged island of Saba. Saba is known for its steep cliffs, lush rainforests, and world-class diving. The challenging approach to the island is rewarded with breathtaking scenery. We moor in Well's Bay and prepare for an afternoon of exploring the underwater world or hiking on the island's winding trails.

We spent the day on Saba, known as the "Unspoiled Queen" of the Caribbean. Some of us choose to go scuba diving to explore the rich marine life and volcanic underwater formations, while others opt for a hike to Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In the evening, we dine at a local restaurant, savoring Caribbean flavors.

Leaving Saba behind, we set sail for the chic and glamorous island of St. Barts. As we approach Gustavia Harbor, we're greeted by the sight of luxurious yachts and designer boutiques along the waterfront. We anchor in the bay, and after clearing customs, we explore the charming streets, dine at a French café, and soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Our day in St. Barts is filled with relaxation and luxury. We visit some of the island's pristine beaches, such as St. Jean and Gouverneur, where we swim in crystal-clear waters and sunbathe on powdery sands. In the evening, we indulge in gourmet dining at one of the island's world-renowned restaurants.

Reluctantly, we leave St. Barts behind and set sail back to Saint Martin. It's a bittersweet day as we reflect on the incredible experiences we've had over the past week. We reminisce about the beautiful islands, the warm Caribbean waters, and the friendships forged during our adventure.

As the sun rises on our last day, we sail back into Anse Marcel. It's time to say goodbye to an unforgettable week of sailing and the Caribbean islands we've explored. We disembark with heavy hearts but with memories that will last a lifetime, knowing that the call of the sea will someday bring us back to these enchanting waters.