Two weeks under sail in the Caribbean trade winds. From Martinique we sail to the Pitons of St Lucia and on south to the Grenadines – Bequia, Mustique, Mayreau and the Tobago Cays, where we swim with turtles and end the day with a lobster party on the beach. You will log real miles, sail open-water passages between islands and clear customs in several countries.
Caribbean Island Hopping is a mile-building cruise for sailors who want to experience yachting on a bigger scale than the Adriatic. Steady 15–25 knot trade winds, open channels between the islands with Atlantic swell, and anchorages where the water stays turquoise even ten metres deep. Every passage between islands means a new country, so you will also go through clearance – the customs and immigration routine every ocean sailor knows.
We designed the route around its training value:
| Area | What you will learn |
|---|---|
| Sailing | beating hard into the trade wind and running downwind |
| Passages | longer day passages and an optional night passage |
| Anchoring | anchoring and picking up moorings in marine parks |
| Navigation | passage planning around inter-island currents |
| Weather | reading tropical weather |
| Clearance | customs and immigration when entering each country |
| Miles | logged, count towards RYA experience requirements |
Mile-building cruises are a core part of sail training at NYS Sailing School, an RYA Training Centre. We choose each destination for what you will learn there – and the Caribbean in trade-wind season is one of the best places to get a feel for real ocean conditions without crossing the Atlantic.
Do I need sailing experience?
It is not required, but it helps. The cruise is ideal for Competent Crew and Day Skipper graduates.
Do the miles count for the RYA?
Yes. All miles go into your logbook and count towards the requirements for further RYA courses and exams.
Is the Gros Piton hike compulsory?
No. It is optional and only happens if the crew agrees and the weather allows.
What documents do I need?
A passport valid for at least six months after your return. We clear customs in several countries during the cruise.
Where does the cruise start and finish?
In Le Marin marina, Martinique. The nearest airport is Fort-de-France (FDF).
