Okay, so you have been to the British Virgin Islands and you are ready to try something new. How about a sailing vacation to the island of St. Martin? St. Maarten/St. Martin has been half Dutch and half French since 1648. The island's rolling green hills overlook deep set coves that, in the past, provided ideal hiding places for pirates. Today, with unrestricted border crossings, the island is one of the major tourist destinations in the Caribbean, especially as a shopper's Mecca, with duty-free status on luxury items such as jewelry, watches, cameras, liquor, perfumes, and crystal. With 37 beaches, historical sites to explore, biking and hiking, golfing, luxury hotels, casinos and nightclubs, and a wide choice of excellent restaurants, there is something for every cruiser enjoying a Caribbean charter to this piece of paradise known as, "The Friendly Island."

St. Martin is suitable for all types of cruisers, including party-goers looking for an active night life, families with young children, and wealthy sailors with their luxury yachts. On the Dutch side, the currency is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder, while on the French side, the euro is the local currency. Most establishments, however, will quote in and accept US dollars. The island has always boasted a wide ethnic mix in its population, including Dutch, French, African, Asian and Indian, creating a melting pot of over 350 dining choices. Traditional French, Dutch, Asian and Creole creations are often fused with Caribbean foods. The island has an amazing array of outdoor activities to keep the Caribbean cruiser amused, including sailing regattas, scuba diving, hiking, and mountain biking. In addition, an excellent variety of water sports are available. The French Orient Beach on the northeastern coast is the center for water sport activity with several places to rent jet skis, windsurfers, snorkeling gear, as well as parasail and boat trips out to nearby Green Cay and Ilet Pinel. On the Dutch side, Simpson Bay also has plenty of operations renting out similar equipment. Diving on St. Martin is okay, although certainly not the greatest in the Caribbean. The best dive spots include:

1. Proselyte Reef: The HMS Proselyte sank in 60ft. of water in 1801. The reef surrounding the frigate rises to within 15 ft, of the surface and there are plenty of fish and corals to see, as well as the occasional turtle and ray.
2. Simpson Bay Bridge: In the late 1980’s, the remains of the old bridge were submerged and now serve as an artificial reef for school of fish. 50 ft. at its deepest, the site also has several nearby wrecks as well as an old aircraft.
3. Split Rock and Cable Reef: Split Rock is a large boulder you can swim through, and Cable Reef is home to many large fish, including pompano. Both sites are at 55 ft.

Another fun activity is sea kayaking. With guided tours, this has become a popular way to explore the island’s beaches, historical sites and mangrove ecosystems. With a dozen or so marinas dotted around the island, and some of the world’s most beautiful yachts moored in them, it is no wonder that many visitors enjoy spending a day on the water. Whether you sail on an America’s Cup winning vessel, spend the day onboard a party boat, or take an excursion on a tall ship, there are many opportunities to explore the waters surrounding St. Martin. If you are looking for a break from your sailing vacation, St. Martin offers many onshore activities including mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. Mountain biking tracks are available for all levels of riders. The Cay Bay and Mullet Bay coasts are particularly friendly for beginners, while the Bellevue loop between Port de Plaisance and Marigot is more demanding. For those looking for an adventuresome hike, Pic Paradis (at 390 meters- the highest point on St. Martin), offers a 3-hour trek over rocky trails and through fields of papayas and bananas up into the rainforest for a fantastic view of the island. Apart from Pic Paradis, the Sint Maarten National Heritage Foundation has over 25 miles of hiking trails through hills, valleys, cliff tops and beaches. These trails are rated for all levels, and vary in length from 90 minutes to 4 hours.

Finally, a horseback ride on the beach is an unforgettable experience, especially if you take one that includes swimming with the horses through the surf. Both Bayside Riding Club and Lucky Stables can accommodate novice or experience riders. Regardless of where you go on St. Martin, paved roads link the major tourist areas. The roads, however, are narrow and sign-posting is limited. The major problem is the sheer volume of traffic, particularly on the Dutch side. Traffic can slow to a crawl or even a standstill, especially when the Simpson Bay Bridge rises for yacht traffic. Allow plenty of time to get around.

Although one island, there is a distinct difference between the French and Dutch sides of St. Martin. French St. Martin is less commercialized than the Dutch side, even though it has some of the finest beaches and restaurants. The capital of Marigot is a charming mix of French chic and Caribbean tropical style. The main focus is the harbor, which is the departure point for ferries to Anguilla, St. Barths and Saba. It is also the site of a large colorful marketplace offering spices, flowers, and tropical produce. Side streets house a number of designer boutiques like Cartier, Hermes and Mont Blanc. Heading west out of Marigot, you will find three quiet beaches. Baie Rouge is a white sandy stretch of beach where you can rent snorkeling gear. Baie aux Prunes is a very private beach which is popular among surfers, while Baie Longue is a 1-mile expanse of white sand perfect for shell collecting.

Heading north from Marigot, is the gastronomic capital of St. Martin- the little town of Grand Case. The most touted creativity in St. Martin is culinary, and this village alone offers dozens of choices lined up along the beachfront road. With daily specials chalked up outside, Grand Case prides itself on its well-deserved reputation as one of the finest dining centers in the Eastern Caribbean. Wherever you opt to dine, you will not find a bad meal here! There are also several art galleries and a golden-sand beach that lines the wide sweeping bay.

Continuing east from Grand Case, the road leads around a salt pond, which attracts many birds, to the tiny settlements of Anse Marcel and Cul de Sac. Sheltered Anse Marcel is a favorite spot with Caribbean cruisers who take advantage of the large resort there as well as the long sandy beach. Driving through the rolling countryside and mangrove swamps, you will come to Cul de Sac, characterized by its cute little red-roofed houses. Cul de Sac is the departure point for boats making day trips to Ilet Pinel, a pristine and uninhabited offshore island that offers excellent snorkeling and several lunch spots. Along the rough Atlantic shores of the east coast, there are several isolated beaches popular with windsurfers. Perhaps the best known beach in this area is Orient Beach. The area consists of a large development of hotels, villas and condos, but the beach itself is a fabulous swatch of brilliant white sand lapped by turquoise blue waves. As mentioned above, this beach is the hub for water sport activity. And, if you are looking to acquire an all-over tan, the Club Orient, a nudist resort, is located on the southern end of the beach. From Orient Beach, an easy day trip to the offshore isle of Tintamarre will also provide an unforgettable experience. The anchorage provides a nice rest for those on a Caribbean charter that want to soak in the world-renowned mud baths. If you have had enough beach time on St. Martin, the Ferme aux Papillons is a good distraction. The best time to come is in the morning when this large collection of tropical butterflies is most active. Finally, continuing south, you will come to Oyster Pond, which is divided in half by the French/Dutch border. This is a well protected landlocked anchorage. If you are into buffets, Captain Olivier’s lays out an impressive Caribbean spread with whole grilled grouper and lobsters, as well as various salads and desserts. The best beach in Oyster Pond is actually on the Dutch side. Dawn Beach is the perfect place to watch the sun come up as well as enjoy great views of St. Barths. There is good snorkeling offshore and the reefs lure scuba divers to their caves and cliffs. Beware, however, that the coast itself is wild and the waves can really roll in. The charter bases there recommend that you allow one of their captains to bring you in and it is best to heed their advice. Nightlife on the French side is usually quiet, although several of the hotels may have their own entertainment and there is often a Jump-Up in Grand Case on Friday and Saturday nights, especially between January and May.

Unlike the French side, the Dutch Sint Maarten is more commercialized and touristy. Other than the language and some of the names, there is little you can describe as characteristically Dutch. Although this side of the island is often crowded, there is plenty of fun to be had on the beaches and the numerous lively bars, restaurants and casinos. Philipsburg, the Dutch capital, is a lively commercial town unabashedly in search of the tourist dollar. Its main two roads, Front Street and Back Street, are linked by a series of narrow alleys supporting a cruise ship dock, several hotels, and perhaps the largest shopping center of the Leeward Islands. Front Street sells every sort of duty-free goods from alcohol and cigars, jewelry, cosmetics, perfumes, designer clothes, souvenirs, and electronics, while Back Street sells cheaper no-name goods. The town itself wraps around the long semicircular Great Bay Beach. It is not the most beautiful beach, but it has great views of Saba and offers numerous waterfront places to eat or drink. Few people stay in Philipsburg, preferring instead the hotels, resorts and series of white sand beaches around the Simpson Bay Lagoon that dominates the west coast of St. Maarten. Maho Beach is often drowned out with noise as airplanes swoop down into Juliana airport. Nevertheless, the beach is very popular and the Sunset beach Bar is usually packed when the sun goes down. Millet Bay Beach is one of the more popular beaches. It is known for its gentle surf, white sugary sand and ample shade provided by numerous palm trees. The quieter Cupecoy Beach has long been clothing optional. It is a dramatic beach with richly colored limestone cliffs and caves. The best nightlife in terms of bars, nightclubs and casinos is on the Dutch side. For partygoers, there is something happening every night from small salsa bars to happy hour two for one specials and raucous booty-shaking music in the nightclubs.

A busy island shared between the Dutch and French, St. Martin is a haven for shoppers and sun seekers. Whatever its origins, St. Martin’s border bisects the smallest landmass (37 square miles) in the world shared by two countries. The difference between the two is immense. The quieter St. Martin is decidedly French in style, developed on a small scale but including Parisian shopping and gourmet restaurants while Dutch St. Maarten is a party-goers delight with its resorts, casinos and fast-food chains. Whatever your pleasure, there is no other island like it in the Caribbean. Where else can you book a Caribbean charter and explore two countries on one island?

To experience this unique piece of paradise yourself, contact www.visailing.com. A tropical adventure under two countries is yours to discover.

Welcome once again to this issue of Charter Chatter. If this is your first time reading our newsletter, thank you for joining us.

The Leeward Islands are a much diversified cruising area with a lot to offer. In this issue, I am featuring some charters that specialize in the Leeward sailing area, and are proven excellent yachts and crew. I have personally inspected all of these yachts and have interviewed the crews. I am happy to say that they always deliver a wonderful sailing vacation that is way above the normal standards. Let me introduce these handpicked yachts to you:

Graunya is a 51 foot monohull. A well-known favorite of the charter scene, S/V Graunya began chartering in the Sint Maarten area in 1990. Captain Mike Gorman has not only been keeping Graunya in ship shape condition, but doing the cooking onboard as well! A first mate / stewardess, selected for her delightful personality, dynamic energy level and love of water sports and sailing, joins Captain Mike to complete the crew. Gruanya can take up to 4 guests with two cabins, both with ensuite facilities. Click to learn more about Graunya Yacht Charters.

Matira is a 59 foot catamaran. Stylish and elegant, this 59’ Privilege, designed by Marc Lombard, is fully equipped and especially designed for cruising in the Tropics. Matira is an outstanding yacht providing all the luxury necessary to satisfy even the most demanding clients. Let your wildest dreams of escape and voyages be fulfilled, and make your holiday unforgettable. Four king-sized cabins, each with ensuite bath, provide maximum comfort and privacy. The large saloon layout, with two leather sofas and bar, offers unrivalled volumes and a fully panoramic view of the idyllic scenery. Very professional and hard working, Captain Damien’s skills in general servicing and Chef Audrey’s efficiency and tidiness will ensure an amazing time onboard. Click to learn more about Matira Catamaran Charters.

Aloha Malolo is a 65 foot monohull. Enjoy a highly customized, all inclusive vacation! You are in control of where you want to go and what you want to do while aboard Aloha Malolo with Captain Eric and Chef Evelin. Whether you seek a fun-filled active pace or favor relaxing and being pampered on a romantic tropical holiday, they will do their best to make your dreams come true. Aloha Malolo is best for 6 people, however, if you have children, then they can take up to 8 guests. She has 3 queen cabins and offers scuba diving. The third crew member is Salty Dog, a wonderful golden retriever whose job is to watch for dolphins. Click to learn more about a Aloha Malolo Yacht Charter.

I have many more excellent yachts and crews that specialize in the Leeward Islands as well as all over the Caribbean, including but not limited to Panama, Belize, the Windward Islands and British Virgin Islands. I have had many requests coming in for summer sailing vacations and now is the time to book to get the perfect yacht and crew for your vacation. Whether it is a reunion trip with friends or family, or a romantic couple’s getaway, there is no better way to do it than on a fully crewed yacht where your dreams come true. I look forward to helping you plan your perfect sailing adventure.

Till next time, Fair Winds and Smooth Sailing!
Gail Hartman, Crewed Yacht Charter Specialist
gail@visailing.com

Editor’s note: Melody is relocating to the BVI for the next year! This will not only allow her time to spend with family (her mom Valerie owns and runs Myett's), but also to be up close and personal with the charter scene. Melody reports beautiful weather with temps in the low 80's and good winds. There has been a northerly swell, so the surfers are out! Happy hour is very happy and all the visitors (could be you!) are having the time of their lives. If you are on a charter, be sure to stop in and say “Hi” at Myett’s Garden Inn and Grille in beautiful Cane Garden Bay, Tortola where she will be working and limin’.

OOH, LA LA!

If you are looking for a place to replenish your body, relax your mind, rejuvenate your spirit and just spend a quiet day basking in the sun, then search no further than just 4 miles off the north coast of St. Martin to the island of Anguilla. Often described as the Caribbean the way it used to be, Anguilla is the northernmost of the Leeward Islands chain. At barely 35 sq. miles, this low-lying island’s interior is dry, dusty and covered in scrub which is foraged by hundreds of goats. The island’s main lure is the over 35 magnificent soft, dazzling white sand beaches and turquoise waters where you can escape in quiet seclusion. Unlike much of the Caribbean, Anguilla has taken a unique approach to tourism. Development has been restricted to small, top quality, high-end resorts, hotels and villas with relatively limited impact on the island’s scarce resources. This approach to tourism makes it a top destination for the super rich and stressed-out celebrities, as well as day trippers from nearby St. Martin ( a 20 minute ferry ride) and those on a charter Caribbean searching for a piece of paradise’s tranquility.

History

Archeological digs dating from 1500 BC have unearthed Amerindian presence in small settlements around Anguilla. Likewise, remains of Arawak villages settled around the time of Christ have also been discovered. With more than 40 sites dotted around the island, Anguilla is one of the most archeologically interesting places in the Caribbean. Although Columbus missed the island on his trips to the New World, other Spanish explorers gave the island the Spanish name for eel due to its long, thin shape. British settlers arrived in 1650 with a small group of slaves with the hope of growing sugar, tobacco and cotton. The poor soil and arid climate prevented these cash crops from ever taking off, and the slaves were freed long before the 1834 Emancipation, thus creating a society where everyone was struggling to survive. Many Anguillians made off for more prosperous islands. For those islanders that remained, they became expert boat builders, sailors and fishermen.

There is a fascinating, yet peculiar aspect of Anguilla’s history. Anyone that has ever taken a charter Caribbean there will no doubt discover by the boasting of one of the islanders that this is one of the few islands in the Caribbean that actually rebelled not to have its independence. It all began in 1825, when Britain incorporated Anguilla with St. Kitts and Nevis into one colony. The Anguillians resented the St Kitts’ government which apparently looked down on the island and did little to help them through some lengthy droughts. Throughout the years, Anguilla made several pleas to London for direct British rule, all to no avail. With little interest in maintaining Anguilla, in 1967, Britain tried to join the 3 islands permanently together as an Associated State of St. Kitts-Nevis- Anguilla. Anguillians were outraged because the St. Kitts’ administration had not helped them develop, leaving them with inadequate public and health facilities, no electricity or piped water, and high unemployment. Anguilla declared its independence and sent the 13-man St. Kitts police force adrift in a boat. In March 1969, completely overreacting to the situation, 400 British paratroopers stormed ashore to crush the Anguilla “rebellion.” They were met by the local citizens waving flags and demanding to be put back under direct British rule. To this day, the anniversary of “The Revolution” is celebrated each year and Anguilla remains one of the Britain’s few remaining Overseas Territories. Anguilla’s local government handles domestic affairs, while Britain takes cares of the civil service, police, judiciary and foreign affairs.

Exploring the Island

Anguilla is centered on its small capital, The Valley, from which roads head both east and west to the island’s many beautiful beaches. The roads are well-paved (some of the best in the Caribbean) and relatively empty except for the stray goats that frequently dart onto the pavement. There is no public transportation, so the best way to get around Anguilla is by taxi or rental car. As an alternative, because of the flat roads, cycle or scooter rentals also make for an easy and enjoyable way to explore. The interior of the island is dry and covered in sparse scrubby vegetation. Half-built homes dot the landscape. When a young islander leaves school, the goal is to build a house. As money is earned, the foundation is built and then added to bit by bit. It can take up to 15 years to complete a home.

The island’s main attraction to those on a charter Caribbean is its magnificent white sandy beaches, with over 30 that are public. The beach areas are not overdeveloped, meaning you will find long stretches of uncrowded, postcard perfect shorelines. Anguilla’s small size means the coast is never far. The Caribbean side in the north is particularly good for scuba diving and snorkeling. Some north coast beaches to check out are:

1. Meads Bay: The trendiest beach, attracting celebrities and the super-rich, this is a mile-long stretch of quiet and pristine on the western end of the island.
2. Sandy Ground: The main port of entry for privately-owned yachts, the tiny relaxed village of Sandy Ground edges a salt pond popular with wading birds. The long-curved beach is lined with cliffs. For a small fee, boats will take you to the nearby Sandy Island, a tiny nearly deserted isle (a small beach bar sells lunch and drinks) dotted with palms where the swimming and snorkeling is great.
   
3. Little Bay: The snorkeling is exceptional at this small, secluded beach surrounded by steep cliffs. The visibility of the reef fish that gather in the deep drop offs is beyond awesome!
4. Shoal Bay East: The perfect spot for relaxing, snorkeling and swimming, this beach is reputed to be one of the best in the Caribbean. The dazzling white sand, backed by sea grapes and cocoa palms, shelves gently down to breathtaking turquoise waters. The beach is dotted with laid-back beach bars like Gwen’s Reggae Grill, where those on a charter Caribbean will be warmly welcomed to a small piece of paradise. Be sure to try Gwen’s freshly caught crayfish! At the west end of the bay, a dirt track leads to The Fountain, a Unesco World Heritage Site. A natural spring in a large underground cavern, this site was used by Amerindians to perform religious rites. Incredibly well-preserved petroglyphs have been found, including a 2,000 year old stalactite carving of Jacahu- their supreme God. Currently closed to the public, the National Trust of Anguilla is planning to develop the site into a museum.

The location of the more upscale hotels and spectacular villas, the Atlantic coast of Anguilla is a haven for windsurfers and sailors. Sheltered Rendezvous Bay is a 2-mile crescent of bright white sand. Looking over to St. Martin, it is a popular place to windsurf, collect conch shells right off the beach and watch the sunset over cocktails. At the far west end of the island, remote Shoal Bay West is another beautiful beach. Just off the sand are the pricey, spectacular modern villas that offer a glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

Activities

Anguilla offers a variety of outdoor activities. Wreck diving is particularly popular. In the late 1980’s, several ships were deliberately sunk to develop artificial reefs which are now covered in colorful corals and reef fish. In addition, two natural reefs are composed of sponges, sea fans and corals. Anguilla has seven marine parks, all with high levels of visibility due to the relatively shallow 35-110 ft. depths. Game fishing for tuna, marlin and wahoo is also a popular pastime around Anguilla. Spiny lobsters are so plentiful that the local fishermen export them to St. Martin, St. Thomas and Puerto Rico. After a day’s catch, you can often find sacks of lobster spilled on the beach for prospective buyers.

Wooden sailboat racing is as popular as cricket on Anguilla. Brightly painted fishing boats line the beach in the pretty fishing village of Island Harbour. Although now powered by outboard motors, the fishing fleet was once under sail and the fishermen would race home from their fishing grounds 30 miles out to sea. Today, the traditional wooden boats are built and sailed for racing. During Carnival and other holidays, Anguillians come out in force to place bets on boats that race from Sandy Ground, Meads Bay, Blowing Point and Rendezvous Bay to a marker out at sea and back.

In 2005, a $250 million PGA golf course opened in the Merrywine Bay area of Anguilla. The 18-hole, 7,200 yard championship course offers all the features and amenities one would expect from this type of investment.

After a day in the sun, there are plenty of dining choices on Anguilla, ranging from roadside grills and beach bars to world-renowned gourmet restaurants. Do not be surprised to spot Hollywood celebs, but island etiquette is not to disturb them. Dinner reservations are required for most places, especially during season. Specialties include various seafood dishes, as well as local fare such as pumpkin soup, conch salad and goat stews.

Nightlife on Anguilla usually involves musical diversions either at the hotels and resorts or at the local beach bars. Be sure to check out The Dune Preserve in Rendezvous Bay. This famous beach bar was built from old boats, driftwood and other flotsam by Bankie Banx. The Anguilla native is a renowned reggae artist who often jams there. Music lovers from around the world show up yearly for his March Moonsplash – 3 days of partying to live music under the full moon.

Finally, although shopping is somewhat limited, if you must bring back a souvenir of your charter Caribbean, there are some local handicrafts unique to Anguilla. For a special souvenir, the beautifully-designed postage stamps are very collectable.

Gorgeous, dazzling white sand beaches; crystal-clear turquoise waters; great food; exclusive hotels; warm, welcoming people, and feeling of seclusion are part of the Anguilla experience. If you are looking for an escape from the busy world, an Anguilla charter Caribbean is the destination for total tranquility.

At only 8 square miles, and the smallest of the islands that comprise the French West Indies, tranquil, chic and stylish St. Barthelemy (St. Barts or St. Barth) has long been a favorite retreat for the rich and famous. Even though it lacks the lush greenery of its sister islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, it more than compensates with spectacular secluded beaches and an unparalleled ambiance of luxury and exclusivity. With magnificent luxury yachts in the harbor and Parisian chefs in the restaurants, St. Barth is a Caribbean St. Tropez. Thanks to stringent building regulations that have restricted development, St. Barth has not become a destination for mass tourism. With little to do but shop, soak up the sun and eat sumptuous meals at night, St. Barth is the ultimate paradise getaway for millionaires or those with a self-pampering mindset.

There are several yachting events to consider when booking your luxury yacht charter. The St. Barth’s Regatta, the St. Barth’s Cup and the International Regatta are all racing events scheduled in April and May. The St. Barth’s Bucket Regatta, held in early April, is of particular note for the wealthy yachtsman. The Bucket Regatta is a gentlemanly yacht race for luxury yachts over 100 feet in length. The race is a rare chance for larger yachts – both private and charter, to gather together around a beautiful race course in a good-natured test of speed and skills. Each of these regattas offers a spectacular sight. Apart from these impressive luxury yacht racing events, St. Barth has much more to offer, including a classical and jazz music festival as well as a ballet performance in the middle of January, and a Caribbean film festival in April.

Despite its wealthy image, St. Barth is not full of limos. In fact, the most popular form of transportation is the 4-wheel drive. Be aware, however, that the roads are steep and very narrow, so driving is not for the faint-hearted. Despite that, these vehicles are the best mode to drive to one of the many beaches dotting the island.

One of the main attractions of St. Barth is its beautiful beaches. Most are easy to get to, but bear in mind that the more remote the beach, the less amenities there are and the less people wear! Some of the most popular beaches are the following:

• Anse des Flamands: This is one of the prettiest white sand beaches with small hotels dotting the shore. It is a great place to take a long beach walk or swim in the calm, turquoise blue waters.
• Baie de St.-Jean: This is an ideal beach for the family. It is a good spot for windsurfing and water sports. Beachside bistros make you feel like you are on a mini Cote d’Azur.
• Anse de Lorient: This is a popular beach with the locales who want to enjoy surfing and body surfing in the rolling waves. Be aware of the tide and under currents.
• Shell Beach: This shell-ridden beach is in the heart of Gustavia. The calm sea is ideal for swimming.
• Anse de Colombier: This magnificent white sand beach is the least accessible and thus the most private on the island. To reach it, you must come by sea or take a 30 minute rocky, steep trail from the top of the mountain behind the beach. Luxury yacht cruisers favor this beach and cove for its calm anchorage.
• Anse de Grande Saline: Secluded, with its sandy ocean bottom, this exceptional beach is just about everyone’s favorite. It is great for swimmers. The beach is about a 10 minute walk up a rocky dune trail. Although there is a prohibition against nude sunbathing, young and old alike go nude here.
• Anse du Gouverneur: Because it is so secluded, nude sunbathing is popular here as well. The white sand beach is truly beautiful with views of St. Kitts, Saba and Statia.
• Anse de Grand Cul de Sac: The shallow reef-protected beach is especially nice for small children. It has excellent lunch spots and water sport rentals are available.

For those that want an underwater experience, St. Barth has much to offer. The people of St. Barth have long been aware of the importance of safeguarding the different marine species and water quality. The Marine Park created in 1996 has reinforced this protection within a legislative framework and covers large areas of the island as well as the surrounding coral reefs. Divers and snorkelers will see many colorful sponges and various forms of coral. Expect to see many reef fish, including a variety of angel fish, blue chromis, damsel fish, parrot fish and file fish, as well as larger species such as nurse sharks, tarpon, queen triggerfish, and barracudas. String rays are often present May through June. Also common are green turtles and sea turtles, which come ashore to nest in April and May, as well as a variety of lobster, shrimp and crabs. For those interested in deep sea diving, St. Barth has approximately 22 sites in the marine park ranging from 6-30 meters deep that offer a chance to see ship wrecks, small caves and coral canyons.

For the luxury yacht cruiser that needs a break from sun bathing and underwater exploration, then the shopping for stylish clothes and fashion accessories in St. Barth is probably better than anywhere else in the Caribbean. St. Barth’s capital, Gustavia, is a quaint blend of red-roofed villas, brightly painted shops and restaurants, and heavy gray stone buildings that surround a deep u-shaped harbor. Yacht and people watching while sipping a glass of wine and smoking a Gauloise at a waterfront café appears to be the unofficial town pastime, however, shopping is a close runner-up. About 200 duty free chic boutiques and art galleries line the main Rue de la Republique as well as the narrow side streets and lanes. Cartier, Gucci, Hermes, Lacoste and Louis Vuitton are just to name a few. St. Barth’s other main town- the resort village of St. Jean- also has plenty of fashionable shops. Since the islands of the French West Indies are overseas extensions of France, the prices tend to be more expensive than elsewhere in the Caribbean. Thanks to its celebrity status, St. Barth is in a class all its own when it comes to budgetary considerations for shipping. The euro is the official currency on the island, but the US dollar, and of course plastic, is also widely used on St. Barth.

While wandering Gustavia’s streets shopping, you can tour the historical sites in about one hour, since Hurricane Luis destroyed most of the island’s oldest buildings in 1995. The architectural highlight is the boxy circa 1800 Swedish Wall House which anchors the west side of the harbor from Place Vanadis, named after the last Swedish military vessel to leave St. Barth after the 1878 French repossession ceremony. The former storehouse now contains the Musee de St. Barthelemy. On the south side of the port stands the intimate 1855 St. Bartholomew Anglican church, with its sandstone façade, original marble floor and wood-shingled belfry. Across the street a 10-ton anchor, thought to have come from an 18th century American warship, juts towards the sky. At the other end of town, a red-topped lighthouse graces a promontory once home to Fort Gustaf though little evidence of its military origins remains. The main attraction today is the magnificent view of Gustavia and the surrounding islands.

With all the sunbathing and shopping, cruisers on a luxury yacht are sure to develop an appetite. As St. Barth has grown ever more popular with the international crowd of jetsetters, the island’s dining scene has become just as cosmopolitan. French-creole cuisine still rules, but you will also find great global fare including Italian, sushi, and tapas menus, as well as the killer burger at Le Select that inspired Jimmy Buffet’s, “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Like shopping, food is pricey- especially when many of the French chefs fly ingredients in from France. Prix- fixe menus are the best deal, since they usually include a starter, main course, and dessert, plus a good selection of French wine. Most meals finish with a few sips of vanilla rum. With over 60 restaurants to choose from, you will not find a bad meal. Do not be surprised to see dogs dining with their owners. St. Barth has one of the most liberal policies regarding pets. Dogs can be brought to the island with vaccination certificates from a veterinarian and no quarantine period is required.

St. Barth is considered by many to be the Caribbean’s most beautiful island with dozens of white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and a green hilly landscape dotted with numerous lagoons. It is definitely upscale and a favorite paradise retreat of the rich and famous including Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan and Nureyev. You, too, can charter Caribbean and be part of the chic scene found only on St. Barth.