A half day sail from the glitz and glamour of St. Barths lays the tiny Dutch island of St. Eustatius or Statia (pronounced Stay-sha) as it is known by the locales. The first impression is that this island is not your typical Caribbean escape. For one, if approaching from the north, your first glimpse will be of the 2,000 foot dormant volcano that dominates the southern part of the island. With the top cone frequently covered in clouds, it looks imposing. Second, as you near the island, enormous super tankers wait offshore to deposit or retrieve fuel stored duty free in large terminals. Passing by them on a sail boat is rather intimidating and makes you wonder just how commercial is this island. Finally, as you approach the main town and anchorage of Oranjestad, you realize there is no easy access ashore by dinghy. You need to tie up to the ferry dock and literally climb around and over the local fishing and dive boats until you find a footing on the wall to haul yourself up onto. Well off the beaten path for most sailing charters, for those that make the effort, however, Statia is an irresistible and delightful island. Peace and quiet are what you will find on this small Caribbean hideaway known as, “The Historical Gem.” With only about 3,000 residents (mostly of African descent, Dutch and a handful of expatriates eager to share their story), a lack of tourist development, beaches that are less than memorable and a nightlife that is almost nonexistent, Statia has remained unspoiled. No other island is matched in the friendliness of its people towards visitors. Life on Statia is like taking a step back in time. You will feel the warmth as you are greeted as lifelong acquaintances by the locales, including the Governor himself. It is in this uncrowded and unhurried atmosphere that a visitor from a sailing charter will find the perfect place to roam past the historic ruins of this once proud and wealthy trading post between America and Europe, hike the network of trails in and around the Quill or dive a vast underwater landscape just waiting to be explored.

It is hard for present day visitors to imagine that this tiny island once had one of the busiest ports in the region. During its heyday in the 17th and 18th Century, Statia was known as the, “Golden Rock.” With over 3,000 ships per year, it was the international trading center for the western hemisphere. As the 18th Century drew to a close, Statia gradually lost its importance as a trading center and most merchants and planters left the island, leaving their warehouses and homes. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, the people of Statia realized the cultural value of their unique heritage and initiatives were taken to preserve and maintain their history through the St. Eustatius Historical Foundation and the Marine Park of St. Eustatius.

If you are on a sailing charter, you will most likely stay in Oranjestad Bay. Once you manage to get ashore and check in with the Harbor office and Marine Park Office, you are free to wander and explore the island’s rich historical past. Oranjestad (the only town) is made up of Lower Town and Upper Town. Lower Town, in the harbor area, still has a few remnants of its former glory. As you walk under the cliffs along the mile long harbor, you can still see the ruins of old warehouses and stores that have mostly collapsed into the sea, although the restored Old Gin House provides a glimpse of what Statia looked like in its heyday. Continuing along the road, you will pass Oranje Beach. The beige and black sand is a good place to rest, and snorkeling along the old city seawalls and ruins is good provided there is not a swell which tends to make the surf rather rough.

Upper Town is where Oranjestad currently exists. There are three ways to reach this sprawling town perched on the cliffs above the bay. The first is to follow the paved harbor road from the Harbor office to the far end – about 1 mile. The road then curves sharply and rises steeply up onto the cliffs and into town. This route is easier by car than on foot. The second route is to climb a few deep stone steps behind the Old Gin House which brings you to the cobblestone “Old Slave Road.” This road goes straight up the cliffs. It is a lot easier going down than up, but if it is raining do not attempt it at all because the road becomes a waterfall. If you are hardy enough to use this route, the views of the harbor below are spectacular. The third route – often used by the locales- is the goat trail. It can be picked up behind the Marine Park Office and winds its way up the cliffs to the top where it stops in the backyard of a neatly painted white gingerbread trimmed house in the middle of town. Make no mistake – it is literally a goat trail. The goats complained bitterly as my husband and I intruded on their path, but they did move.

Statia’s once great past is readily seen in the charming mix of homes, buildings and ruins of Upper Town. Fort Oranje, strategically situated on the Cliffside overlooking Lower Town and Oranjestad Bay, is the dominant building. It was built in 1629 and restored in 1976. Its cannon, peeking through the old stone and brick wall, commands breathtaking views out to sea looking towards Saba. Outside the fort, the beautifully restored Government Guesthouse is now home to the governor and courthouse. Nearby, the Sint Eustatius Museum, housed in one of the town’s many 18th century houses, holds an impressive collection of historical finds ranging from Amerindian pottery and tools to colonial glassware and furniture that provides a taste of the high quality of life the island’s merchants once enjoyed. Down an alley, you will find the remains of one of the oldest synagogues in the Caribbean. Built in 1739, this two-story yellow brick building no longer has a roof and is gradually being taken over by vegetation. A few blocks further, the mid-eighteenth century Dutch Reformed Church is also largely abandoned, though the tower was restored in 1981 and the cemetery around it is beautiful.

If trekking up to Upper Town from the harbor is not exercise enough, Statia is a hiker’s paradise for nature lovers. By far the most popular hike is up the Quill, a perfectly formed dormant volcano located on the south end of Statia. The Quill, designated as a national park in 1998, soars 2000 feet to a perfectly formed crater nearly 1000 feet across. The Marine Park office provides maps or you can take a guided tour with one the park rangers. A sometimes steep path starts in the outskirts of Oranjestad on the road leading west out of town. The footpath begins in low level scrub and climbs through dry woodlands and lush tropical rainforest to the crater, about a 45 minute walk away. The Panorama Track at the top has breathtaking views overlooking the entire island, as well as views of St. Barths, Saba and St. Martin. The Quill National Park has many species of endangered and rare species of flora and fauna, including at least 17 different kinds of orchids, the Antillean iguana, the harmless red-bellied racer snake (found only on Saba and Statia), the Bridled Quail Dove (found only on Statia), exotic black and yellow striped butterflies and purple and orange hermit crabs that look like rolling stones as they tumble toward the sea inside their shells to reproduce before making the arduous return journey back up to the crater. As well as hummingbirds, there are at least 54 recorded species of birds chirping and flitting through the forest. Once you catch your breath at the top, you can climb down into the crater itself, although since the path is not always easy to follow, it is best to do this with a park ranger. Hikers will find remnants of once cultivated planters’ crops such as coffee, cocoa and cinnamon trees, as well as bananas. An alternative hike is along the slippery Mazinga Trail, with a spectacular view of St. Kitts and Nevis. It is advisable to start out hiking the Quill early in the morning while it is still cool and before the afternoon clouds shroud the volcano top. Be advised that this is an energetic hike. There are no picnic tables, water fountains or outdoor toilets. If you are the adventurous type, however, this is an exciting and unspoiled way to discover a unique park.

The history of Statia does not end on land. It is one of the few locations in the world that offers coral reefs, walls, archeological and modern wreck dives in such close proximity. Between 1775 to1800, Statia was the busiest seaport in the world with over 3,000 ships landing per year. With this volume of shipping traffic, it is no wonder that quite a few never left the surrounding sea. There are an estimated 400 ship wrecks around Statia resulting from hurricanes, fires, war, poor maintenance and deliberate sinking. Through both the Statia Marine Park and the St. Eustatius Center for Archaeological Research, American and Dutch archaeologists have conducted extensive work defining the primary anchorage area by carefully mapping the artifact concentrations spread across the sea floor as well as identifying around 40 sunken vessels. When visiting Statia on a sailing charter, you can choose between near-shore archaeological sites and those that are further offshore. Near Lower Town, just a short swim from shore, snorkelers and divers can view the centuries old stone seawall and explore partially sunken warehouses built along Oranje Bat. The sea bottom is scattered with old ballast stones and other historical remains of the Golden Rock era. Now completely covered in coral, you can find cannon balls, clay pipes and even the blue glass trading beads in popular use during the 18th century. In deeper water, accessibility is only available to divers. As every artifact is important to learning about the history of Statia, and to ensure that divers do not remove anything from the shipwrecks, diving is only permitted if you go with a local dive shop. There are 3 PADI dive centers located in Lower Town happy to assist in your underwater exploration. There are approximately 30 dive sites around Statia ranging from 30-200 feet. Visibility often exceeds 100 feet with water temperatures averaging 78-84 degrees.

Some of the more spectacular sites include:

• Double Wreck: This site is marked by two separate ballast piles from a Dutch ship, sunk between 1720-1730 and an English ship, sunk in 1760. It is surrounded by reef populated with slipper and spiny lobsters.
• Triple Wreck: This site consists of two coral-encrusted wrecks lying just 150 feet apart.
• Doobies Crack: This site is a large cleft in the face of an underwater reef complex with a sand bottom about 100 feet. Anchor Reef: A large anchor about 14 feet long and setting upright is found here. There is an extensive variety of corals, fans and sponges, as well as lobsters, sea turtles and many varieties of fish.
• Barracuda Reef: This site is a 400 foot vertical ledge.
• The Wall: This site is found at the base of the Quill. A steep system of coral pinnacles starts at 90 feet and drops vertically 900 feet or more into a trench. You will see an abundance of sea life here including large fish such as black tip sharks and barracudas.

Other dive sites include the Drop Off (a phenomenal wall); Five Fingers (a series of lava covered reefs); Gibraltar (a pinnacle which rises from great depths to just below the surface); and Stenapa Wrecks (a 45 foot tug boat that is part of an artificial reef). Whether you want to dive a pinnacle, a reef, a wall, wrecks, or an archeological site, Statia has it all.

With all the exploring on or off shore, you no doubt will develop an appetite. For a tiny island, Statia has a huge amount of restaurants. With virtually no nightlife, according to Chris Doyle, “the oilmen need something to do.” Food ranges from the obvious fare at Super Burger; American and Tex-Mex at Smoke Alley; German cuisine at King’s Wall; French and Creole food at Blue Bead; numerous Chinese restaurants, and local dishes at Golden Era Hotel. My husband and I found prices to be extremely reasonable and the amount of food generous. In addition, like everyone we encountered the restaurants owners were beyond friendly and accommodating. The owner at the Chinese Restaurant offered, “You no like my food, you no pay.” (Our plates were clean). One of the co-owners at Blue Bead made us delicious mango and banana milkshakes after our return from the Quill, even though he was between the lunch and dinner hours. And while we were dining on delicious seafood at the open air patio of the Golden Era, one of the oilmen came in mentioning he had a craving for lasagna. Within an hour, he had a huge plate set before him- served with a big smile!

Statia is an historical gem of a Caribbean island. Whether exploring the ruins of its Golden Rock period in Oranjestad, engaging in a wonderful hiking experience in the Quill National Park, or diving and snorkeling over the wrecks, walls and remains of the 17th and 18th century, Statia is a friendly, peaceful place off the beaten track. To book your sailing charter contact www.visailing.com and discover this hidden treasure of the Caribbean for yourself.

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

St. Kitts, Nevis and St. Eustatius (Statia) are all part of the Leeward Islands. A much diversified cruising area, they have a lot to offer. Normally, your charter for these islands will start and end in St. Martin. Depending on the time of year and weather conditions, St. Eustatius is a 4-8 hour sail from St. Barths.

I am featuring some yachts that specialize in the Leeward sailing area and are proven to be excellent yachts with outstanding crews. 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. Here are the handpicked yachts that I have chosen to introduce to you…

A well-known favorite on the charter scene, the 48’ catamaran, BELLINE II places high priority on her friendly “feel at home” atmosphere. She offers guests the opportunity to leave stress and concrete civilization behind to enjoy the vacation of a lifetime on the beautifully decorated and fully-equipped BELLINE II catamaran sailing yacht. Captain Walter is a certified PADI dive instructor so if you are an experienced diver or you want to experience a resort dive, you can be accommodated. Sailing on catamaran BELLINE II is a wonderful experience for everybody because of her stability, speed and spaciousness. BELLINE II can accommodate up to 8 guests in 4 equal size staterooms all with ensuite bathrooms and showers. Click to learn more about a BELLINE II yacht charter.

TRUE NORTH is a lavishly appointed 65’ catamaran yacht! From her state-of-the-art entertainment system, to the 600 thread count sheets, her crew knows how to pamper the world’s most discerning guests. She has a spacious master cabin with a king size bed and three guest cabins with queen size beds. All cabins have separate showers and heads. Captain Whitey and Chef Max are one of the most experienced crew in the chartering industry. They are also assisted by a third crew member to ensure that all of your needs are taken care of. Diving on TRUE NORTH is available for certified divers at no additional charge. Click to read more about a TRUE NORTH yacht charter.

The 63’ monohull, STENELLA was designed for the luxury private charter market. She offers the perfect blend of comfort and sailing performance. She is an exciting and beautiful yacht combining outstanding performance with superb accommodations. Three equal staterooms open off the saloon. Each has a separate toilet and separate shower en suite. The staterooms are all luxuriously equipped with a flat screen TV/DVD player, CD player, air conditioning, large wardrobes, drawers and a large vanity table all within a generous sized cabin. STENELLA’s crew is Captain Andy and Chef Kristen. They go above and beyond what is expected to ensure a wonderful sailing adventure so that you will have many memories to last you a lifetime. Click to see more about a STENELLA yacht charter.

This is just a very small example of the excellent yachts and crews that specialize in the Leeward Islands as well as all over the Caribbean including but not limited to Panama, Belize, Windward Islands and British Virgin Islands. Now is a great time to plan that summer sailing vacation. Whether it is a family reunion, a couple get away, a family trip or time to get away and reunite with those special friends, what better way to do it than on a fully crewed yacht where your dreams do come true?!

I am getting many requests for the 2010 Christmas/New Year holidays. The holidays tend to book up fast, so NOW is the time to confirm your charter if you are planning a Caribbean Christmas or want to bring in the New Year being spoiled on your own private yacht. Click to check yacht availability. 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

Welcome back to another edition of Charter Chatter! We hope you'll learn about the many reasons the Leeward Islands (St. Martin south to Guadeloupe, including Statia, St.Kitts and Nevis) is a desirable area for yacht charter vacations. The focus of this article is bareboat chartering or self-operating a live-aboard yacht. Typically, bareboat charterers heading to the Caribbean focus on the Virgin Islands where the sailing conditions are categorized as “easy.” Many of you, however, are looking for something new, so it is time to expand your horizons and head just a little further south – specifically 90 miles – to St. Martin, where Leeward Islands charter adventures usually begin.

If we could sum up the Leeward Islands in one word, it would be variety!. And what better way to ensure a fantastic vacation to be had by all except for variety!? The Leeward Islands satisfies nature lovers with beautiful Caribbean scenery and vigorous sea-life, as well as the explorers at heart with many uninhabited coves and the most beautiful beaches and sea shells you have ever seen. It also suits history enthusiasts with ancient cities and landmarks, and kids love the abandoned pirate forts. For the shopaholics on board, Europe has literally landed in the Leeward Islands! If you enjoy late night life, have fun at the casinos and retro disco techs found on many of the islands. And finally something that everyone agrees is necessary on vacation – delectable cuisine…French, Italian, Caribbean, and many more. The most ideal part of the variety! offered by the Leeward Islands is the ability to choose which of these attractions you want to experience without being subjected to the others! Seem like a perfect world – almost!

Of course, one of the most important attributes to be considered is the sailing. The sailing conditions of the Leeward Islands are categorized as “slightly challenging” with a variety! (again) of short distance sailing as little as an hour and long distance sailing up to 8 hours. It is just enough sailing for both die-hard sailors and intermediate sailors. The first question generally asked is: “What sailing experience is required?” To qualify for bareboat chartering, you simply need to have experience skippering a sailing yacht that is within 8-10 feet of the yacht you wish to charter. To charter a catamaran we would additionally like you to have experience operating twin-screw engines on a sail or power yacht. With this experience, a certification or license is not required. You also need practice with various skills: anchoring, picking up a mooring, docking, navigating, and so on. If your experience is a little light, we will schedule a local skipper to accompany you for your first few hours on the water to make certain you are comfortable and confident. Our goal is to ensure your vacation is nothing but enjoyable, so before your charter we mail you a complimentary Leeward Islands Cruising Guide to familiarize yourself with the cruising area. The day your charter starts you will receive a personalized chart briefing and yacht orientation. When it is finally time to sail away, you are familiar with the entire cruising area, have an itinerary planned and are set-up for a worry-free and relaxing vacation.

Click for for an interactive itinerary and tour.

A charter in the Leeward Islands may be more affordable than you think! Here are just a few examples:
 
Bavaria 42 with 3 cabins and 2 heads – 2005 model @ $1,995/week July 10-31! Additional fees are arrival night sleep aboard $285, yacht insurance $320, fuel approximately $150, provisions approximately $2,000 for 6 people including 3 dinners ashore. That’s only $113 per person/day plus airfare for 6 people!

Leopard 40 with 4 cabins and 2 heads – 2005 model @ $3,195 for 10 nights during October! You can use the first night as a sleep aboard, plus yacht insurance $400, fuel approximately $250, provisions approximately $3,000 including 5 dinners ashore and a FREE arrival night dinner at marina restaurant. That’s only $114 per person/day plus airfare for 6 people!

These prices are less than all-inclusive hotel rates, but offer SO MUCH MORE! Here is a summary of all the current Leeward Islands special offers: (See below to sign up for our special deals notification.)

Horizon Yacht Charters in Cole Bay, St. Martin

• July 1-31: Sail 10 nights for 7 and complimentary dinner arrival night at Lagoonies Bar & Bistro
• July 1-31: Monohulls 39 - 42 ft @ $1,995/week
• August 1-10: All monohulls @ $2,500/week or
  catamarans Save 20% on 7+ nights
• October 1-31: Sail 10 nights for 7

The Moorings in Oyster Pond, St. Martin

• Until September 30: Save 15% on 6+ nights
• October 18-31, November 28 - December 17 and January 5 - February 13: Save 10% on 6+ nights

Sunsail in Oyster Pond, St. Martin

• May 14-29: Monohulls < 48’ Save 25% on 7+ nights
• June 1 – October 31: Monohulls < 48’ and catamarans < 43’ Save 15% on 5-13 nights or Save 25% on 14+ nights
• November and late: All yachts Save 10%

See other Caribbean and worldwide specials at: http://www.viyachts.com/calendar/all-specials.php.

Please contact bareboats@visailing.com with your charter plans and Melody or Joann will ensure you find the best value for your charter.

Announcing NauticEd! We have partnered with NauticEd - the world’s most advanced online boating education company – to offer our clients a FREE bareboating clinic! This clinic is a $39 value and covers a variety! of charter tips – from packing to handling breakdowns, including briefing check lists, what to review with your crew and much, much more – all to prepare you and your crew for a fabulous charter. As a student you can also play free educational sailing games and build your sailing resume with various other clinics like Rules of the Road, Maneuvering a Large Sailboat Under Power, Coastal Navigation and Catamaran Sailing with Confidence. See our web site for more information:
http://www.viyachts.com/sailing-schools/nauticed-bareboat-charter-clinic.html.

Life on Tortola! If this is not your first time receiving a Charter Chatter Newsletter, then you know that I relocated to Tortola mid-February with intentions of living the “island life” for a year. It is quite an adjustment and my family and are I are getting used to the many idiosyncrasies that are so different than our typical American life. That being said, we had a pretty comical morning a few weeks ago that should give you a good laugh… We live in a 4-unit apartment building and our landlord (an older local woman) lives onsite. The whole property is gated for the sole purpose of keeping out the goats which will eat anything and everything. As we were leaving for work one morning, we see that a big male ramming goat snuck in the back! My husband and I tried to chase him out the front gate but only ended up chasing him around the building a few times, then that darn goat climbed the stairs and took his post on our 2nd story balcony!!! At that point, the landlord came outside and handed my husband a 4x4 and said “Those things are such a nuisance, hit it over the head and kill it!” My husband was taken off guard and laughed a little, so she took the 4x4 to get the job done. She walked up the stairs, turned the corner of our balcony and backed up right away saying, "Oh, he's big!" Needless to say, we chased him back where he came from and mutton was not on the menu that night! LOL – Melody

Remember that as charter brokers we are totally independent and unbiased and are free to show you yachts we feel are the most ideal and overall best value for your charter. Mr. Skinner, April charter client writes, "I truly enjoyed working with VI Sailing. You made the chartering process easy and provided great advice and recommendations for our trip. I will definitely call upon you again for future vacations." Please call us to discuss your tentative plans. We will take the time to create a personalized web page for your group with specific availability of yachts to consider within your budget.

Le Boat-Your French Connection

Summer is the time to visit France on a self-drive Le Boat canal cruiser-no experience necessary. To experience France in the summer is something that should not be missed. The towns and countryside come alive with the sounds of music, vision of art and of course the taste of wine.

We have all fantasized about a romantic journey to France. What draws us there: the images of the impressionist painters and the legend of Van Gogh, who doesn’t want to experience their own beautiful Starry Night in the French countryside or the dreamy visions of Monet’s Water lilies; the lilting voice of Edith Piaf singing in a local brasserie or vineyards spreading for miles and the glorious nectar they provide.

Whatever is your dream, summer is the perfect time to travel to France and there is no more perfect way to have a true French Connection than on a Le Boat Canal Vacation. Be transported to charming villages, bustling local markets and bike rides along the canals; you might even want to paint your own impressionist scene. All of this on a boating vacation where no experience is required and for only $643* per person per week. But to make this connection you must book by May 30, 2010! Viva La France!

Le Boat also offers these enchanting vacations in other 7 European countries; Italy, Ireland, Belgium, Holland, Germany, England or Scotland, cruise the Grand Canal of Venice or through the lush green landscape of Ireland; visit the tulip fields of Holland or stop for a pint at a local pub in England. Whatever country you choose to explore you will take home with you cherished memories of a truly one of a kind vacation.

The memories you will make with a Le Boat cruising vacation will be truly special because you will see the Europe you want at your own relaxing pace. No experience required!

*New booking only. Price point $643 per person per week based on 6 people on a Crusader in the Franche Comte region of Burgundy or Alscace, France with departure in July 2010 and booking by May 30, 2010.

Contact Debbie Petermann Today!
Toll Free Tel: 1-800-742-7641
Click to Contact Debbie.

The French Canal Connection
www.frenchcanalconnection.com

Air Travel:

Comprising the smallest nation in the western hemisphere, the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis are a study of contrasts for those on a Caribbean charter. On one hand, they offer a rich history and culture that is distinctly their own. From their music, art, cuisine and even their language, you will find both European and African influences. Clowns, masquerades and Moko Jumbies play a large part in their folk culture and daily life. You will find ruins of sugar mills, gorgeous plantation inns and some of the Caribbean’s best examples of colonial architecture. You can find seclusion and peace in the sleepy villages and the alluring landscapes of the rainforests; white, gold and black sand beaches; and the underwater wonderland that surrounds both islands. On the other hand, those on a Caribbean charter will find bustling capital and commercial centers and islands that are actively developing their tourism industry to meet the needs of the discerning modern traveler. In addition, these islands are looking towards the future as they develop their geothermal energy sources.

History of the Islands

The relative peaceful calm of these two islands belies the fact that their history represents some of the Caribbean’s most bloody conflicts and struggles. Located about 200 miles south of Puerto Rico and just west of Antigua, St. Kitts (about 68 sq. miles) and Nevis( 36 sq. miles) – separated by 2 miles of choppy sea- were first settled by the pre-ceramic Sibonay over 4,000 years ago. The Arawak Indians arrived later, followed by the Caribs, who called the islands, Liamuiga (Fertile Land) and Oualie (Land of Beautiful Water). St. Kitts’ 3,792 ft. extinct volcano still bears the first name, while Oualie is now the name of a popular beach on Nevis. The first recorded history of the islands began in 1493 when Columbus sailed past the islands on his second voyage. There is debate as to whether or not he named St. Kitts (a shortening of the name, St. Christopher) after himself, but he did name Nevis, “Nuesta Senora de las Nieves” (Our Lady of the Snows) because he mistook the clouds lying over the top of the 3,232 ft. Nevis Peak as snow. In 1623, Englishman Thomas Warner arrived in St. Kitts with 14 other settlers to establish the first non-Spanish European Colony in the Caribbean. Five years later, a small group sailed to Nevis and set up a camp there as well. In 1625, a group of French settlers led by Pierre Belain d’Esnambue also settled on St. Kitts. The threat of attacks by the Caribs prompted the two groups to form a union in 1626 that wiped out most of the Caribs in a massacre located in an area now known as Bloody Point. After that, the British and French continued to fight with each other. St. Kitts was split between the two colonial powers with the French controlling the northern and southern coasts and the British controlling the areas in between. In 1782, the French wrestled controlled from the British in a one month siege at Brimstone Hill Fortress. (The remains of this large military complex are a must see). The following year, the Treaty of Paris officially returned St. Kitts to the British and put an end to almost 100 years of fighting. Meanwhile, Nevis had no part of the squabbles and became the region’s most profitable sugar cane producer and destination of choice for the British rich and famous due to its natural hot springs.

Irish indentured servants also played a role in developing the two islands. Soon after their arrival, conflict arose between the Irish Catholics and the Protestant English because the English’s enemies, the Spanish and French, were also Catholic. In 1666, Irish servants staged a revolt because of the poor treatment they were receiving. As a result, - and because the Irish on Montserrat were also revolting- Nevis passed an anti-Irish legislation in 1701 that prevented the Irish from not only taking office but also prevented further Irish from settling on the island. As the number of indentured servants began to dwindle, the English began to export slaves from Africa.

Africans were brought to the islands to work as slaves on sugar and tobacco plantations, making both islands among the richest in the Caribbean. Around 1775, St. Kitts had over 68 sugar plantations. The islands became the depot for the Leeward Islands slave trade with up to 11,000 passing through annually until emancipation in 1838. By the end of the 19th century, Europe’s beet sugar had replaced the need for the Caribbean’s sugar cane. Depressed market prices could not offset the production and transportation costs for an island crop. Although some sugar cane still grows on St. Kitts, the fields are now state owned and the entire island crop is processed in one government-run factory. Dozens of sugar plantations were abandoned. Although some have been turned into inns or artist studios, all that is left of most are the signature smokestack and windmill ruins that dot the island.

The islands of St. Kitts and Nevis were joined as an independent federated state in 1983. Although both islands have their own distinct style, in order to support the economy, tourism (and its development) has become increasingly important for both islands. Along with charm and quaintness, those on a Caribbean charter will find sugar cane fields plowed under for luxury developments, casinos, race tracks, luxury golf courses, and cruise ship ports with the accompanying duty free shopping and souvenir stands.

The Capitals

The capital towns of the two islands are also a study of contrasts. Basseterre and Charlestown, St. Kitts’ and Nevis’s respective capitals, hold some interesting Caribbean heritage, including charming traditional skirt and blouse style houses, as well as British and French influences.

Bustling Basseterre was originally settled by the French, but is unmistakably British with Georgian-style architecture surrounding Independence Square (a former slave market), The Circus and Berkeley Memorial Clock (allegedly modeled after London’s Piccadilly). After decades of neglect that left it dilapidated and shabby, those on a Caribbean charter will not find Basseterre a particularly attractive town. There is, however, an active restoration program undergoing to preserve the original charm of the traditional architecture. This preservation is most obvious in the Caribbean skirt and blouse homes built with stone ground floors (to prevent flooding) topped with wooden levels (to allow a breeze) trimmed with dainty gingerbread. Millions of dollars have also been poured into Port Zante, where ferries and large cruise ships dock, and where you can find restaurants and plenty of duty-free shopping. Nearby, a large concentration of street DJs with enormous speakers competes with each other, adding to the frantic bustle of Bay Road. In contrast, the narrow alleys of the main drag offer another side to Basseterre. You will find goats and chickens nibbling on scraps, an almost empty official market and an impromptu fish market alongside a narrow beach. If you are on a Caribbean charter, you can see the town within a short amount of time.

In stark contrast, Charlestown is the perfect place to poke around. Emerging from its palm tree setting, Charlestown is an enchanting colorful town of pastel walls, tin roofs and shady gardens. Its well-preserved skirt and blouse homes and excellent history museums – including the Horatio Nelson Museum and the Museum of Nevis History – make for a pleasant day. Street vendors and markets offering everything from fruits and vegetables; homemade fruit wines and fiery pepper sauces to colorful Nevis stamps; trinkets and handicrafts keep the town bursting with life.

The Anchorages

In addition to Basseterre and Charlestown, there are other anchorages to visit for those on a Caribbean charter. The three best alternatives to being in Basseterre are to anchor in White House Bay, Ballast Bay or Major’s Bay and sightsee by taxi or rental car. All three anchorages are in the southern part of St. Kitts. Both White House Bay and Ballast Bay are well protected anchorages. White House Bay is smaller but has easier access to the road and beach. The bottom is sandy close to shore, rocky farther out. Ballast Bay is very peaceful, but there is no road. It is near a salt pond, so the bird watching is fantastic, but bring insect repellent! Major’s Bay is deep, allowing you to get close to shore. The seabed is covered in weeds, so make sure the anchor has penetrated them in order to have a good holding. You will be within a short dinghy ride of two other bays. Nevis actually has more anchorages than St. Kitts. Pinney’s Beach on Nevis is so beautiful you may never want to leave. This is a popular anchorage and there are many facilities ashore. The beach is nearly 3 miles long and you can anchor just about anywhere. If you want more seclusion, go further north along the beach. Tamarind Bay is one of the calmest on Nevis. You can anchor in 9-12 feet of water or you can pick up one of the five mooring balls by Gallipot restaurant. If you do anchor, the holding is sandy once you get through the weeds. Although shallow, Oualie Beach is a pleasant and well protected bay. A lot of the bay is only 4-6 feet deep, but if you anchor closer to Hurricane Hill, the water is about 9 feet. There is a dinghy dock available at Oualie Beach Hotel.

Things To Do

From forts to plantation houses, you will find plenty of historic sites to visit, including Carib petroglyphs. A great way to explore St. Kitts is aboard the Scenic Sugar Train. The narrow gauge railway was built between 1912-1926 to deliver sugar cane from the fields to the sugar mill in Basseterre. The double-decker train takes you around the island past sugar cane fields, historic sites and over breathtaking gorges to small villages. Along with a running commentary, refreshments and musical entertainment are provided. For those that want to test their luck (and spend a few dollars) there is gambling and plenty of duty-free shopping.

Of course, the spectacular tropical weather, combined with the fabulous lush volcanic mountains, numerous beaches and warm crystal clear blue waters surrounding St. Kitts and Nevis makes outdoor activities a must. Whether those on a Caribbean charter want to be a participant or just a spectator, the sporting scene is very active on the islands. Games and sports are an integral part of the two islands’ social life and include: men and women’s cricket; soccer (football); horse and dog racing; netball; tennis; volleyball; horseback riding and mountain biking. An 18 hole Robert Trent Jones golf course can be found at the Four Seasons Resort. For nature lovers, there are numerous hiking options in the rainforests, including a strenuous 5 hour trek up to the dormant volcanic crater of Mt. Liamuiga on St. Kitts or a 6 hour challenging hike to Nevis Peak. Less strenuous activities include bird watching and touring the beautiful private gardens or Botanical Garden on Nevis. The first tourists to Nevis in the 18th century enjoyed the hot springs. These outdoor springs, fed by volcanic sulphur, can still be enjoyed, but since there are no facilities, bring your own towel and wear your swimsuit.

Sports are not limited to the land. Game fish such as Wahoo, blue marlin, sailfish and tuna are abundant in the waters around St. Kitts and Nevis. Water sports like kayaking, windsurfing and sailing provide a wonderful way to see the islands from the water. Since St. Kitts was the hub of the slave trade, as well as the site of fierce naval battles and pirate assaults on treasure-laden ships, thousands of ships were wrecked in the waters around the islands. Although there are reportedly up to 300 wrecks in Basseterre Harbour alone, only a handful have been identified. There are only 15 dive sites on St. Kitts (most on the Caribbean side) which include wrecks, reefs, walls and caves. Most of the sites are well sheltered and visibility ranges between 60-100 feet. There are sites appropriate for both the novice and experienced diver, and most are easily reached by a short boat trip. Dive options on Nevis are more limited. Snorkeling can be enjoyed by exploring deserted coves along the Southeastern peninsula of St. Kitts or venturing around the rocks at the end of most beaches. Nevis offers a guided snorkel trip with a marine biologist at Oualie Beach.

Both St. Kitts and Nevis have a wide variety of beaches that range in color from sparkling white to golden to black volcanic sands. The beaches on the Caribbean side of the islands tend to be calmer and quieter, allowing you to relax in the gentle surf, while the wind and big waves of the Atlantic sides are great for body surfing and windsurfing. Most of the beaches are relatively laid-back, and even the most popular beaches have only a few restaurants or hotels, so it is easy to find a stretch of sand for yourself.

Eating and Nightlife

Kittitians and Nevisians use an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish in their cuisine. Although the National dish is Goat Water (goat stew with fresh vegetables and dumplings) other popular main dishes are roasted suckling pig, Cookup (rice and peas with meat), salt fish and rikkita beef (beef marinated in champagne and Italian dressing). Fresh fruit juices are served throughout the day and seasoned fruit, especially mangoes, are an after-dinner treat. The best places to eat are the hotels and plantation inns (make reservations for dinner). If you are into people watching, be sure to have lunch or dinner at Ballahoo Restaurant in Basseterre. You will find local business people in suits as well as tourists in shorts and flip-flops overlooking the Circus town center as they dine on a menu based on the creative use of fresh local produce and the adaption of classic European recipes to West Indian tastes and ingredients. If you are on a Caribbean charter, it is also a good spot to pick up the local weather report since the proprietors are avid yachtsmen. Nightlife centers on the hotels, inns, several bars and nightclubs. There are more options on St. Kitts, where BBQs and makeshift bars are set up across the island on Friday and Saturday nights. Finally, if you happen to be on St. Kitts during Carnival (beginning December 19th) or on Nevis for Culturama (held during Emancipation Day weekend) you will be encouraged to join in the festivities!

Whether you are interested in the rich cultural heritage or the rainforests; relaxing on the multi-hued beaches and invigorating spas or enjoying a plethora of activities that will suit every taste, come discover the uniqueness of St. Kitts and Nevis. Contact www.visailing.com to book your Caribbean charter and discover why visitors have been coming to these islands since before Columbus.