Selecting the destination for your Caribbean crewed
yacht charter will largely be determined by personal
preference and the time of year you wish to travel.
We are specialists in organising sailing vacations in
the Caribbean, particularly the British Virgin Islands,
which is divided into three main cruising areas;
a) Virgin Islands (mainly the British Virgin Islands)
b) Leeward Islands; and
c) Windward Islands and the Grenadines.
As
well as having been based in the Windwards for a couple
of years and sailed the Caribbean extensively, Andrew
and Caroline at Topline Yacht Charters have lived in
the BVI and run charter yachts for several years.
We are therefore fortunate to be able to give you first
hand advice based on our experience.
British
Virgin Islands
With over 50 bays, cays and anchorages to choose
from, it’s not surprising that these islands
are the most popular bluewater sailing grounds.
Home to a wide selection of privately owned
yachts based in Tortola which are available
to charter, the choice is enormous.
The
cruising area is relatively small and the only
time you would be out of sight of land is on
a trip to Anegada (meaning ‘drowned island’)….and
that’s only because unlike the rest of
the islands which are formed out of volcanic
rock, Anegada is a limestone atol and the tallest
point on the island is only 28ft And famous
for its lobster!.
The
palm-fringed beaches are beautifully clean and
water stunningly clear providing some of the
best scuba diving and snorkelling in the world.
The
scenery is stunning and it is the perfect area
for less experienced sailors, families or groups
looking for a fantastic vacation that combines
a number of water and land based activities,
as well as just enjoying the wonderful sailing
on offer.
Leeward
Islands
Most
clients sail around the islands of Antigua, St Martin
(half French half Dutch), Anguilla (British), and St
Barts.
Each
island has a unique culture of its own from the sophisticated
French side of St Martin providing exquisite restaurants
and boutiques, to the tranquillity of life on Anguilla.
There are less bays and anchorages than in the BVI,
and there tends to be more swell in the summer as they
are more exposed than the BVI…. but also there are
less yachts.
Windward
Islands and the Grenadines
Although
less protected than the BVI, the Windward Islands, and
in particular St Lucia, and the Grenadines offer excellent
sailing, beautiful snorkelling and a real Caribbean
flavour. There are fewer resorts and more local restaurants
which complement the unspoilt character of the islands.
As well as giving you a thrilling ride, it is also worth
spending time ashore at most of these islands. And remember,
if you’re nervous of a boat heeling, a catamaran
offers more stability and less roll.
Whilst hurricanes are infrequent, The Grenadines are
south of their usual route if you’re thinking
about a crewed yacht charter during the summer months.
As well as there being many excellent fully crewed yachts
from which to choose, Topline Yacht Charters is delighted
to present ‘SPIRIT OF THE WIND’. A
50ft Beneteau based in St Lucia, she comfortably accommodates
eight guests in four ensuite cabins. She is new to the
private charter fleet and offers excellent value Captain
only charters. The ideal way to enjoy a sailing holiday
where somebody else takes responsibility for all the
sailing, and you get to sample the true Caribbean flavour
by dining ashore. Available from US$4,075
for 7 nights.
Other
Worldwide Destinations
Although Topline Yacht Charters specialise in crewed
yacht charters in the Caribbean we can organise
charters anywhere in the world.
We recognise that you can’t have expertise in every
worldwide charter destination and so work very closely
with selected partners who have specialist skills
and local knowledge and the same approach to client
service that we do.
So whether you’re considering one of the more popular
destinations in the Med like France and Croatia
or a more exotic location in the Pacific,
get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.