The northern Leeward Islands represent one of the most dynamic yachting grounds in the Caribbean. At the centre of this region sits St Martin, a 34-square-mile island shared between two sovereign nations: the French Collectivité de Saint-Martin in the north and Dutch Sint Maarten in the south. Unlike the steep, volcanic topography of Dominica or St Lucia to the south, St Martin rests upon the Anguilla Bank—a shallow, submerged carbonate plateau that encompasses St Martin, Anguilla, and St Barthélemy. This bathymetry creates a unique maritime playground: deep open-water channels bordered by extensive sand-bottomed shelves, turquoise shallows, and protective coral headlands.
For a captain, planning a Yacht Charter St Martin yacht charter demands a nuanced understanding of trade wind mechanics, channel currents, clearance protocols, and micro-climates. The island serves as the primary operational hub for the region, housing extensive deep-water infrastructure within Simpson Bay Lagoon, as well as direct jet access at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) and Grand Case-Espérance Airport (SFG). Beyond its logistical convenience, St Martin offers instant access to three distinct cultures and coastlines within a single week of cruising.
Coastal Geography and Hydrography of the Anguilla Bank
The Anguilla Bank rises from the deep waters of the Anegada Passage to the west and the Atlantic Trench to the east, creating an ocean floor that rarely exceeds 30 to 40 metres in depth between St Martin, Anguilla, and St Barthélemy. This shallow plateau moderates ocean swells in some areas while amplifying tidal streams and wind-driven chop in others.
St Martin’s coastline is characterised by dramatic limestone cliffs, sprawling salt ponds, and over thirty white-sand beaches. The western coastline, facing the Anguilla Channel, is predominantly leeward and calm, offering comfortable open-water anchorages. The northern and eastern shores face the full brunt of the Atlantic Ocean, shielded in places by barrier reefs such as those protecting Orient Bay and Cul-de-Sac.
The interior hydrography is dominated by Simpson Bay Lagoon, one of the largest sheltered inland lagoons in the West Indies. Accessed via two opening drawbridges—the Dutch Simpson Bay Bridge to the south and the French Sandy Ground Bridge to the north-west—the lagoon provides complete hurricane-grade protection and acts as the central base for the region's superyacht fleet. Marinas such as the Yacht Club at Isle de Sol, Marina Port de Plaisance, Palapa Marina, and Marina Fort Louis accommodate vessels from 15 metres up to 100 metres in length, with draft limits inside the lagoon governed by the dredged channels, typically maintained between 3.8 and 5.0 metres.
Prevailing Winds and Sea States by Month
Cruising conditions in the northern Leewards are dictated by the Atlantic trade winds and seasonal North Atlantic swell patterns. Understanding these monthly variances is essential for selecting anchorages and planning uncomfortable channel crossings.
### November to January This period marks the onset of the "Christmas Winds." Trade winds blow consistently from the east-north-east (ENE) to north-east (NE) at 20 to 28 knots. Long-period northerly swells (12 to 16 seconds) generated by winter low-pressure systems off the North American coast routinely roll into the region. These swells make north-facing anchorages—such as Grand Case on St Martin or Shoal Bay East on Anguilla—rolly or untenable. Captains must favour southern or south-western anchorages during these months.
### February to April Widely considered the premier cruising window, the trade winds settle into a reliable easterly vector (ENE to ESE) at 15 to 20 knots. Air temperatures average 26°C to 28°C with minimal rainfall. The northerly Atlantic swells diminish, leaving moderate sea states (1.5 to 2.0 metres) in the open channels. Visibilities are high, and all major anchorages across St Martin, Anguilla, and St Barth are accessible with standard seamanship.
### May to July As late spring transitions into early summer, the trade wind belt shifts further south and lightens, averaging 10 to 15 knots from the east-south-east (ESE). Ocean swells drop significantly, creating exceptionally smooth water throughout the Anguilla Channel and along St Martin’s western coast. Sea surface temperatures rise to 28°C. This period is ideal for tender operations, sea bobs, and paddleboarding in open bays like Baie Longue or Tintamarre's Baie Blanche.
### August to October This coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season and the local low season. Winds become light and variable, punctuated by tropical waves and occasional weather systems. Humidity is high, and sea temperatures reach 29°C. While commercial charter activity decreases dramatically, local waters remain quiet, though captains must monitor tropical forecasts closely and maintain access to sheltered lagoon berths.
Natural Anchorages and Protection Parameters
Finding the correct anchorage relies on matching the vessel’s draft and stability with the direction of the wind and ocean swell. The region offers several natural harbours, each with specific protection characteristics.
St Martin (French Side)
* **Grand Case**: Positioned on the north-west coast, Grand Case offers outstanding holding in 4 to 6 metres of fine white sand. Protected from easterly and south-easterly trade winds, it is the premier sunset anchorage on the island and the epicentre of French-Caribbean dining. However, it becomes hazardous during strong northerly or north-westerly swells, which create heavy surf along the beach. * **Anse Marcel**: A narrow, fjord-like cove on the north coast, flanked by steep green hills. It provides total protection from easterly trade winds and south-easterly breezes. The entrance channel has a controlling depth of approximately 2.5 to 3.0 metres. Once inside, the waters are glassy, making it an exceptional overnight spot for smaller sailing yachts and power catamarans. * **Île de Tintamarre (Baie Blanche)**: Located 3 nautical miles off St Martin’s north-east tip, this uninhabited limestone island sits within the French Nature Reserve. Anchorage is taken in 3 to 5 metres of sand off Baie Blanche on the south-west side. While exposed to easterly trade winds, the island's low cliffs block sea chop, providing a clear anchorage above sea turtle feeding grounds. It is strictly a day anchorage or a calm-weather overnight spot. * **Baie Longue and Baie Rouge**: Positioned on the leeward south-western coast, these wide sandy arcs offer vast holding grounds in 5 to 8 metres over sand and patch rock. Fully sheltered from ENE through ESE winds, they provide smooth water for water sports and easy tender access to shore, though they remain open to rare westerly swells.
Anguilla (Day-Hops North)
* **Road Bay**: The primary port of entry on Anguilla’s sheltered west coast. It provides exceptional holding in 4 to 6 metres of sand and mud, with protection from SSW through E to NNE. It is the safest overnight anchorage in Anguilla during strong easterly trades. * **Rendezvous Bay**: Located on Anguilla's south coast directly facing St Martin, Rendezvous Bay offers flat water during prevailing easterly and north-easterly trades. The anchorage sits in 3 to 6 metres of clean sand, framed by views of St Martin's central ridge, Pic Paradis. * **Prickly Pear Cays & Sandy Island**: Low-lying coral islets situated north-west of Anguilla. These offer day-use moorings in crystal-clear water surrounded by barrier reefs. They are completely exposed to open ocean swells and must only be visited in calm, daylight conditions with high sun for visual navigation.
St Barthélemy (Day-Hops Southeast)
* **Anse de Colombier**: Located at the north-western tip of St Barth within a protected marine reserve. Colombier is a horse-shoe shaped bay framed by high headlands, providing complete shelter from NE, E, and SE trade winds. Anchorage is prohibited to protect seagrass beds, but heavy-duty mooring buoys are provided for yachts. It is one of the most secure and scenic natural anchorages in the Leewards. * **Gustavia Outer Roads**: Large yachts anchor in the outer roads off Gustavia harbour in depths of 10 to 18 metres over sand and rock. Exposed to south-westerly swell and chop, it requires active stabilization or calm weather, but provides immediate proximity to the quayside and town centre.
Cruising Distances and Passage Times
Distances between key destinations in the St Martin region are relatively short, allowing for low-stress day cruising without long ocean passages.
* **Simpson Bay / Marigot to Road Bay (Anguilla)**: 12 nautical miles. A 1-hour cruise at 12 knots across the Anguilla Channel. The passage is generally beam-on to the prevailing trade winds. * **Marigot Bay to Grand Case (St Martin)**: 5 nautical miles. A 25-minute leeward coastal run along the north-western shoreline of St Martin. * **Grand Case to Île de Tintamarre**: 5.5 nautical miles. A 30-minute run rounding the northern headlands of St Martin, into slight ocean swell. * **Île de Tintamarre to Anse de Colombier (St Barth)**: 14 nautical miles. A 1.2-hour passage across the St Barth Channel, heading south-east. This leg is usually upwind and into the prevailing trade-wind seas. * **Gustavia (St Barth) to Simpson Bay (St Maarten)**: 18 nautical miles. A 1.5-hour downwind run heading north-west, providing comfortable conditions as yachts ride the trade wind swell back to St Martin. * **Simpson Bay to Fort Bay (Saba)**: 26 nautical miles. An open-ocean crossing south-south-west across the Saba Bank edge, taking approximately 2 hours at 13 knots.
Navigational Hazards and Local Knowledge
Navigating the Anguilla Bank requires vigilance, particularly regarding shallow coral formations, mid-channel rocks, and precise timing for lagoon bridge openings.
Key Hazards
* **Proselyte Reef**: Situated approximately 1.5 nautical miles south of Great Bay and Pointe Blanche (Sint Maarten). This submerged coral reef rises sharply from 15 metres to within 2.5 metres of the surface. Named after HMS *Proselyte*, which struck it in 1801, it is marked by a yellow cardinal buoy but must be given a wide berth by deep-draft vessels, especially in heavy south-easterly swells. * **Blowing Rock**: A small, low-lying rock formation situated mid-channel in the Anguilla Channel between St Martin and Anguilla. It stands less than 2 metres above sea level depending on the tide and is unlit. Captains crossing the channel at night must track their position via radar and GPS carefully. * **Rocher de la Table and Toc Vers**: Off the northern and north-eastern coast of St Barth, these exposed and submerged pinnacles require careful nav-point setting when approaching Gustavia from Tintamarre or Orient Bay. * **Orient Bay and Cul-de-Sac Coral Passes**: The eastern coast of St Martin is fringed by complex shallow barrier reefs. Approaching Pinel Island or Orient Bay requires bright, mid-day sunlight positioned behind the vessel to visually identify coral heads (brown water) versus sandy channels (blue/green water).
Bridge Schedules and Lagoon Operations
Vessels entering Simpson Bay Lagoon must coordinate with scheduled bridge openings. The Simpson Bay Bridge (Dutch side) opens several times daily for outbound and inbound traffic, operating on VHF channel 12. Controlling drafts at the Dutch entrance are typically 3.8 metres, with a clearance width of 16.7 metres.
The Sandy Ground Bridge (French side) opens twice daily, operating on VHF channel 16, with a maximum width of 10.0 metres and a shallower draft limit (approximately 2.0 metres). Navigating both bridges requires strict adherence to tidal currents, as water flushes through the narrow cuts at up to 3 to 4 knots during spring tides.
The Master’s Blueprint: Executing a Seven-Day Itinerary
A successful itinerary around St Martin balances short morning hops with afternoon water sports and evening dining, structuring crossings around weather windows. A bespoke Yacht Charter St Martin yacht charter requires a captain to balance open-water crossings with calm lee-shore anchorages, adapting the route based on wind vector and wave period.
``` ┌────────────────────────┐ │ Prickly Pear Cays │ └───────────┬────────────┘ │ 8 NM ▼ ┌────────────────────────┐ │ Road Bay (Anguilla) │ └───────────┬────────────┘ │ 12 NM ▼ ┌────────────────────────┐ │ Grand Case (St Martin) │ └───────────┬────────────┘ │ 5.5 NM ▼ ┌────────────────────────┐ │ Île de Tintamarre │ └───────────┬────────────┘ │ 14 NM ▼ ┌────────────────────────┐ │ Colombier (St Barth) │ └───────────┬────────────┘ │ 3.5 NM ▼ ┌────────────────────────┐ │ Gustavia (St Barth) │ └───────────┬────────────┘ │ 18 NM ▼ ┌────────────────────────┐ │ Simpson Bay Lagoon │ └────────────────────────┘ ```
### Day 1: Boarding and the Leeward Coast Run Guests embark at Simpson Bay Marina or Yacht Club at Isle de Sol. After safety briefings and customs clearance, the yacht departs through the afternoon bridge opening and clears the Dutch breakwater. A short 5-nautical-mile coastal run along the west coast brings the yacht to Baie Longue or Grand Case for the evening. Guests swim off the swim platform in calm water before heading ashore to Grand Case, famous for its beachfront dining along Boulevard de Grand Case, featuring local dishes such as grilled spiny lobster, mahi-mahi with Creole salsa, and slow-cooked red snapper court-bouillon.
### Day 2: Anguilla and the Offshore Cays Clear French customs electronically at Grand Case before taking an early morning 12-nautical-mile passage across the Anguilla Channel to Road Bay. The captain completes Anguilla entry clearance while guests take the tender out to Sandy Island or the Prickly Pear Cays, 8 nautical miles to the north-west. These low-lying coral cays offer exceptional snorkeling along untouched barrier reefs. The yacht anchors overnight in Road Bay, where guests experience authentic Caribbean music and beachside dining on the sand.
### Day 3: Southern Anguilla to Île de Tintamarre The yacht weighs anchor and runs south along Anguilla’s coast, dropping anchor off Rendezvous Bay or Maundays Bay for morning water sports and lunch. In the early afternoon, take advantage of favorable wind angles for a 10-nautical-mile crossing back toward the north-east tip of St Martin. Anchor in 4 metres of clear sand off Baie Blanche on Île de Tintamarre. Guests spend the late afternoon paddleboarding alongside green sea turtles before enjoying a quiet dinner anchored under the stars.
### Day 4: Crossing the St Barth Channel to Colombier Depart Tintamarre early to execute the upwind passage across the St Barth Channel (14 nautical miles). The route takes the yacht south-east toward the northwestern tip of St Barthélemy. Pick up a park mooring buoy at Anse de Colombier by mid-morning. Colombier offers complete shelter from easterly trade winds, crystal-clear water for diving, and a scenic coastal walking trail over the headland to Petite Anse. The yacht remains on the mooring overnight in tranquil, protected waters.
### Day 5: Gustavia and the South Shore A brief 3.5-nautical-mile cruise south around Pointe du Lurin brings the vessel to Gustavia. The captain can either take a stern-to berth on the main quay inside the harbour or drop anchor in the outer roads. Guests spend the day exploring Gustavia’s historic French-Swedish architecture, high-end boutiques, and Shell Beach, located a short walk from the harbour edge. In the evening, the town’s dining scene comes alive with world-class restaurants set around the illuminated harbour basin.
### Day 6: The Return to St Martin’s French Side Depart Gustavia for an 18-nautical-mile downwind run heading north-west back to St Martin. The prevailing easterly winds allow for a smooth sail or comfortable displacement cruise across the channel. Drop anchor off Baie Rouge or Anse Marcel for afternoon swimming, tender excursions, and sunbathing. For the final evening, anchor in Grand Case Bay or dock at Marina Fort Louis in Marigot, enjoying sunset views over the historic 18th-century Fort Louis overlooking the bay.
### Day 7: Final Swim and Disembarkation Spend the morning taking a final swim in the clear waters of Mullet Bay or Simpson Bay. The yacht times its approach for the morning bridge opening into Simpson Bay Lagoon, bringing the vessel smoothly back to its berth for guest disembarkation and seamless transfers to Princess Juliana International Airport.