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Sailing area Leeward Islands - Sailing in the Caribbean islands

Short Overview Leeward Islands

In the Lesser Antilles you can sail throughout the year. By the constant trade winds, the stable air and the water temperatures there are ideal sailing conditions.

  • Year-round sailing area
  • Ideal wind conditions
  • Uneven infrastructure
  • Tropical climate
Marinas nearby
  • Bora Bora Yacht Club
  • The Catamaran Marina
  • English Harbour
  • Great Harbour
  • Marina Port la Royale
  • Port Louis Marina
  • Yacht Club Port de Plaisance
  • Soucis Harbour
  • Rodney Bay Marina
  • Tamarind Yacht Club

The Lesser Antilles are a group of islands in the eastern Caribbean. The islands extend from the Virgin Islands in the north, to the coast of Venezuela in the south. Along with the Bahamas and The Greater Antilles, The Lesser Antilles form the West Indian Islands. In the north of The Lesser Antilles are the Leeward Islands, which include for example The Virgin Islands, St. Martin, Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda. The southern part includes: Martinique, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent, the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, (known as the ABC islands.) From island to island there are significant differences in culture and nationality. Some are British, French or Dutch colonies, and others are small independent states.

Within the Caribbean islands the Lesser Antilles are the most popular area for yacht charter. Sailing crews can expect a tropical panorama of white sand beaches, palm trees and turquoise water as far as the eye can see. There are idyllic beaches, blue lagoons and an abundance of marine life with colorful coral reefs and exotic fish. Here you can relax, snorkel and sunbathe in paradise. Yachtcharter Leeward Islands offers many exciting sailing opportunities and some of the best spots are: the manageable islands of the British Virgin Islands, the partly French and partly Dutch St. Maarten / Saint Martin, the luxury island of St. Barts, the island of Nevis that is almost circular and surrounded by coral reefs, the five beautiful islands of Les Saintes, the lush flora and fauna of Dominica, the impressive volcanic island of St. Eustatius, the very European Charter Centre Martinique, the unspoiled island of Barbuda, the jagged coastline of Antigua, the tropical rain forest and the waterfalls of the Deshaies River, the wooded mountains and rugged cliffs of Grande Terre, the island of Grenada with the beautiful capital of St. George's, the unique and mountainous volcanic island of Carriacou, Tobago with rich scenery, the small uninhabited Palm Islands Tobago Cays, the largely unspoiled Anguilla, the extinct volcanoes of St. Lucia, the island of Trinidad with different nationalities and religions, the green and fertile St. Vincent with the 1467 m high volcano Soufriere and the many wonderful islands of the Grenadines. The diversity of these islands and the beauty of the landscape make the Lesser Antilles a paradise on earth.

Image Gallery Leeward Islands

In the Lesser Antilles the marinas and charter bases are distributed quite unevenly. The largest yacht chartering centers are located in Martinique and the British Virgin Islands where boat charter, rental and services can be found. More marinas and charter bases are on St. Martin, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia and Grenada. For Caribbean newcomers the Virgin Islands Martinique and Guadeloupe are advisable. These districts have good standards of care and provide clear sailing trips. You can always reach a new port or berth daily. The main ports of the Lesser Antilles are: Tortola, St. Thomas, St. Martin, Antigua, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Union, Iceland, Bequia, Grenada and Trinidad. In addition to the marinas and ports, there are numerous idyllic coves where you can anchor safely.

Route Suggestion

A yacht charter vacation in Saint Martin will be the ultimate island getaway, white sands and turquoise waters stretch as far as the eye can see. This route takes you to the most beautiful islands and beaches off the beaten track. Begin at Oyster Pond... see full itinerary

Marinas, harbors and cities in the sailing area Leeward Islands
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Airports nearby Leeward Islands
  • Antigua and Barbuda (Air Field) to Great Harbour: 12 km, 16 minutes
  • Osbourn, Antigua and Barbuda (LIAT Hanger) to The Catamaran Marina: 18 km, 24 minutes
  • Osbourn, Antigua and Barbuda (LIAT Hanger) to Jolly Harbour: 19 km, 23 minutes
  • Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport to Pointe à Pitre: 11 km, 16 minutes
  • Princess Juliana International Airport to Oyster Pond: 15 km, 22 minutes
  • Princess Juliana International Airport to Cole Bay Anchorage: 3 km, 4 minutes
  • VC Bird International Airport to English Harbour: 24 km, 29 minutes
  • Vigie Beach, Castries, Saint Lucia (George Charles Airport) to Marigot Bay Anchorage: 16 km, 24 minutes
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Climate & Weather

There is a moist, tropical climate in the Lesser Antilles. You can sail all year round, but the best time is in November. The area offers year-round high and relatively stable air and water temperatures. The average annual temperature is 27 °C. Depending on the season, the water ranges from 20 °C to just above 30 °C. The wind conditions are very good, with most of the northeast trade winds blowing at 2-6 Bft. Out of season there is a risk of hurricanes, but they are well predicted. The likelihood of tropical storms is highest in the months of August and September. The wind shares occur in the Lesser Antilles, in the northern "Leeward Islands" and the southerly "Windward Islands". The northern part is affected by the northeast trade wind, humid air masses, and short, sometimes violent rain which results in the islands having luxurious green vegetation. The "Windward Islands" lie off the north coast of South America and are no longer in the area of influence of the trade winds, so here you will find a much drier climate.