EOW Christmas Caribbean – Martinique R

YOUR SAILING AREA

Lesser Antilles, Caribbean

Azure ocean, palm beaches and the incomparable flair of the “Caribbean way of life”… explore some of the most beautiful harbours and bays in the enchanting island world of the Lesser Antilles. Breathtaking landscapes, adventures at sea in a mild ocean climate and the lively culture of the Windward Islands make skippered Caribbean voyage a unique sailing holiday experience.

The beauty of being on a ship in these breathtaking islands is that we can take you to the unspoilt, authentic Caribbean, away from the busy resorts and beaches. Experience true Caribbean culture, from small fishing villages to lively, colourful carnivals. The crew will aim to give you time to explore the islands as you wish, finding harbours to berth at and secluded bays to anchor in. Feel the sand between your toes, soak up the wonderfully colourful culture, snorkel with the fantastic marine life or simply kick back and relax on the beach.

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Begin on the rugged and volcanic island of Martinique. An overseas region of France, with its culture reflecting a lovely blend of French and West Indian influence. The north of the island is mountainous and home to Mont Pelée, an active volcano with an abundance of beautiful rainforest. The sand on the beaches in the north is a silvery grey as a result of the historic volcanic ash.

The south of the island, however, is home to the iconic white sands with Fort-de-France its largest town, featuring steep hills and quaint narrow streets and the gardens of La Savane bordered by shops and cafes.  Christopher Columbus landed on the island in 1502, after a 21-day trade wind passage he christened the island as Martinica.

Perhaps visit the butterfly shaped island of Guadeloupe, home to beautiful long stretches of beach, sugarcane fields and the Parc National de la Guadeloupe encompassing the beautiful Carbet Falls and the volcano of La Grande Soufrière. Guadeloupe has smaller islands that include Marie-Galante and La Désirade.

The island of Dominica is mountainous and covered in rainforest reserves teeming with wonderful wildlife spotting opportunities. The National Park is home to the volcanically heated, steam-covered Boiling Lake, hot springs and the 65m-tall Trafalgar Falls – don’t forget your swimsuit! Wander the pretty streets of the capital of Dominica, Roseau, visit the beautiful botanical gardens and immerse yourself in the relaxed Caribbean culture.

Wildlife in the Caribbean

Spot graceful Green and Loggerhead Sea Turtles gliding effortlessly through the water and Bottlenose Dolphins swimming with the wake of the bow. Whales also frequent the Caribbean sea, with the warm water providing the perfect breeding grounds at this time of year for the humpback whale. Birdlife in the Caribbean is an incredibly beautiful sight. Keep your binoculars at the ready to spot these colourful delights. With species only native to the Caribbean, these are once in a lifetime encounters!

All voyages for Eye of the Wind

Eye of the Wind

Guest berths: 16 Rig: Brig

Eye of the Wind is a magnificent ship that combines an impressive amount of original character with modern amenities. The ship’s interior features teak maritime décor, which adds to its authentic and charming appeal. The ship is steeped in maritime history, and just the opportunity to sail on it is an experience of a lifetime.

Eye of the Wind is a 1911 brig, which is why it has been featured in several movies, including White Squall. This windjammer offers hands-on sailing holidays while cruising some of the most stunning locations in the world. Although the ship has a large and capable engine, traditional sailing is naturally the preferred mode of travel, providing an authentic and immersive sailing experience. The crew is extremely experienced, friendly, and welcoming. They are always ready to teach you the workings of a classic tall ship, so no prior knowledge is necessary.

You can join the crew at any number of the large maritime festivals they appear at, cruise the European coast, or relish some winter sun and climb aboard for their voyages in the Caribbean. The transatlantic crossing back from the Caribbean to Portugal is an experience worth cherishing.

With six luxurious cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms, Eye of the Wind can sleep a total of 12 guests, ensuring that ocean passages can be travelled in true comfort. The ship has a large dining area, library, and sun deck, which offer many different spaces to unwind and get to know your fellow guests and crew. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just looking for a unique vacation experience, Eye of the Wind provides an unforgettable adventure and an excellent opportunity to explore the world’s most stunning locations in style and travel in true comfort. The ship has a large dining area, library, and sun deck, which offer many different spaces to unwind and get to know your fellow guests and crew.

Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just looking for a unique vacation experience, Eye of the Wind provides an unforgettable adventure and an excellent opportunity to explore the world’s most stunning locations in style and comfort.

Deck plan

More about Eye of the Wind

Life on board

Sailing with Eye of the Wind is an experience that will sit close to your heart as you learn the ways of traditional, authentic sailing and explore breath-taking destinations. Sailing with such a historic vessel is a wonderful privilege and the pride that the crew have for working with such a vessel, is truly inspiring.

Getting involved

With her impressive red sails and traditional square rig, guests are actively encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing Eye of the Wind. The crew are friendly, professional multi nationals, who are well-versed in showing guests the ropes, so you don’t need any experience to climb aboard her voyages. There is no expectation to get involved with sailing this magnificent vessel but guests are encouraged to take part in sail hoisting, navigation and taking the helm. A good sense of humour and a sense of adventure is a must and if guests just want to sit back and relax with the harmony of the sails, that’s fine too!

A Typical Day

Most of Eye of the Wind’s voyages are designed to sail by day to explore new destinations and spend the nights in harbour or on a sheltered anchorage. The day to day itinerary is not set in stone so the Captain can make best use of the weather and winds. Once you board, a rough plan for the week will be explained and some basic sail functionings explained too! 

Sailing on the high seas is hungry work, and your appetite will be easily satiated by our excellent on-board kitchen. From morning till evening, the chef will surprise you with varied recipes from his gourmet cookbook. Depending on the sailing season, local food and ingredients often end up in the cooking pot or on the plate. From a continental breakfast to lunch served either at anchor or underway. Dinner and drinks are normally served at around 7pm as you relax with your fellow guests and crew. 

The day is a good balance of authentic traditional sailing with time to explore secluded bays, different cultures, cuisines and history ashore. Down-time is as encouraged as hands-on sailing, with air-conditioned bunks, comfortable lounges and a sun-drenched deck, ensuring that there are plenty of spaces to relax on board.

Sleeping and Relaxation

Thanks to the 6 luxurious cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms, Eye of the Wind can sleep a total of 16 guests ensuring voyages can be travelled in true comfort. A large dining area sits with the galley at deck level offering 360 degree views of the horizon. A library and cosy saloon sit below decks – the perfect place for relaxation and sharing sea-faring tales after a day at sea.

Above decks there’s cushioned bench seating, sun decks and a multitude of different spaces to unwind. Out at sea, you have time for yourself and time to get to know the ship as a place of rest, where you can leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind you. Stress has no place on the ocean, and you will find yourself unwinding in harmony with the wind and the sea on board Eye of the Wind.

SAMPLE MENU FOR Eye of the wind

All food is made on board and local, fresh produce is top of the shopping list! Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.

BREAKFAST

• Continental meat platter
• Cheese platter
• yoghurt, fruit salad
• Muesli, cereals, breads and jams
• One day, hot option – fried eggs

ELEVENSES/AFTERNOON CAKE

• Tea, coffee and home-made cakes

LUNCH

• Aubergine and feta tart
• Mediterranean cous cous
• Green salad

DINNER

• Pork cassoulet served with rice
• Coconut, spinach and chickpea curry served with rice
• CAPTAINS DINNER – starter; Bruschetta served with balsamic. Main; Pan-fried salmon served with herb cous cous, pineapple salsa and garlic sauce. (V) option; stuffed pepper with the same sides

DESSERT

• Dark chocolate and orange mousse
• CAPTAINS DINNER – Lemon mascapone cheesecake

What’s included

• All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and soft/hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and a wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Swim towel
• Waterproofs
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot and soft drinks are included in your ticket price.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• Are there any added extras?

  There's an honesty bar for alcohol.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  There are 6 twin bunk, ensuite cabins.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, there are ventilation hatches.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  Eye of the Wind has an ensuite shower and toilet in each cabin.

• Are bedding and towels included?

  All bedding and a towel is included but please bring your own swim towels (if needed). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No, we would prefer you let your hair dry naturally in the sea breeze!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Eye of the Wind does not laundry on board.

• What language is spoken on board?

  English and German

• Is there heating/air conditioning?

  Yes, Eye of the Wind has air con/heating in each cabin.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• Is there WIFI?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.

• Can I charge my phone/camera?

  Yes, there are European 230 volt power outlets in each cabin so please bring an adaptor.

• What is the currency on board?

  It will be the local currency depending on the voyage destination.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Eye of the Wind is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No, please bring your own.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  Not at all. We give everyone who joins us on board the choice to do as much or as little as they like.

• Does the boat have any water toys/fishing lines?

  There is fishing gear on board, which is usually used by our chefs. If interested, this can certainly be used in consultation with the cook on board.

• Will I be seasick?

  Everyone reacts differently but if you are unsure, we recommend taking tablets up to 24 hours travelling.

• Is there an age limit?

  No! Please double check for under 8's.

Travel Planning

From: Le Marin, Martinique

To: Le Marin, Martinique

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

Getting There:

The recommended option is to fly from Fort-de-France Airport (Martinique) to London Heathrow with a changeover in Montreal, Canada.

Other options include taking a ferry from Martinique to the island of Dominica where you can a direct flight back to London Gatwick. Or fly direct to Paris and change for London.