Florette Caribbean Private Charter – St Martin

Divided into two nations of French and Dutch, St Martin is a fascinating cultural blend of rich African heritage and a great place to start your Caribbean private charter sailing holiday. Florette can sleep 23-28 guests in 12 private cabins and the charter will come fully crewed and on a half board basis (read more in the Life on Board section). Aside from starting and finishing on the island of St Martin, you have 8 days to route plan alongside Captain Ron (and the wind of course!). You could head north to explore the British Virgin Islands or head south to discover the islands of Saba, St Kitts & Nevis and Antigua.

Head South…

St Kitts & Nevis

The volcanic islands of St Kitts and Nevis are known for their cloud shrouded mountains and beautiful beaches. St Kitts is dominated by the dormant Mount Liamuiga volcano, home to a crater lake, green vervet monkeys and rainforest crisscrossed with hiking trails. Abandoned sugar plantations, streets lined with colourful timber houses and palm trees swaying in the trade wind make exploring this little island a truly, quintessentially Caribbean experience.

St Barths

The French-speaking island of St Barths has long been dubbed the playground of the rich and famous with pristine beaches, gourmet dining and designer boutiques. Away from the hustle and bustle however, a tropical paradise awaits with luscious mountains, stretches of soft white-sand beaches and beautiful flowering gardens filled with hibiscus. This volcanic island is surrounded by shallow reefs so makes for great snorkelling and swimming too.

Saba

The Dutch island of Saba measures only a tiny 13km across and is mostly dominated by the dormant Mount Scenery volcano providing a beautiful backdrop for anchor. Most of the island is surrounded by the Marine park home to magnificent coral formations, dolphins, turtles and underwater mountains created from historic lava flow. This little island offers plenty from the water, secluded bays away from the tourist hustle and bustle and anchorages perfect for testing the boats on board water toys.

Head North…

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are a sailors paradise and with a history steeped in piracy, it’s easy to see why people fall in love with this island chain. This necklace of paradise islands consist of the main islands of Tortola and Virgin Gorda but are surrounded by hundreds of smaller, enchanting islands. Even the island names are influenced by seafaring tales and pirate history from Fallen Jerusalem, Dead Chest, Salt Island Peter and Ginger island. These extraordinary names hark back to the days of explorers and pirates, made accessible by sailing across the aptly named Sir Frances Drake Channel, named after the Queen’s favourite Privateer and Westcountry hero, Sir Frances Drake. They conjure up tales of treasure maps and golden chests while offering unique trade wind sailing conditions and plenty of paradise anchorages.

The main island of Tortola is the charter yacht capital of the Caribbean and 80% of the BVI’s population live here. Although it makes great access for transport, this bustling town is known for its full moon parties and wind-surfing. Our boats will sail away to discover the quieter side to this island and the surrounding uninhabited islands with remote anchorages, giving the chance to dive on shipwrecks and enjoy the bougainvillea-clad hillsides for relaxed walking. The south-west of Tortola is home to Sage Mountain National Park which is perfect for hiking trails. Spend the week island hopping this tropical paradise, relaxing in beachside bars, enjoying sunset BBQ’s on the beach and making the most of the perfect trade wind sailing.

An unforgettable and versatile sailing holiday with daily trips to explore ashore, offering a pleasant contrast to the social life on board. Swim, snorkel and kayak in secluded bays with crystal-clear water and miles of soft sandy white beaches. 

LIFE ON BOARD

AUTHENTIC TALL SHIP SAILING

Florette and her crew always try to combine traditional classic sailing while immersing guests in the natural landscapes ashore; volcanoes, ancient culture and the specialities of the regional Italian cuisine. Florette invites you to get involved with her traditional sailing. With an original rig, it is certainly an all-hands on deck approach  – which is surely part of the magic to this adventure sailing holiday. 

Sailing Florette is a true family affair. Captain Ron is the 2nd generation to run and sail Florette with his family after his parents bought the boat back in the 70’s. Ron was brought up on the boat, as he is now doing with his family. Alongside Ron and his wife Nicole, Florette is fully crewed with experienced and knowledgeable sailors. Nicole is also the boats chef, cooking up fabulous cuisine, so you won’t be going hungry after a day of sailing and exploring.

HAVE FUN!

Florette commands attention wherever she sails with her traditional wooden hull, decoratively carved transom and her impressive sail rig. Sailing with her is part of the magic of this adventure holiday and is a huge part of the experience. She also has sea kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and snorkelling gear for guests to use at no extra cost. There is also fishing gear available which is used to catch fresh fish for supper!

Sleeping and Relaxation

Florette is one of the larger boats in our fleet so she has ample space both above and below decks. Her Captain and family live-aboard but they have their own separate quarters. Guests can enjoy private cabins in combinations of 2-3 berth bunks. All cabins share a total of four toilets and three showers with another shower on deck for a rinse off after some sea swimming. For Caribbean voyages only, under 30’s have the chance for a true authentic Caribbean pirate experience to stay in a hammock! Each hammock will be allocated a seamans chest for any belongings and will strung up in the saloon between 9pm and 8am. 

A generous saloon, bar and eating area sit below decks with a traditional wooden finish. Above decks there is a large cushioned area for relaxation, sun-bathing or sleeping beneath the stars (bring your own sleeping bag if this is something you fancy!). An alfresco dining area sits mid-ships, perfect for lunches in the sun or dinners at sunset. 

Eating

Nicole prepares meals using local fresh ingredients, seasonal produce and local fish to make excellent, healthy dishes. Breakfast onboard everyday and six meals are included in the ticket price. These six meals can be a combination of lunches or dinners with the rest of guest meals eaten ashore at guests expense. The ticket price reflects this and gives guests the opportunity to sample and enjoy the local cuisine. If for some reason, Florette cannot get guests ashore, meals will be offered from the boat at a reasonable price.

Please check the What’s included tab for a breakdown of the ticket price and the board cash.