Florette Caribbean Antigua/St Martin

YOUR SAILING AREA

Antigua to St Martin

Part of the Caribbean island nation of Antigua & Barbuda, the island of Antigua is a great joining location for your Caribbean sailing holiday. Flights come direct from the UK via Heathrow or Gatwick with a 30minute transfer to the harbour so you’ll soon be sunning yourself on one of Antigua’s many palm-fringed beaches. Florette will be moored or anchored in the picturesque, horse-shoe shaped Falmouth Bay, ready to welcome guests aboard.

As with all our sailing holidays, Florette will make the most of the Caribbean trade winds sailing and island hopping through the Leeward islands to finish on the island of St Martin. Depending on the wind, explore the islands of Monserrat, St Kitts & Nevis and St Barths.

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Montserrat

One of the most dramatic islands in the Caribbean for both its geological history and landscape, the island of Montserrat is home to towering mountain peaks and rainforest hillsides. The eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano in 1995 devastated the island, with the last two decades spent re-building and growing the population. Nowadays, Montserrat draws tourists wanting to experience a little bit of authentic, laid back Caribbean island life. A slow rhythm with friendly locals, rainforest trails and wonderful bird-watching opportunities where cruise liners are yet to arrive.

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.

From solo travellers to couples to families or friends, there is something for everyone on this Caribbean sailing adventure. 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.

All voyages for Florette

Florette

Guest berths: 28 Rig: Brigantine

Florette is the last active, originally built brigantine in the Mediterranean and one of the last wooden windjammers that are still actively sailing. After nearly 50 years operating as a cargo ship and a world war, she was discovered by the Haynes family at the end of the 70s, lovingly restored to a charter vessel and returned to her original condition.

She still remains in the same family, sailing and exploring the Mediterranean, Scotland and the Caribbean. From week long island hopping around the Aeolian islands to Atlantic crossings and winter sun sailing in the Caribbean, she certainly has something for everyone!

Over the past 45 years, Family Haynes has been faithfully restoring and maintaining her charm with her traditional rigging and still set all her sails by hand. As she was built to carry over 200t of marble deep sea, her construction is twice as strong as compared to a normal ship of her size. She is constructed with double oak frames and up to 13 meters long, 14 cm thick ironwood planks (azobe). Her topsides are built in the finest mahogany. She was originally launched in winter of 1921 in Italy as a pure wooden sailing ship with no engine to serve as a cargo ship.

Now, she has been equipped with the latest safety standards in accordance with EU guidelines for historic charter and sailing school ships and approved for deep-sea navigation. Below decks she has a combination of twin and triple cabins, authentic hammock bunks in the saloon or even take your chances and sleep on deck beneath the stars!

More about Florette

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. 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. 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 Atlantic crossings and Caribbean voyages only, under 30’s have the chance for a true authentic 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.

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

Kit list

Florette has limited space for possessions so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack.

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their own preferences!

Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
Wash towel – micro fibre are lightweight and quick drying!
Swimsuit and swim towel
Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying!)

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!

Warm, windproof and waterproof coat
Sun cream (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
Camera/binoculars
Personal wash kit (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
If you wish to sleep on deck under the stars or are booking a hammock berth, please bring your own lightweight sleeping bag
Refillable water bottle
Insect repellent
Charging cables for personal devices
EU 2pin plug adaptor
A good book to read!
Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

WHAT’S INCLUDED

HALF BOARD – All breakfast (includes tea and coffee), six meals (combination of lunch or dinner)
Use of all facilities on board including snorkelling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, board games
All bedding (pillow, duvet, bedding)
All tender trips during the voyage, to and fro the boat
Full crew, plus tuition

What’s not included

BOARD CASH (in EUROS OR USD)

(€20 per person, per trip for water maker (unlimited water)
€14 per person, per day for waste charge)
6-7 meals ashore (at guests expense)
Tea/Coffee/Alcohol (cash honesty bar)
Wash or swim towels
Use of sleeping bags for sleeping on deck (only if you want!)
Any local taxes including departure and landing tax – estimated to be between €100-200 per person . If there are places guests want to go that have a landing tax, the cost will be split between those that want to go and added to your honesty tab.
Domestic flights
Insurance
Crew and tour leader tips

EXTRAS?

Florette and her crew can organise extra activities for guests including things like wine tasting, BBQ evenings and pizza making nights. None of these are mandatory and will depend on the feeling of the group but once agreed, will be planned, costed and split between the guests. Florette runs a very fair ship and is transparent with any extra costs. All guests are responsible for recording their own usage/extras in their honesty tab which is payable in EUROS/USD at the end of the trip.

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.

This voyage will be more than 12miles offshore.

Need help with flights?

If you require some expert help with sourcing the right flights to meet the boat, please get in touch with Jenny at the Flight Centre via this form, she will be able to send you a quote within24 hours.

FAQ

Are all meals included?
It varies between voyages so please check each individually. Most are Half board (breakfast & 6 meals - a combination of lunch or dinner) Some voyages are Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner & hot drinks).
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, please ask at the time of booking.
Are there any added extra's?
There are water and waste fees which require bringing board cash. A breakdown of this will be within your ticket/booking. Soft drinks & alcohol can be purchased onboard with an honesty bar.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
5x family cabins (double+single), 2x double cabins, 4x twin bunk cabins.
Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Every cabin has a large deck hatch.
How many toilet/showers does she have?
4 toilets with 3 showers & 1 deck shower.
Is bedding included?
All bedding is included but towels are not. If you would like to sleep under the stars on deck, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag!
Is there a hair dryer on board?
No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
Not on week long voyages but on longer crossings it is possible.
Is there heating/air conditioning onboard?
Yes.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but very much appreciated.
What language is spoken onboard?
English is the common deck language but there will be international guests and crew.
Is there WIFI?
No! It's time to disconnect from the modern conforms 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, please bring 2pin European adaptors
What is the currency on board?
EURO's
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes
How do I get on and off the boat?
Florette 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. There will always be a crew member to steady.
Are Waterproofs provided?
No
Are there any water toys?
Yes, Florette carries Kayaks and SUP's for guests use - a buoyancy jacket must be worn.
Do I need sailing experience?
On her week-long voyages, no - just a love for adventure! On her Ocean crossings, some previous time on the water is recommended.
Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.
Is there an age limit?
No min. age technically -but ideally 5+ with sailing experience. Over 70's must provide a medical certificate . For Caribbean voyages - it's 60+ Children go free when under 12 and sharing with adult parents in one cabin.

Gallery

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Travel Planning

From: Falmouth Harbour OR Jolly Harbour, Antigua

To: Marigot Bay, St Martin

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

Getting There

Antigua

BY AIR

Antigua Airport (ANU) is a 30 minute shuttle journey to Falmouth Harbour, Antigua.
Flights go direct to Antigua Airport from: –

London Gatwick (LHR) w, British Airways, Finnair
London Heathrow (LHR) w, Virgin Atlantic, Air France

GETTING HOME

Marigot Bay, St Martin

BY AIR

There are two airports on St Martin.

St Martin Esperance Airport (also known as Grand Case Airport) is 25 minute taxi ride to Marigot Bay.
Indirect flights connect the UK to St Martin Esperance Airport from Newcastle, London Gatwick, Birmingham and Glasgow International.

The second, Princess Juliana International Airport, has direct flights internationally and includes flights from Amsterdam and Paris.

STAY IN MARIGOT BAY

There are plenty of places to stay in Marigot Bay. Try Fantastic Hotel, Over The Hill Guest House and Hevea Hotel.

Need help with flights?

If you require some expert help with sourcing the right flights to meet the boat, please get in touch with Jenny at the Flight Centre via this form, she will be able to send you a quote within24 hours.