Caribbean Tall Ship Sailing; Antigua to St Martin
- Vessel: Florette
- Where: Antigua/St Martin
- Duration: 8 days
- Embark: Falmouth Harbour OR Jolly Harbour, Antigua - 9 March 2024, 16:00
- Disembark: Marigot Bay, St Martin - 16 March 2024, 10:00
Join classic wooden windjammer Florette for a Caribbean sailing adventure from the island of Antigua to St Martin.
Join historic tall ship Florette on the island of Antigua for an authentic Caribbean sailing holiday. Explore the Leeward islands under sail from Montserrat, St Kitts & Nevis to Saba and St Martin.
This Caribbean sailing holiday adventure certainly has something for everyone. From traditional tall ship sailing in perfect trade wind conditions to island hopping, wildlife spotting and general tropical island relaxation.
- Traditional tall ship sailing
- Hands-on sailing experience
- Caribbean island hopping
- swimming & snorkelling
- Kayaks & SUP’s
- Private Cabins
- Sail area & highlights
- Gallery
- Life on board
- Travel planning
- The boat
- FAQs
- What's included
- Boat schedule
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, Saba 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.
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.
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.Â
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 to this day.
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. Â 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 oaked 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. She still runs cargo trips across the Atlantic today.
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.
Florette maintains a full ocean classification for historical sail training and charter vessel. She actively sails 6-7 months in the Mediterranean and spent last winter crossing the Atlantic and sailing in the Caribbean.
More about FloretteLIFE 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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.
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)Â
- (€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.Â
FAQ
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What COVID policies are in place for sailing with Florette?
There are currently no Test & Sail policies in place for the 2022 season. Guests will just need to ensure they are following any international guidelines to travel to the boat.
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Are all meals included?
Not all meals are included. Breakfast is provided everyday and 6 meals are included in the price, which will be lunch or dinner depending on the itinerary. Lunch can be eaten ashore or extra meals may be offered but there will be an extra charge.
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Are there any added extra's?
Soft drinks & alcohol may be purchased onboard.
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Are drinks included?
Tea/Coffee is included at breakfast. All other drinks/alcohol can be purchased onboard with an honesty bar.
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Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, please ask at the time of booking.
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Are there any water toys?
Yes, Florette carries Kayaks and SUP's for guests use - a buoyancy jacket must be worn.
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What language is spoken onboard?
German/English
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What are the sleeping arrangements?
5x family cabins (double+single), 2x double cabins, 4x twin bunk cabins, 4x hammock bunks
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How many toilet/showers does she have?
4 toilets with 3 showers & 1 deck shower
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Is there WIFI?
No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.
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Can I charge my phone/Camera?
Yes, please bring european adaptors
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Are there life jackets provided?
Yes
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Are Waterproofs provided?
No
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Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.
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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.
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Is bedding included?
All bedding is but towels are not. If you would like to sleep under the stars on deck, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.
Gallery
imageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageTravel 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
BY AIR
Antigua Airport (ANU) is a 30 minute shuttle journey (price on enquiry) 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