Christmas Sailing in the Caribbean

YOUR SAILING AREA

Lesser Antilles, Caribbean

Your Caribbean sailing holiday will begin on the island of St Martin, home to 37 palm-fringed white-sandy beaches, tranquil bays and turquoise coves. From snorkelling in crystal clear waters to island hiking volcanic landscapes, this is the perfect way to begin your Caribbean sailing holiday.

The beauty of being on a yacht 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 Caribbean culture, snorkel with the fantastic marine life or simply kick back and relax on the beach.  Dive from the boat and swim in the turquoise blue waters, and make use of Rhea’s onboard water-sports equipment! After a night under the stars, the perfect way to start the day “island style” is with a swim, diving over the side into balmy crystal waters.  A breakfast gleaming with fresh tropical fruits start the day in anticipation of sailing to our next destination.

Island Hopping

Sail and discover the soft sandy beaches of Barbuda before dropping anchor by volcanic islands of St Kitts and Nevis. Known for its cloud-shrouded mountains and 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. Explore the French-speaking island of St Barths. A tropical island of green hills and mountains, stretches brilliant white soft sand and beautiful flowering gardens filled with hibiscus and fragrant frangipanis.

Wildlife in the Caribbean is a real treat. 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! Pink Flamingoes are also a common bird across the Caribbean islands; these sociable creatures inhabit the blue lagoons, mudflats and lakes, living in colonies that can contain thousands of individuals.

All voyages for Rhea

Rhea

Guest berths: 26 Rig: Bermudan Ketch

Elegant yacht Rhea offers guests a sailing holiday experience with luxury at the heart of everything she does. She spends her winters sunshine sailing in the Caribbean before moving to the Mediterranean in the Spring.

Like her sister Chronos, Rhea was built and designed in Bodrum, Turkey but is registered in Holland. Luxury yacht Rhea was purpose built as a charter vessel in 2016 and finished in 2017 as a two-masted, 54m staysail ketch.

Rhea was designed by Klaus Röder, who based his designs on the lines of a classic yacht whilst keeping up with the modern day ketch; built for performance sailing and guest comfort. The classic rig of a Bermuda Ketch with a large boom was conceptualised and designed by Klaas Huizinga.

The outline on deck is of teak and mahogany with plenty of space to sun-bath, read a book and enjoy the views. All the sails are electronically retractable, so no need to learn the ropes here! The crew are, however, more than happy for guests to get involved with the operating and sailing of Rhea as much as they would like!

An admiralty ladder provides the perfect place to jump off into crystal clear waters, have a swim or snorkel and climb back aboard with ease. Rhea also offers her guests the options of her water skiing, wake-board, tube riding, banana boat, 2 kayaks, 2 stand up Paddleboards, snorkelling equipment and even a sail dinghy (QubaRS).

The deckhouse offers its very own small bar whilst below decks offers still more space to relax with another dining area, as well as her on-deck dining area. Her private cabins, offering both double and single beds, all have air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.

The professional crew consists of the Skipper, first mate, mechanic, bosun, cook and 4 stewards, so you will most certainly be looked after during your time aboard Rhea.

Read more about what to expect from life on board here

Deck plan

LIFE ON BOARD

Our sailing holidays on board Rhea are ones of luxury, style and comfort while exploring sunshine destinations and unforgettable locations. A purpose built charter vessel, Rhea was designed with the elegant sailing lines of a traditional classic boat but has been paired with all the comforts and luxuries of a modern yacht. 

Authentic Sailing Fun

Sailing with Rhea is certainly one of comfort and relaxation. Think of a boutique, intimate classic sailing experience where nothing is too much trouble. Her dedicated and professional crew are highly trained and well-versed in a smooth sailing operation. 

She has an impressive sail area and her rig is electronically operated with retractable sails so there is no need to “learn the ropes” here! That being said, there are still traditional pin and tails if guests want to have a taste of authentic sailing. 

Although there is less focus on the “hands-on” sailing of Rhea, the Captain and crew offer interesting sailing talks and information briefs for guests during the voyage. Learn about the history of the boat, its sailing terms and even take a tour of the engine room if you fancy! Understanding these elegant classic vessels and feeling their power with the wind is truly an unforgettable experience.

Sleeping and Relaxation

Every space on Rhea is considered with the guests at the forefront of all design. From the spacious saloon, private ensuite cabins clad in tropical wood to the sweeping open decks with plenty of sun lounging spaces – the boat is certainly oozing 5* luxury.

The generously proportioned cabins all have plenty of luggage storage, full size domestic showers and air conditioning units. Versatile beds mean that cabins can be made from a comfy double to a sharing twin and even a three bed family cabin as needed. All bedding, towels and a robe per person are included in the ticket price. Each cabin is named by the winds of the sea and this matches the allocated swim towel set for guests, so if you leave it drying on deck, a member of crew will deliver it back to your cabin when dry. 

Daily cabin service is also part of the offering. A member of the crew will make your bed and freshen up your bathroom every day and if you want a towel change or full cabin clean, just leave the relevant sign on the cabin door! 

Eating and Entertainment

Although the day is punctuated by meal times, you certainly don’t feel like you’re running on a schedule. The relaxed nature of both the boat and the crew give a perfect balance. 

Depending on the voyage location, the daily routine can change and is flexible depending on the wishes of the group. Perhaps sit back and relax as the crew set the sails to another remote anchorage to enjoy a freshly cooked lunch and the on-board water toys! Or spend the morning swimming in a secluded bay or exploring an ancient port city before setting the sails to a new location. 

Start the day with a rich buffet style breakfast, on to a light 2-course lunch at noon, coffee, tea and cake in the afternoon. Finish the day with a freshly cooked 3-course dinner aboard and on the final night of the voyage, enjoy an authentic Captains dinner. For every voyage on Rhea, guests enjoy a meal ashore at their own expense to really immerse themselves in to the local culture and cuisine. Guests tend to go off in their own groups but sometimes the crew can join in if guests are unsure of the best spots!

Depending on the mood of the group, the crew can arrange some light hearted entertainment too – from local musicians over dinner to a friendly on-board music quiz (which is always amusing with international guests!) or even a wine tasting session (at an extra cost).

Water-toys

For those water lovers with a sense of adventure, Rhea has a multitude of water-sport activities and equipment available for guests. Stand-up paddle0boards and adult-size snorkelling equipment is free for guests to use. Water-skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, QubaRS dinghy sailing, banana boat and tube riding are all chargeable once on board.

Rhea offers this at a moderate price and suggests an average of 10% of the voyage price to serve as a guide for consumption. The onboard currency is EUROS and guests can open an on-board account which can be paid at the end of your voyage.

What’s included

• All inclusive* (breakfast, lunch, dinner and filter coffee and tea)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet), wash and swim towels and bath robe per person
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Adult snorkelling equipment
• Stand-up paddle-boards

What’s not included

• Alcohol and soft drinks
• Waterproofs
• *One meal is eaten ashore at the customers own expense
• 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
• Water-skiing, wakeboarding and tube riding are all chargeable once on board. > Rhea offers this at a moderate price and suggests an average of 10% of the voyage price to serve as a guide for consumption.

FAQ

• What COVID policies are in place for sailing with Rhea?

  There are currently no COVID-related restrictions.

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price (breakfast, lunch, dinner and filter coffee and tea). Alcohol and soft drinks are not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English/German/Dutch

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• Is there an age limit?

  Yes. Minimum age of 5, and as long as the child can swim.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  Rhea has 3 Standard Double Cabins Ensuite (11 m²) and 10 Deluxe Double Cabins Ensuite (12-13 m²) all sleeping 2 people.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  All cabins have their own ensuite.

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• 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.

• What water-sports can I do once aboard?

  Rhea has a multitude of water-sport activities and equipment available for guests. Stand-up paddle-boards and adult-size snorkelling equipment is free for guests to use. Water-skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, QubaRS dinghy sailing, banana boat and tube riding are all chargeable once on board.

Travel Planning

From: Marigot Bay, St Martin

To: Falmouth Harbour, Antigua

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

Marigot Bay

BY AIR:

St Martin Esperance Airport is 25 minute taxi ride to Marigot Bay.
Indirect flights go to St Martin Esperance Airport from Newcastle, London Gatwick, Birmingham and Glasgow International.

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.

Falmouth Harbour

BY AIR:

Antigua Airport is a 30 minute shuttle journey to Falmouth Harbour. Flights go direct to Antigua Airport from London Gatwick and London Heathrow with British Airways, Finnair, Virgin Atlantic and Air France.

STAY IN FALMOUTH HARBOUR:

There are plenty of places to stay in Falmouth Harbour. Try Eko Cosy Guest House, Tequila Sunrise Antigua and Antigua Yacht Club Marina & Resort.