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Antigua (Falmouth)
The dockyards, marinas, old inns, venerable pubs and convivial
crowds of sun-tanned yacht crews might remind you a bit of
Newport or Annapolis, because this is the epicenter of the
Caribbean yachting world. English Harbour, just south of where
Royal Clipper docks in Falmouth, is probably one of the most
atmospheric ports you’ll ever encounter. It was here
that a soon-to-be-famous Royal Navy Captain set up his base
in 1785. Today, every faded pink brick and weather-worn bollard
of Nelson’s Dockyard evokes the presence of the greatest
naval Commander in history.
Anguilla - British Leeward Islands
Columbus thought this long flat island with its multitude
of white sand coves looked like an undulating eel, so he named
it Anguilla. The island has been a British colony/dependency
since it was first settled in 1650. Except for a few half-hearted
attempts at invasion by the French during the 18th century,
the world has pretty much ignored Anguilla. Recently, Anguilla
has been discovered by the cognoscenti, who find the island's
small upscale resorts an ideal retreat to get away from it
all. Try the haute cuisine at Malliouhana, or the Arabian
Nights ambience of Pimms.
Barbados
On the wild and rugged east coast of Barbados, the isolated
beaches are the colour of sunrise, the red sands having blown
all the way across the Atlantic from the Sahara. The eastern
most island of the Windwards, and indeed, of the entire Caribbean,
reaches out to Africa and the Old World, as if not quite part
of the New. Bridgetown, Barbados is an interesting town full
of contrasts. George Washington actually slept here! Trafalgar
Square reminds you that the laid back, rum-and-fun-loving
island’s British-influenced heritage includes revered
traditions like cricket and high tea.
Bequia/St. Vincent
Star Clipper usually anchors in the lee of Young Island which
lies just 197 yards off the southern tip of St. Vincent. Young
Island is a very small and hilly private island resort with
a narrow sandy beach. The island is ruggedly beautiful with
tall peaks blanketed by a lush, tropical rainforest. The natural
harbor of Port Elizabeth at Bequia is a meeting point for
sailors from all over the world. The exquisite waterfront
beckons you for a gentle stroll along the harbor. If you are
lucky, you will see turtles and a variety of tropical birds.
Dominica
Dominica is a dream-like island, full of surprises. From Star
Clipper’s anchorage in remote Prince Rupert Bay, the
steep mountainsides and lush jungle-like beauty might remind
you of a Rousseau landscape. Glide through a steamy orchid-festooned
rainforest in a fascinating boat ride up the winding Layrou
River. Alternatively, hike to breathtaking Trafalgar Falls
and a bubbling lake.
Grenada (St. Georges)
Nutmeg, cinnamon and aromatic vanilla beans bake in the sun.
Grenada, the ‘Spice Island’ of the Caribbean is
redolent in other flavors of the tropics as well. After you’ve
toured the old rum distilleries and spice factories and sampled
their wares, try some wonderful West Indian Creole cooking.
In pretty St. George’s harbor, the fishermen unload
the conch caught that afternoon and it will magically turn
into a delicious dish called ‘lambi’ for your
dinner!
Grenadines
Carriacou, 30 other islands and specks of sand make up the
gloriously untouched Grenadines.We’ll call on Carriacou
for a blissful, laid-back beach day. We’re sure, you’ll
never be disappointed.
Guadeloupe - French West Indies
Guadeloupe looks like a butterfly from the air. Its giant
wings are actually two islands, separated by the Rivière
Salée, a natural salt water channel. Basse Terre, the
southern or leeward part of Guadeloupe, is lush and rugged,
dominated by La Soufrière. A stream of boiling water
gushes from the top of the 4,800-ft. mountain, reminding you
that this volcano is not dormant, but very much alive. Further
downstream you can swim in the beautiful triple falls of Chute
de Carbet. Gourmets take note - Guadeloupe is purported to
have the best chefs in the Caribbean.
Iles des Saintes
Les Saintes is a thoroughly entrancing group of islands lying
off Guadeloupe. The independent, self sufficient inhabitants
are descended from Breton fishermen. Wealthy French investors
have recently built elaborate vacation homes and exclusive
resorts here. You’ll enjoy the super beaches, snorkeling,
diving and other watersports on offer
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Jost van Dyke - British
Virgin Islands
Once the hideaway for a Dutch pirate of the same name, Jost
van Dyke welcomes visitors with first-rate hiking trails and
the best beaches in the British Virgin Islands. Its' decidedly
off-beat but friendly residents cater to the yachting community.
Be sure to have a drink at the famous Foxy's Tamarind Bar
in Great Harbour.
Martinique
Martinique is the classic French Caribbean island. Wild and
mysterious, yet urbane and sophisticated, it is France with
a tropical twist, with something for almost everyone. You
won’t be able to resist the charms of spicy Creole cooking
and tempting boutiques in Fort de France.
Nevis - British Leeward Islands
Nevis is the kind of place you wish they wouldn't write about
because you'd like to keep it all to yourself. The island
is dotted with old sugar plantations, some of them now turned
into charming inns, many with interesting histories. It was
at Morning Star Plantation that young Captain Horatio Nelson
married Frances Nisbet. Alexander Hamilton was born at a Georgian
style mansion in Charlestown, and a resident ghost is said
to haunt the 18th-century Eden Brown Estate.
Norman Island - British Virgin Islands
Almost everyone has read Treasure Island. Now, you can explore
the real 'Treasure Island' where Robert Louis Stevenson wrote
his great adventure story. Norman Island has long been a private
preserve and little has been disturbed since Stevenson's time.
Why not hop in our Zodiacs and explore the old caves where
real hidden treasure was said to have been discovered.
Soper's Hole, Tortola - British Virgin
Islands
Soper's Hole is where 'laid back' is a jealously-cultivated
way of life, and the most relaxing place to anchor for the
evening. Visit the nearby ruins of 17th century Dutch Fort
Recovery, standing guard over the sleepy village of West End.
There are also several favorite 'watering holes', beloved
by crews of visiting yachts, where the local gossip flows
as freely as the rum.
St. Barts
Long a favorite of the Rockerfellers, Biddles and Rothschilds,
sophisticated St. Barts is a true gem. In its elegant little
capital of Gustavia, French joie de vivre is tempered by Swedish
spic and span neatness. Join our unique Zodiac safari tour
of island attractions. Diversions include duty-free shopping
in exquisite boutiques, beautiful beaches, excellent dining
and people-watching.
St. Kitts
St. Kitts’ was the first successful colony in the British
West Indies. Indeed, when viewed from the top of Brimstone
Hill, the “Gibraltar of the Caribbean” appears
to dominate everything in the Southern Sea. Shop in colourful
Basseterre, play golf and tour old plantation houses. For
the adventuresome there’s a brisk hike through the rainforest.
St. Lucia (Marigot Bay & Soufriere)
Marigot Bay, one of the prettiest anchorages in the Caribbean,
is surrounded by lush hills and ringed by drooping coconut
palms. James Michener described it as the archetype for paradise
in the Caribbean. On the bay are restaurants (Doolittle’s
is the most famous) and inland you can visit a banana plantation.
Our alternate stop, the little Port Town of Soufrière
was named after a nearby volcano by the French, who ruled
St. Lucia before the English took it over. Locals call it
the world’s only drive-in volcano. Prettier sights are
to be seen at Diamond Falls and Mineral Baths where you can
walk the gardens and take a dip in the pool under the waterfalls.
St. Lucia’s lush rainforested mountains including the
famous Pitons are truly spectacular.
St. Maarten
The smallest island in the world shared by two countries.
St. Martin/St. Maarten is big on shopping. You can also try
your luck in one of St. Maarten's many casinos. Whether you
go Dutch in Philipsburg or prefer Marigot's French touch,
you're always welcome.
Tobago Cays
Four small islets, virtually deserted but enormously appealing
for those who love underwater exploration, Tobago Cays is
a national park where snorkelling is superb. There are picnic
and camping sites and beautiful protected anchorages for overnight
yacht stops.
Virgin Gorda - British Virgin Islands
Take a bath at the "Baths", Virgin Gorda's unique
water grottos formed eons ago by ancient lava flows. Huge
boulders lie scattered around the natural pools, which are
delightful for swimming or soaking. Virgin Gorda is also home
to Little Dix Bay, the Bitter End Yacht Club, some excellent
beaches, and the best sailing around. |