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.

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. St. Vincent is just a 10 minute ferry ride away. 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)
The aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla baking in the sun. The taste of twice-distilled rum and spicy Creole ‘lambi’ on your tongue. These are the tropical flavours of Grenada, where locally grown spices are carefully cured by native women, and the distilleries offer uncommonly smooth libations. From the horseshoe-shaped Carenage at St. George’s, where sailing ships were once “careened” or tipped on their sides to clean, follow the Sendall Tunnel (hand-built in 1895) to the Esplanade and old Ft. George for a spectacular view of Grenada.

Grenadines
Thirty islands and specks of sand make up the gloriously untouched Grenadines. We’ll call on one of these Islands, for a blissful, laid-back beach day. We’re sure, you’ll never be disappointed.

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.

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.

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.

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.