Caribbean Bound

I will wrap up my second career in a few short years and head for warmer waters before winter arrives in the great Northeast. In anticipation of the annual migration south, we’re scouting the Bahamas and Caribbean for suitable anchorages. The requirements are quite modest: tropical climate, steady breezes, sandy beaches and fun!

The latest scouting trip was to the island of St. Maarten compliments of good friends Joe and Donna who graciously made their villa available for a week in March. St. Maarten is part of the Netherland Antilles. It's located about 185 miles east of Puerto Rico, 1,000 nm ESE of Miami and 1,600 nm SE of Albany as the crow flies. The weather is rather boring—sunny and 85 degrees every day with steady 15 knot winds from November to April.

There's a great anchorage for Serena at Simpson Bay with an adjacent lagoon that offers fabulous protection from bad weather. The St. Maarten Yacht Club is near the entrance to the lagoon, along with several fine restaurants, shops and a grocery market. The Princess Juliana airport is within walking distance in case there's a need to return to the states to escape the “boredom” of the island.

Here are some photos of this wonderful island that's definitely tops on the list of cruising destinations.