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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.
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