Best Marinas in the Leewards

[Keegan]

I am planning on keeping my Catamaran at a Marina in the Leewards starting November so I wanted to go ahead and reserve space. Simpson Bay Marina on Martinique is at the top of my list but what other Marinas should I consider in the Leeward Islands.

I want a Marina that handles boats that are my size, a 46 ft catamaran. Some of them are catering exclusivley to Mega Yachts and smaller yachts tend to get squashed between the big ones. Finger piers are desirable also but not required.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
Keegan

[Pblais]

Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent, The Grenadines and Grenada are all part of the Windward Islands. You are at least one island too far south to be in the Leeward Islands. Maybe it's not the real issue though if you open yourself to all the Islands it does make for a longer list. Travel and geography do matter as the distances you'll travel increase as well as the costs to shuttle yourself there. How long you plan to stay matter as well as the accommodations that you will have when you might be staying there yourself.

No matter where you are you don't want to be squashed. It would be a deal breaker or at least a hull breaker. I think the issue is not who they "cater to" but the deal they will give you. I don't think it matter who else keeps their boat in the same marina. Perhaps you need to consider more of the things you personally require and requirements for your boat on top. I'm sure price matters but what else would be important?

If you want a slip and not a mooring then of course it has to fit. It is not uncommon to charge based on the slip size no matter the size of the boat so having it just the right size is always the better choice. How long you plan to keep it there effects cost and then there is the issue of availability.

[SeaKing]

There is Port Zante in St Kitts, also.

Port Zante

[Keegan]

[quote=Pblais]Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent, The Grenadines and Grenada are all part of the Windward Islands. You are at least one island too far south to be in the Leeward Islands.

Oops, Simpson Bay is on St Martin, not Martinique. my mistake. I had the Marina and island chain correct though. I am looking for great marinas that are in the Leewards.

Thanks
Keegan

[Chuteman]

Keegan: These will be based on visiting while chartering. Saw plenty of Cats in each.

St. Martin - Yes, Simpson Bay has a few to choose from. Also Marigot Marina Fort Louis.....very nice, we anchored out but purchased temp passes that let us use faciliities & dinghy dock which is inside the guarded area. Big marine supply companies ie; Budget Marine present in Simpson bay plus duty free if my memory has not shorted out
Marinas French Caribbean Docks

Antigua - Antigua marinas, Antigua yacht services.

English Harbour & Falmouth Harbour have several marinas.
Jolly Harbour has a very nice one with services & land attractions all within walking distance. I met a cruiser there who was very happy with haul out & local workers. All three of these areas offer good weather protection too. Just got back from here.......I liked the protection & local vibe.

Guadeloupe - Marinas French Caribbean Docks

I was in and around Bas du Fort a marina near Point a Pitre......modern, services nearby, land attractions within walking distance....has some protection too as you have to travel up a channel to access. French would help here.

Another source = Noonsite.........as they comment on marinas too
http://www.noonsite.com/Countries

Good Luck

[Keegan]

Thank you for the responses everyone! I am still leaning to St Martin but I am going to check into these others.

Thanks again.

Keegan

[Chuteman]

K: Here's another link just for SXM.....then scroll down
Complete St Martin Marinas | St Maarten Marinas Information

Chris Doyle's Leeward Islands Cruising Guide is another resource.

[camaraderie]

We used Simpson Bay Marina for a couple of weeks and were quite happy and SECURE and PROTECTED there.

[Keegan]

Thanks again all. I am checking them out.

WIsh I was there now though

Keegan

[billyehh]

Keegan:

It has been a while since I was is St. Martin, but simpson bay is almost landlocked, a lagoon really.With all the boats that are in it, it has become close to a sewage lagoon. I would be be very carefull before staying there.

Myself, there are so many wonderfull anchorage all through the windwards and the Leewards that I tend to anchor. Most places have good dingy docks and are accessable. I would get good tackle and a reliable tender instead of going to a marina

Just a suggestion. Everyone has their preferrences.

[Mustang Sally]

Will you leave your cat in the water or haul? In St.Martin the only place to haul a cat are the 3 boat yards on the french side, thats where we are hauled right now.