Conditions in St Maarten in January?

[mgann66]

Hi, we are considering chartering in St Maarten for a week starting January 20th. Can anyone weigh in on the chances of us encountering Christmas winds/swells, or what the weather will be like in general. From reading online it seems that this area is a bit more challenging, and I want to make sure we don't get more than we bargain for. Thanks!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, mgann66.

[ohdrinkboy]

Highly likely you will have big seas. I've had big seas in June. You can minimize by spending more time on the leeward side of the island. If you charter out of Oyster Pond, you should know it gets sporty coming out of there with big seas. We've had water in the cockpit of a 41' Lagoon Catamaran coming out.

All of that said. I love chartering in St. Martin vs BVI. Things are not so focused on charter boats in St. Martin and it is not near as crowded on the water.

[boatman61]

Wot he said... from Phillipsburg W and around as far N as Oriente Beach its good... but if you fancy St Barts for a night it'll likely be a bash...
But there's always the UK just to the W... lol