St. Vincent Territorial Waters

[ian_martin]

Hello

I will be chartering a yacht from Martinique and intend to sail south, probably as far as Tobago Cays. I've never sailed in the Caribbean before and wondered if someone could tell me if the distance between the islands meant that we would leave territorial waters at some point. I can't find anything definitive on the internet, but though someone on this forum might know the answer.
The reason for the question is insurance related.

Thanks
Ian

[jackdale]

Territorial waters are 12 miles.

exclusive economic zones extend 200 miles

[idpnd]

http://www.justmagic.com/_externsite/GE/World_EEZ.kmz

This is a maritime borders KMZ for google earth, you can see exactly how the borders run.

[ian_martin]

That's brilliant thanks - the borders look a lot more than the 12 miles defined as territorial though. Does maritime border mean the same as territorial water?

[ian_martin]

Just spotted the name of the file - bit of a give away so the chart shows the exclusive economic zone. Just measured it on google map and it seems the distance between the furthest islands is 22 NM - so the cruise should be within territorial waters (assuming my navigation is OK!)

[Rex Delay]

If you go from Martinique to St. Vincent, you have to clear out of each country as leaving and into the next. Don't be in a hurry! They have a very casual approach. It also costs money to clear into each country, so carry lots of EC's. Insurance is the charter companies problem, not yours. The charter company will also give a list of Ports of Entry and costs related to each. You must clear into each or bad things may happen.

[Chuteman]

IM:
Yup, you have some Countries/C&I stops to make - St. Lucia, might as well check it out and provides a jumping off point

SVG - next one with more than a few ports of entry & a number of islands to explore
(check your PM inbox)

Here are a couple of resources:

Noonsite

Cruising Guide - charter co usually has one aboard but prep work before trip is often worthwhile especially since it is your 1st carib trip
http://www.doyleguides.com/Windwardsdetailpage.htm

Misc
Doyleguides site lobby

Fair Winds

[ian_martin]

Thanks for all the advice - very much appreciated

[Rex Delay]

Make sure to take along lots of EC's (Eastern Caribbean $). Boats will approach you at anchor and supply anything you want, usually pretty cheap (Lobster $4 ea.). Fuel and water will also require cash. As I recall, Customs and Immigration fees were around $100-120 EC for each country.

[Chuteman]

IM:
One more resource as you design your itinerary
Welcome to the Caribbean Safety and Security Net

Definitely drill down using tabs on left - News & Island reports (especially this one)