Blog: Theo en Michelle: Caribbean America sailing
Beach parties, Heineken regattas and lots of happy hours: a wonderful sailing trip from the Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico and then on to the Bermuda Islands. Read more about Theo and Michelle's sailing experiences in the Caribbean!
Around the world, through the Caribbean, Bermuda, across the Atlantic to the Azores. They currently live in Portugal. A crazy time waiting for what to do. Stay or make sure to come to the Netherlands while flights are still happening…
For the past few years at sea, they have kept a monthly blog describing their sailing adventures, giving tips and sharing their experiences with sailing routes. We will share some of these with you on the Hutting Yachts blogs. This issue includes: Sailing in the Caribbean
Preparing the sailing yacht for voyages around the U.S. Virgin Islands
“We moor at a berth in Caneel Bay, one of the many beautiful bays that make up the island St. John surrounded. St. John is one of the islands of the US Virgin Islands. 6 weeks ago we came back on board after almost a month in the Netherlands. The sailing yacht had this time on the “hard” side on St. Maarten spent in Bobby's marina. A marina where we have parked the sailing yacht before 11 years ago.
After arrival, the usual procedure started again for us:
- Clear the ship, check and control
- Put back in the water, check rigging, etc.
- Assemble all the parts he brought with him, etc.
- Shopping, filling up with water
Beach parties and happy hour from the Heineken Sailing Regatta in Philipsburg
We spent a few more days anchored in the large bay of Philipsburg. The beach party was also inevitable in honor of the Heineken sailing regatta. Music is everywhere in the Caribbean and best as loud as possible. This is true for the local population as well as for the many sailing tourists. Next to Carnival, the Heineken Regatta is probably the biggest party of the year. The local middle class is also fully active. Besides selling the usual t-shirts, there are many activities to do.
Sailing from St.Maarten to St. Thomas
After we left St. Maarten, we made a quiet night excursion surrounded by cruise ships to the island of St. Thomas, the largest island of the US virgin islands. St. Thomas has a beautiful bay with good anchorages. But is also a well-known cruise destination. 3 to 5 ships per day. The beautiful old Danish center has been transformed into a shopper's paradise with jewelry and liquor stores. Besides a visit to a museum, a visit to a synagogue (one of the oldest in the western hemisphere), we explored the island with a dollar bus, which is definitely to be recommended.
Back in time on Culebra
After a week we sailed to Culebra, one of the Spanish Virgin Islands. Very nice, like a little time travel. Very quiet island without the big tourist crowds that are common in the rest of the Caribbean. Being able to anchor behind the reef with the Caribbean Sea in front of us… really enjoying it.
Puerto Rico with thousands of motorboats
Then on to Puerto Rico. There, for over a week in a huge marina. Transportation to and from the boat with a golf cart service. Very pleasant in the heat. More than a thousand motorboats that Puerto Ricans use to go fishing on weekends and have fun on small islands offshore.
The island itself is a mix of Spanish and Caribbean influences, topped with an American sauce. The old Spanish center of San Juan, the capital, is beautiful. With a huge fortress that has guarded the entrance to the natural harbor for 350 years. Here the Spanish ships that plundered the Americas could prepare for the return trip to Europe.
Relax and prepare for the crossing to Bermuda!
Our plan was to continue west towards the Bahamas. As so often we decided to adjust the itinerary. Because of the depth, the extra 800 miles and the “cool vibes” the Caribbean creates in us. We will stay another month in and around the US Virgins to enjoy this beautiful area to the fullest. You can relax and prepare for the crossing to Bermuda, through which island we want to sail to the Azores ..