Windward to Leeward Training

PN022026

Grenada to St Martin

Jan 31st to February 7th 2026
Duration 7 Days

500 Nautical Miles

WAITLIST

$4,800

This passage provides a classic northbound Caribbean training opportunity, traveling from Grenada to Sint Maarten with multiple potential island stops along the way. The focus is on continuous offshore and inter-island experiences, active night watches, and exposure to a range of navigational and weather scenarios as we move up the Windward and Leeward island chains to Sint Maarten. Routing and specific stops will be adjusted based on real-time weather, sea state, and crew input. Any of Libra's North and South passages through the Caribbean are a great intro to either bringing your own boat, or chartering. You get to experience the entire easter Caribbean conditions in one passage.

Passage summary

Route Overview

Primary Route (and possible stops):

Grenada – Carriacou & the Grenadines – St. Lucia – Martinique – Dominica – Les Saintes – Deshaies (Guadeloupe) – Sint Maarten

Estimated Distance:

475–500 nautical miles, depending on stops and routing

- Key Points: Coastal and offshore navigation north along the island chain, multiple overnight passages, variable stops at anchorages depending on timing and weather.

Passage Breakdown

Grenada to Carriacou & the Grenadines

- Crew briefing, vessel checks, and weather review in Grenada before departure
- First leg to Carriacou and through the Grenadines, with anchoring opportunities at Union Island, Mayreau, or Bequia based on timing
- Watch rotation (3 hours on, 6 hours off) established immediately, all crew involved in navigation, log keeping, and sail handling

Up the Island Chain (Windwards & Leewards)

- Successive offshore legs north along the Windwards and into the Leeward Islands
- Potential anchorages or brief stops:
  – St. Lucia
  – Martinique
  – Dominica
  – Les Saintes (Guadeloupe)
  – Deshaies (Guadeloupe)
- Multiple overnight sails required to cover distance and manage weather windows
- Navigation includes coastal piloting by day and open-water passages by night

Final Approach to Sint Maarten

Final overnight passage north to Sint Maarten, with arrival and customs check-in at the marina
Crew dinner ashore at Lagoonies Bistro

Training Focus

Offshore and inter-island passage planning: route selection, waypoints, and safe harbor identification
Practical navigation: use of chartplotter, radar, AIS, GPS, and visual references
Watchkeeping: helm, lookout, sail management, log entries, and system checks
Night operations: navigation, safety, lighting protocols, and fatigue management
Sail management: headsail changes, reefing, downwind and reaching techniques for variable trade wind angles
Real-time weather assessment and route adjustments based on forecasts and conditions

Expected Conditions

Winds: E–ESE trades, typically 15–25 knots in open water; possible gusts in squalls and acceleration zones between islands
Seas: 4–8 feet in open channels, moderate to rough at times, with shorter-period chop between the islands
Weather: Mostly clear with trade wind cumulus, brief squalls possible especially near island channels, warm and humid throughout
Hazards: Traffic in coastal approaches, occasional fishing gear, squall lines, and strong currents between certain islands

Why This Passage is Relevant

Combines continuous offshore sailing with multiple island landfalls
Requires active night watches and real passage-making skills
Broad exposure to navigation scenarios: open water, coastal, and inter-island
Ideal for sailors seeking multi-day watch experience and mile-building under realistic conditions
You get to experience the entire easter Caribbean conditions in one passage

Sailing Weather Overview

The northbound passage from Grenada to Sint Maarten in early February is shaped by steady easterly trade winds and generally favorable weather. Expect E–ESE winds of 15–25 knots for most of the trip, with higher gusts possible in squalls and between islands. Open ocean swells are typically 4–8 feet, with choppy conditions in the Windward channels and smoother seas when sheltered by larger islands. Daytime temperatures range from 80–86°F (27–30°C), with sea temperatures near 80–82°F (27–28°C). Humidity remains high, and rainfall is usually brief and isolated. Extended calms are rare, but local wind shadows and acceleration zones are common near the higher islands.

Night sailing is an essential part of this passage. Visibility is generally good, with clear skies and starlight on most nights except during squalls. Navigation by radar, AIS, and deck-level targets will be emphasized during all overnight legs.

Its the Caribbean in the high season, weather is generally great!

Getting Around...

This passage begins in Grenada on January 31st, 2026. Boarding and crew check-in will take place in the afternoon of departure at the designated marina near St. George’s.

Grenada Airport:

Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) — about 15–20 minutes from the marina by taxi.
Direct flights to GND are available from Miami, New York (JFK), Atlanta (seasonal), and major Caribbean hubs.

Disembarkation will take place in Sint Maarten on February 7th, 2026. Arrival is typically at one of the main marinas in Simpson Bay. Local customs and immigration procedures will be completed upon arrival.

Sint Maarten Airport:

Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) — 15–20 minutes by taxi from Simpson Bay marinas.
Direct flights from SXM are available to Miami, New York (JFK), Charlotte, Atlanta, and other major US cities.

A valid passport book is required for all participants. Further information on recommended hotels, local transportation, and customs/entry requirements will be provided after registration in the Crew Portal.

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