Sailing Saint Lucia

For most charterers, the first question is where to pick up the boat. Saint Lucia has two main options, and they suit different plans. Rodney Bay Marina sits on the northwest coast, close to the island's main provisioning areas and with easy access to the Pitons if you sail south. Capella Marigot Bay Marina is tucked into the sheltered bay on the west coast, a shorter hop to the island's most photographed anchorages.

Rodney Bay is the larger of the two and the more common charter base. It has good shelter, straightforward approaches, and a wide range of services. From here you can spend a week working down the west coast, stopping at Marigot Bay, Soufrière, and the Pitons before turning back. Marigot Bay is smaller and more scenic, with a tight entrance that rewards careful pilotage. It suits sailors who want to start closer to the southern highlights and don't mind a more intimate setting.

The classic Saint Lucia route runs south along the leeward coast. The prevailing trade winds make the passage comfortable, and the distances are short enough for relaxed day sails. The Pitons rise straight from the sea near Soufrière, and the anchorage there is one of the most dramatic in the Caribbean. North of that, Marigot Bay offers a protected stop with a well-known marina and a handful of shoreside options.

Whichever base you choose, plan around the trade winds and the island's winter season. The dry months from December to May bring steady breezes and the busiest charter traffic. The summer months are quieter, with lighter winds and a higher chance of rain. Both marinas have the facilities to support a week-long charter, and the island's size means you can see a lot without long passages.