St Kitts / Special Interests / Sailing & Regattas

By Sara Macefield

St Kitts isn’t one of the Caribbean’s mainstream sailing destinations, but it offers a pleasant diversion for sailors wanting to discover its picturesque coastline dotted with beautiful sandy bays and lush, green slopes tumbling down from Mount Liamuiga. It is an enjoyable day’s sail from St Maarten or St Barths with anchorages on the south-east peninsula at White House Bay, Ballast Bay, Majors Bay and Banana Bay.

Another attraction is the trip across to its sleepy sister island, Nevis - renowned as one of the best day sails in the region with its sheltered waters and steady trade winds.

The main entry port on St Kitts is Port Zante, a modern facility at the capital Basseterre. The marina can accommodate vessels of up to 70ft, and its 288ft pier can take craft up to 220ft long. Larger vessels can make arrangements to berth at the nearby cruise pier, built to cater for the island’s burgeoning cruise business.

Sailors wanting to go between St Kitts and Nevis must ensure they have the correct permits. However, this is popular trip for the numerous boating companies scattered around St Kitts offering day trips.