With the perfect mix of culture, pristine beaches and ideal sailing conditions, the Caribbean is a top yachting destination with racers, families and cruisers alike. Drawn by the steady NE trade winds, creole cuisine and infamous rum; visitors enjoy a tantalizing tropical climate continuously hovering between 24C-32C.
As if that isn’t enough to tempt you, exhilarating racing regattas and diverse land and seascapes, mean that the Caribbean has something to offer everyone. Hosting over 25 island nations, each with their own unique draw, you would not be alone in struggling to decide where to take your next adventure!
Over the years, sponsoring events such as Antigua Sailing Week and the ARC; our Caribbean destination experts have gathered top recommendations from sailors just like you.
The Caribbean predominantly has 2 distinct seasons – a wet, and a dry season:
Though Hurricanes are known to sweep through the region from time to time, they occur between June and November meaning Peters & May’s regular sailings can get you back on home ground before hurricane season begins.
Antigua has been a top yachting destination for centuries with Falmouth Harbor often labelled as a ‘Mega Yacht Haven’. Bursting with colonial history, Antigua’s colonial roots make the island a historic treat for visitors. For those looking for a more active visit to the region Antigua is at the hub of Caribbean racing regattas throughout the year.
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollars
Language: English
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As the home of Antigua Sailing Week and the finishing point for the Christmas Caribbean Rally and independent crossings, Antigua is a yachters paradise. During April – May over 1500 participants take to the waters around Antigua, ready for the rally. Here at Peters & May we love Antigua Sailing Week attending it every year. As the main sponsor of the event, Peters & May in collaboration with Antigua Sailing Week host the Peters & May Round Antigua Race which kicks off the event every year. Titled the official logistics partner to the event, Peters & May provide bespoke mast up sailing solutions to many a participant every year. Another event not to be missed is the RORC Caribbean 600 which starts in Antigua before heading around 11 islands to the finish line.
Closest P&M port: Antigua
Lush rainforests, idyllic beaches and tropical lagoons epitomize these islands laying in the Southern proportion of the windward islands. With 32 to choose from, you can while away hours with plenty to get involved in. Natural anchorages, protected waters and specialist marine services across St Vincent and the Grenadines make it yachting paradise.
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollars
Language: English
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One of the regions most renowned events is that of the Bequia (Easter Regatta) which occurs in April every year – full of sailing and street parades, Bequia Regatta is one of the most well attended in the Southern Caribbean region.
Closest P&M Port: Martinique
Lying in the South of the Caribbean, St Lucia has a lot to offer visitors. Its volcanic interiors create some of the most dramatic scenery in the Caribbean, perfect for a unique yachting get away like no other. With a range of onshore and offshore activities to keep you occupied, you will be left wanting more!
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollars
Language: English
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The home of the ARC in the Caribbean, every year in December for the last 20 years ARC participants have been welcomed on shore at St Lucia’s Rodney Bay after their Transatlantic crossing from Las Palmas, Grand Canaria. Full of community spirit and exciting sailing, it's an event not to be missed. As an official logistics partner to the World Cruising Club, you will always catch some Peters & May representatives there and ready to talk about shipping you home!
Closest P&M Port: Martinique
Known for its slick glamour, St Barths is the place to be for superyachts and yachts seeking a touch of luxury. Sapphire blue waters line great beaches proving quite the attraction to thousands of visitors each year.
Currency: EUR
Language: French
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St Barths is renowned for St Barths Bucket Regatta, which attracts some of the largest Superyachts in the world. This event is invitation only for yachts over 30.5m, held during March off the waters of Saint Barthélemy. Come April, the Les Voiles de Saint Barth kicks off, a high-profile regatta open to all with maxi yacht, multihull and CSA classes.
Closest P&M Port: Antigua & Tortola
Labelled as the sailing capital of the world, consistent winds and small distances between islands make the British Virgin Islands perfect for island hopping. Some of the Caribbean’s best bars, marinas and spas can be found here as well as numerous natural wonders.
Currency: USD
Language: English
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Every year the islands host the British Virgin Islands Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival at the Royal BWI Yacht Club. With over 60 boats participating it is known to be an unforgettable sailing extravaganza, with a brilliant mix of international crews and a range of boats. This Caribbean Regatta has something for everyone, whether that be racers, cruisers, or those just looking for a good time.
Closest P&M Port: Tortola & St Thomas
Comprising of 700 islands, ranging from uninhabited paradises to bustling resorts the Bahamas is a strong contender on the top yachting spots within the region. Although not technically Caribbean, it's too good to miss off our top yachting list!
Currency: USD & Bahamian dollar
Language: English
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Every year the Bahamas hosts a range of popular regattas. At the center of these events are boat racing, good Bahamian food and traditional music. These great celebrations combined with thrilling sailing make the region an attractive destination for cruisers and racers alike.
Closest P&M Port: Freeport
Once you have decided on your destination, as a global leader in yacht shipping, Peters & May can arrange to transport your yacht. Whether you are looking to ship your boat over to the Caribbean ahead of the start of the season, or you have sailed there and would like shipping home, Peters & May can provide a seasonal sailing to suit your schedule.
Providing East and Westbound sailings between the USA, Europe and the Caribbean region there are numerous destination ports available to choose from. Mast up shipments from the region prove popular every year with some record-breaking sailings.
If you are considering transporting your boat on one of Peters & May’s sailings but are not sure what to expect, take a look at Peters & May’s Guide to Caribbean Transport.
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