The Mythical Bermuda Triangle

The Bermuda Triangle
Saint-Martin, the British Virgin Islands and Bermuda

The Bemuda Triangle – since the time of Christopher Columbus, many a sailor’s yarn has been spun about this mysterious maritime region between Miami, Puerto Rico and Bermuda, sometimes talking of ships and planes that disappear without a trace, sometimes of hauntings or inexplicable phenomena. However, on this crossing seamen’s superstitions have no place in our luggage, as the “Eye of the Wind” will not sail into the legendary triangle but only call at its northernmost vertex – the wonderful Bermuda archipelago.

Come on board of our historic squarerigger and take part in this unforgettable cruise from the Carribean to Bermuda!

Saint-Martin: two nations on 92 square kilometers

The starting point of this trip is the harbor of Marigot in the French part of the colorful Caribbean island of Sint Maarten / Saint-Martin. You can fly to the international airport from all European or International Airports.
Princess Juliana airport in the southwestern part of the island presents an interesting feature and popular photographing opportunity; Due to the proximity of the runway to Maho Beach, the distance between the landing aircraft and the heads of the beach visitors (or the masts of the boats moored there) is often only a few meters.
By taxi or minibus it’s only a short drive to Marigot and you will pass the monument at the Dutch-French border – the place is remarkable, as the mother countries on the European continent are not directly adjacent to each other at any point and there is no smaller island that is divided between two nations. By the way, in French Saint-Martin the Euro is the official currency.

Top: The ‚Eye of the Wind’ can reach Caribbean bays which are inaccessible for conventional cruise ships. (photo by Frank Anders). Bottom: View of the beach of Philipsburg / Sint Maarten.

Caribbean flair, and 37 beaches
    
Use your stay on the island for a relaxing day at the dream-like Dawn Beach, a hike along the rugged cliffs of the Pointe Blanche Bay, a trip to the monument at the French-Dutch border, or a sunny boat trip through the Simpson Bay Lagoon. Almost every point of the island can be reached by a short ride on the frequent direct minibuses. Philipsburg is the largest port, which is visited by up to six majestic cruise ships every day. The range of activities for tourists is correspondingly diverse, varying from sports like Jet Ski and snorkel tours to casino visits or a visit to the sunny beach of the Great Bay. A white dream beach of fine sand borders directly on the busy shopping area of Front Street, which is known for its duty-free shopping. Do not miss a visit to the nearby market, where traditional hand-made goods are sold in the full splendor of the Caribbean.

Days at sea – Course for the Virgin Islands     

In Marigot you will board our modern tall ship, which is equipped to high standards and meet the crew and sailors. After a tropical cocktail you will check into your air-conditioned cabins. It is easy to find your way around above and below deck, and after a safety and sailing briefing you will quickly feel comfortable in the stylish maritime atmosphere. The sails are operated by hand only. During the trip, you will also have the opportunity to lend a hand with setting sails, manning the helm and other daily routines on board on a purely voluntary basis - previous experience is not required. However, even if you do not fancy climbing up the shrouds or "pulling rope" and would rather spend your time relaxing on the deck, the raising and lowering of sails will become a familiar spectacle over the next few days that will never cease to fascinate. After a few days at sea, the first of the 60 British Virgin Islands (BVI) will appear on the horizon (images courtesy of the B.V.I. Tourist Board).

Road Town - „caribbean way of life“    

After a night at anchor in front of this idyllic Caribbean setting, we set off towards the main island of Tortola. The port of Road Town invites you to go ashore, and with the combination of mild climate, beautiful scenery and relaxed Caribbean lifestyle it gives you a very special holiday atmosphere. Use your time for a stroll through the botanical gardens in the center of Road Town. On the Main Street of the BVI, you find many houses built in the colonial style, inviting for a stroll past the shops, bars and pubs. Some British etiquette mixes with relaxation and happiness of the “Caribbean way of life”. On the Virgin islands, the visitor will find national parks and miles of unspoiled, white sandy beaches instead of skycrapers and casinos. In places, the waterside is lined with spiny cacti, among which iguanas doze in the midday heat, and mangrove trees with tangled roots extending into the water. Emerald hummingbirds suck nectar from colorful blossoms and below the surface you find a coral reef with an armada of colourful tropical fish.

Bermuda on the horizon

We cruise for a while through the waters of the BVI, past islands bearing such amazing names like Pelican, Dead Chest, Mosquito Island and Carrot Rock. Then our compass points straight north and we sail towards Bermuda. Ahead of us are several hundred nautical miles of Atlantic Ocean, which our two master will sail alone with the power of wind. Enjoy the memorable time on board. After time on the ocean the shoreline of Bermuda appears at the azure horizon.

Along the main island of Grand Bermuda we will arrive in the protected harbor of the second largest island St. Georges. Bermuda was elected since 1994 a total of 17 times for the “best island in the Caribbean / Atlantic region”! Explore with a day trip by bus, ferry or scooter the 34 mile long main island of Bermuda. The romantic capital Hamilton lures with duty-free shopping at the prestigious Front Street which runs along the picturesque harbor. Bermuda's beaches are with the shimmering pink coral sand one of the most beautiful in the world.

The international airport in Bermuda is located on St. David´s island and therefore near our berth. From here you can fly with one stop (via London, New York, Atlanta or Boston) to all major international airports.

Or you stay on board: next stop Horta/Azores.

Highlights:

• Blue water sailing in the north atlantic: St. Martin, British Virgin Islands and Bermuda
• Sailing adventure on the Atlantic Ocean
• Excellent galley with culinary delights from morning to night
• Option to proceed with subsequent Atlantic crossing

Travel time:
23.02.2013 - 07.03.2013

Services:

• 12 nights on the 100-year-old Tall Ship ‚Eye of the Wind‘.
• Exclusive accommodation in double cabins with hot and cold water, shower, toilet and air condition (single cabin supplement).
• Full board (including all meals and soft drinks, coffee / tea).
• Lounge with TV / DVD, and extensive onboard library.

Not included:

Arrival and departure, shore excursions and alcoholic beverages.

Special note:

The specific ports are optional. The ship management reserves the right to change the route depending on wind and weather conditions on short notice.