LYC Winter Flotilla 2024
Guadeloupe
March 2-9, 2024
In a nutshell
Destination: Guadeloupe, French West Indies
Dates: Saturday March 2 - Saturday March 9, 2024
Who can join: On a shared boat: Members and their partners/+1. On private boats: Members' choice of crew
What: Enjoy living aboard and cruising a luxurious sailboat (monohulls and catamarans under 4 y/o) in the Caribbean sea. Enjoy the company of fellow LYC members, make new friends, lifetime memories, enhance your sailing skills and learn new life skills. And on top of it all - the Caribbean weather - with 75-80F and a nice steady north-easterly breeze (while temperatures back home in the North East will be around 20-30F...).
Flights: Direct flights with JetBlue are available 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday) from JFK to Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP) and back. Flight duration: 4:15 hours. From EWR - connecting flights options are available. Prices: $450-$750 (as of September 2023)
Note: There are currently 3 boats booked. We are happy to connect interested parties - contact us.
The Itinerary
The following is a skeleton Itinerary and is subject to changes before and during the trip:
A Guadeloupe sailing expedition is perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking an authentic and less-crowded Caribbean experience. Guadeloupe boasts over two-thirds of its land as a designated nature reserve, making it an exceptional destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Exploring the French archipelago of Guadeloupe by sailboat provides opportunities to uncover the charms of nearby islands like Marie Galante and Les Saintes.
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Check in day Sat Mar 2 – Arrive in Bas du Fort Marina of Pointe-à-Pitre, check in to boats at 5pm, settle in and enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant
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Sun Mar 3 - Embark marina by 11am. Sail to Sainte Anne - 9.5NM Petite Terre - 25NM
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Mon Mar 4 – Sail from Sainte Anne to La Desirade - 22NM. “The Forgotten”, La Desirade, is the oldest island in the Lesser Antilles, and as such a geological Natural Reserve. Tranquility and simplicity are the characteristics of this island. Superb white sand beaches, protected by long coral reefs attract snorkelers and swimmers.
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Tue Mar 5 - Sail from La Desirade to Petite Terre - 7.5NM. Petite Terre Islands National Nature Reserve: Enjoy a day of hiking in this delightful all-natural Eden of flora and fauna. Most notable here may be the Lesser Antillean Iguana, but sea turtles are often spotted here as well.
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Wed Mar 6 - Sail Petite Terre to Marie Galante - 18.5NM. AKA the Island of 100 Windmills, the landscape includes sugarcane fields, rum distilleries and up to 100 old windmills, providing a scenic and peaceful respite.
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Thu Mar 7 – After a morning snorkeling, sail to Le Saintes - 15NM - This group of tiny islands is reminiscent of St. Barths, with its red tiled roofs and French culture. Spend the day exploring and sampling French cuisine at the many restaurants. Don’t miss Fort Napoléon and Pompierre Beach on Terre-de-Haut.
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Fri Mar 8 - Sail from Les Saints to Pointe-à-Pitre - 22NM - arrive at the Bas du Fort Marina by 4pm - fuel, fill up water tanks.
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Sat Mar 9 – Morning - by 10am - disembark boats.