Sailing in St. Martin

Plan to arrive in St. Martin the day before your course begins. Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side receives direct flights from major US cities including Miami, New York, and Atlanta. We recommend arriving by early afternoon to settle in, shake off jet lag, and join an optional pre-course dinner with your crew. Simpson Bay Marina is just 10 minutes from the airport — your sailing adventure literally begins the moment you land.

Your course concludes on Day 7 at Simpson Bay Marina, typically by mid-afternoon after certification paperwork and celebration. We recommend booking evening flights on Day 7 or staying an extra night to explore St. Martin. Many graduates extend their stay to visit the French side's beaches and restaurants, still buzzing from their week on the water. If you need accommodation recommendations, we're happy to help.

St. Martin enjoys some of the most consistent sailing conditions in the Caribbean. Expect temperatures of 25-30°C (77-86°F) year-round with the famous northeast trade winds providing reliable 15-20 knot breezes. Our season runs October to June, outside hurricane season, offering moderate sea conditions perfect for learning — challenging enough to build real skills but comfortable enough to enjoy every moment. Brief tropical showers are possible but typically pass quickly, leaving clear skies and spectacular rainbows.

Pack light and practical: quick-dry clothing, swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are essential. Bring soft-soled deck shoes or sailing boots, a light rain jacket, and something smart-casual for evenings ashore in St. Barths. Don't forget a dry bag for electronics and a reusable water bottle. We provide all safety gear and sailing equipment. Pro tip: the French side has excellent pharmacies if you forget anything, and duty-free shopping on the Dutch side means great deals on gear.

More than okay — it's exactly what we specialize in! The majority of our students arrive as complete beginners, and our ASA 101 curriculum is designed precisely for people with zero experience. By Day 2, you'll be helming the yacht yourself. By Day 7, you'll be navigating between Caribbean islands with confidence. Our instructors are experts at making the complex feel simple, and St. Martin's protected lagoon gives you a safe space to find your sea legs before venturing into open water.

Prepare for a culinary adventure! We provision the yacht with breakfast basics, snacks, and drinks before departure. Lunches and dinners are typically taken ashore at Caribbean beach bars, French bistros, and local restaurants — budget around $30-50 per day for eating out. St. Martin is called the 'Culinary Capital of the Caribbean' for good reason, with over 300 restaurants ranging from lobster shacks to Michelin-level dining. Plus, you can provision French cheeses, baguettes, and wine for sunset snacks aboard.

Your week combines hands-on learning with American Sailing Association (ASA) certification assessments. Depending on your starting level and progress, you can earn ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat), ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising), and ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising) — the credentials needed to charter yachts worldwide. Assessment happens naturally throughout the week as you demonstrate skills. Upon completion, you also qualify for ICC/IPC international certification, recognized at charter bases from Croatia to Thailand. Your certificates arrive digitally within days and in physical form shortly after.