If you are a veteran of sailing in the British Virgin Islands and are looking for new islands to explore you should consider a charter in the Windward Islands. The Catamaran Company’s newest base, Chatham Bay Resort on Union Island is a good jumping off point for a number of exotic destinations.

To the South you will find Petite St Vincent, Petite Martinique, Carriacou and Grenada. To the North is a chain of islands stretching from Mayreau to St. Vincent. Some of my favorites are Palm Island, Mayreau and the Tobacco Cays, Mustique and Bequia.

You can smell the spices as you approach Grenada, the largest island in the chain. Ashore you will find shopping, provisioning and local crafts. However you will need to spend some time clearing customs in Carriacou on the way down.

If you choose to sail north, you can easily reach Salt Mayreau in a few hours. If a quiet out of the way anchorage is your style, head for Salt Whistle Bay on the north side of Mayreau. Here you will find a near perfect beach where you can relax and take in the beautiful sunset!

A little to the east of Mayreau, the Tobago Cays, offer some of the best snorkeling in the chain. This anchorage reminded me of the lagoon on the back side of Bora Bora. The water is shallow with a white sand bottom and crystal clear water. The closest thing to a south pacific lagoon you'll find in the Caribbean. Horseshoe reef offers all levels of snorkeling. Take you dinghy to the moorings provided for snorkeling. Climb on top of the surrounding uninhibited islands and take in the beautiful view! Don’t forget your camera!

Heading further north, a short 6 mile sail will bring you to Charlestown Bay, Canauan. If you like to get off the boat and do a little hiking, climb to the top of Canauan and get a spectacular view of the windward side as well as the islands to the north and south.

Sailing further north, visit the privately owned island of Mustique, where famous celebrities like Mick Jagger, Raquel Welch and Tommy Hilfiger have homes. Anchorage in Britannia Bay can be rolly, but since you’ve chosen a Catamaran, not a problem. There is small supermarket, the famous Basil’s bar, and two small boutiques on shore.

Bequia’s main harbor is Admiralty Bay, a huge well protected anchorage. All along the shore are hotels, beach bars, restaurants and shops in Port Elizabeth. There are several good food stores in Bequia for provisions

On your way back to the base, stop at Palm Island for lunch and a relaxing few hours at a spectacular beach with the most beautiful turquoise water.

The Lagoon 440 is available for charter starting in May 2008 from our base in Chatham Bay. This beautiful catamaran offers 4 cabins 4 heads, plenty of room for 8 guests.

For information about chartering with The Catamaran Company contact us: charter@catamarans.com