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Sailing in St Martin

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osmepneo
Past Commodore

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USA
1420 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/04/2004 : 13:17:55

Back from vacation which included an Americ's Cup 12 Meter race. If you cruise and if you go to St Martin, this is the the greatest shore excursion I have been on. Two 12's raced -= Stars and Stipes and True North 4 and everyone had a great time!

This is me, at the helm, after the race.

And, this is the crew of True North 4 that day.

We didn't win, mostly because the race was "fixed" intentionally kept close to make it more exciting for the crews of both boats. After one tack, we were coming back on Stars and Stripes, i.e. we tack approxiamately 180 degrees to allow them to catch up. Last leg was close, like about 2 seconds difference between SS and TN4.

I really enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to anyone going there!

Don Peet, C25/250 2004-2005 National Association Commodore
The Great Sacandaga Lake, NY

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Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2004 : 21:20:55

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">We didn't win, mostly because the race was "fixed" <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

See I told you those AC races were fixed

Looks like you had a great time.

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3321 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2004 : 00:40:02

I raced on their "Stars & Stripes" #55 a couple of years ago - also against "True North 4" (and "Stars & Stripes" #56). The race was extremely competitive. We got into a tacking duel on the last leg and were about to cross ahead when the jib sheet parted...it was great fun indeed!
(Was also amazing how close to the wind those boats can ride - we tacked for laylines that I was sure weren't there yet! Every time I looked at the windex it was pointing dead ahead!)
Derek

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2004 : 08:34:20

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Derek Crawford
 
(Was also amazing how close to the wind those boats can ride - we tacked for laylines that I was sure weren't there yet! Every time I looked at the windex it was pointing dead ahead!)
Derek

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I am always amazed by the effect of apparant wind on catamarans, they are almost always beating!

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HGraham
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2004 : 09:33:34

Don: We were there on 21 Jan. and sailed on Stars & Stripes US56.
We lost to TN4 on the last leg by about 5 seconds after leading the entire race. I was the backstay grinder while the admiral was a primary grinder. I agree....that was the best shore excursion we ever did. I couldn't believe how close these skippers came when crossing. And yes, we bought the picture and t-shirts.

Not only was the sailing a real blast, but the history of it all made it a special experience.

Highly recommend it.

Harry

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Shelby
Navigator

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USA
155 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2004 : 12:54:09

Must be a favorite thing to do. We went there in 1997 and also sailed on the True North against SS. I think it was $50, and the best money spent on that vacation..well except for the diving on SABA. Trully alot of work and bunches of fun.

We did win.

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jsummerfield
1st Mate

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USA
96 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2004 : 21:35:55

I do not race. However, our novice sailing family did a vacation in St. Martin with The Moorings nearly 10 years ago. We sailed to Anguilla, St. Barts and a few stops in St. Martin. This trip was in August, known as the low season – also known as hurricane season.

The trip was great. The boys were teen and pre-teen. We ate more meals together as a family that week than was normal for months. The 40-foot Beneteau had roller furling main and jib plus autopilot, etc. I bought all the charts and cruising guides that I could find.

During the low season, the cost for the boat was on-par with the cost of a nice hotel. We had the Moorings provide partial provisioning and bought groceries while island hopping. We had several meals on board and also had meals at the local restaurants. The dining cost was also reasonable.

This was an excellent vacation. We had no problem with frequent flyer miles. In fact, we selected St. Martin because we could not find travel days to the BVI due to blocked periods. I recommend such a trip for those who want to do a bare-boat charter.

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