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Hey, all you wind addicts:

If you are getting ready to take a break in March we would like to make a suggestion on a perfect destination. The exotic French-Dutch tropical island in the northeast Caribbean called St. Martin or St. Maarten is ideal for both family and solo sailing vacation this time of the year.

Windsurf and Kitesurf in St. Martin:

St. Martin is divided between France and the Netherlands. The Dutch side is known for its casinos, festive nightlife and duty free shopping. In contrast, the French side is more quiet and secluded with rich French and West Indian cuisine and nude beaches. The island is sunny, safe and very friendly. There are a few offshore little islands and islets; lovers of island to islands sailing will be enchanted with the landscape and scenery.

Although St. Martin is not a high wind destination; the winds are quite reliable December to April. One should expect a steady 13-15 knots and the water temperature of 24°C (75°F) in March.

St Martin has 39 beautiful white-sand beaches; however, most windsurfers and kitesurfers prefer Orient Bay on the French part of the island. Here the beginners can practice inside of the bay and sail to the island of Green Cay. The advanced sailors will enjoy the swells of the Atlantic Ocean outside of the bay, as well as, island to island hopping. Ocean swells are easily reached offshore. You will find many beach restaurants shops and a small market on Orient bay as well as Wind Adventures Center (former Club Nathalie Simon) to rent kitesurfing and windsurfing gear or take lessons. The center is equipped with a good variety of gear for windsurfing including formula, slalom-race, freestyle and waveboards. Booms are equipped with harness lines. Harnesses are also supplied. Windsurfing rental price is $370 US for 1 week and Kitesurfing rental is $190 US for a kiteboard a week and $95 US for a kite for 1 day.

Another popular wind and kitesurfing beach is Coconut Grove Beach or Le Galion just a little south of Orient Bay. This is one of the best spots for beginners and intermediates because of the flat water and easy launching. Windy Reef Center located there offers windsurfing rental and both wind and kitesurfing lessons. Windsurfer rental price is $25 for 1 hour or $100 for 1 day. Kitesurfing 3 hours course : $110 US. There is a big field to lay out, launch, and land your kites just next to the Windy Reef Center.

Windy Dawn Beach on the Dutch side could be a good alternative for sailing. It is also noted for its underwater life, with some of the island's most beautiful reefs immediately offshore. St. Martin has many more beaches and wind sport centers. If you have a sense of adventure go and explore for it yourself.

For those wishing to stay right on Orient beach we would recommend Caraibes Beach Hotel. The hotel is very clean, has spacious rooms with nice kitchens ($180 US per night). Orient beach is literally in the backyard. La Caravelle, in Oyster-Pond area which is just 10 minutes south from Orient bay, is very simple and affordable ($80 US per night) bed & breakfast type accommodation with decent clean room and well maintained grounds. If you want something more luxuries check Princess Heights Luxury Boutique Hotel. The hotel is of the highest quality and value for the money ($188-270 US). The rental car offered by the hotel is free except for a mandatory $8 daily insurance fee and tax.

If you feel like taking a break on any particular day there are many things to do and to see in St. Martin. Do some hiking or zip lining at the spectacular nature reserve at Loterie Farm or take a horse back ride at Seaside Nature Park. Explore charming the French side capital Marigot with its lovely promenade, spices market and Fort St. Louis or take a 5 min boat ride across to little Pinel Island a well known snorkelling paradise.

Check out our St. Martin page for more details and photos about the destionation.

Happy Sailing,

Windresorts Administration.

We don’t sell travel, our goal is to provide unbiased info and advice on wind destinations in the Caribbean.

Windresorts.com

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