The island of St. John quickly became a harbor of last resort for dozens of cruisers this past spring as the coronavirus shut down the Caribbean… Many couples sailing and living a-board in the Caribbean are doing so in a most envied lifestyle, and they are doing it on less then $20 a day. A good storage facility will be about $10-$15 per foot. The island nations of the Caribbean are all spectacularly beautiful and pretty relaxed when it comes to immigration. The Grenadines are called the “jewel of the Caribbean” for a reason, […] Report: Fleeing the Caribbean this Past Spring. A boat that is great for cruising, say the Bahamas, may not be a great boat for doing a circumnavigation. There is no hurry to be anywhere in particular (unless there’s a party to get to, of course); you stop long enough to become a local in some places, and move on if you’re not overly fond of others. That and having a decent depth finder onboard. Meaning what you have seen in America is only a taste of what's to come. Ph: +1-784-456-9334. We lived aboard the better part of 8 years. We have a Breeze Booster for the forward hatch and two smaller ones for the ports. There are lots of great reasons to live on a sailboat in the Caribbean. Such as, can you afford it? Hopefully, this article has given you a good idea about how much it can cost living in the Caribbean. They arrive multiple times during the rainy season. One of the big complaints I’ve heard from boaters is that the top of the spray hood is right at their eye line making it a pain to comfortably look forward. And, how feasible living there truly is. Having a boat that can point close to the wind is a key factor if you like to spend less time sailing and more time on anchor drinking your cocktails. So many countries bustled up together with tourists from the world over has created a true cultural melting pot. The best sailing route in the Caribbean that will allow you to savor most of the delights on offer is the Florida-Bonaire route. On your sailboat though, you are at serious risk of capsizing. We only have 210’ on Britican so on occasion I put everything we’ve got out. Especially now that rainy season is here… Thanks for commenting Tom Kim. We have CopperCoat which is not ablative. You May Learn To Sleep Lightly. Capt. And then some! This is fine if you live on the island. Typically, cruising sailboats can reach speeds of ten knots. Whether you’re sailing, enjoying meals or entertaining the cockpit is equivalent to the kitchen on land – it’s where everyone congregates. If a sailboat is capable of housing you for a few days, technically it can be classed as a cruising sailboat. At the beginning of this season I dried my boat against a wall in Jersey, jetted it down, and sailed back to my birth all in the same day. You can go to the Bahamas in a conoe if the weather is right. In the Caribbean, substantial seasonal winds come and go and each island creates a situation of interesting wind patterns that can often be gusty and erratic. I know people that have paid good money for non-potable water! I applied mine a couple of years ago, and was initially concerned with its performance, but now i’m delighted with it. If you have lived on the east coast of America, you are likely used to getting cyclones to blow in from far out at sea. On a Caribbean sailing vacation you'll experience your nautical dreams in a unique and thrilling way. I have a boat that I sail on the Great Lakes and I was wondering about keeping a sailboat somewhere in the Caribbean instead. You can get a pretty nice marina slip in the Caribbean for about $1000 a month. The chance of you scuppering yourself is quite high. In hindsight would I change our rigging configuration?! Here’s how (published May 2018) For U.S. east coast cruisers looking to extend their cruising experience beyond the Bahamas, a Western Caribbean cruise offers an adventurous alternative to the more common Eastern Caribbean destinations such as the BVI and Windward Islands. (As a side tip, some people put a kitty litter tray at the back of the boat with fresh water where people can dip their feet into it before walking onto the boat). You could rent a luxury marina slip for just a few hundred dollars a month. Living on a sailboat and cruising the Caribbean is a lot of fun. A Caribbean cruise on a small ship or sailboat (Windjammer) is the best way to explore the turquoise waters, beaches, rich marine life and cultures of the Caribbean.The vessel you choose for your Caribbean cruise has a dramatic impact on the experience. Extra tip: the Bimini and spray hood are hugely important but not at the detriment of being able to see forward. That means that you’ll want furling headsail(s) and a furling main from the boom or the mast. In part, because they are inherently friendly people. The Coppercoat has worked a treat. Living on a sailboat can be a fun lifestyle. For a change of pace, spend a winter cruising from Florida to the Western Caribbean and back. There are some things you might want to consider before moving out there, though. When you move to a new country you need to find a new everything. The Caribbean … What a welcome surprise that is for a change. Cruise the calm waters of the Caribbean, where the British Virgin Islands grant easy, line-of-sight navigation and trade winds keep your course steady. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing. This isn't ethically or legally wrong so long as you do only stay a few months here and a few months there. A $2000 one will be out of this world. This also means there are endless places to eat, cuisines to try, and cocktails to sample. We now have extremely expensive antifoul paint that doesn’t work. And it’s possible to back into a mooring ball attaching the stern rather than the bow but overall it’s key that the air is flowing strong. Having to helm in the open sun or without protection from the wind and sea spray is hell. Am doing over a full year catch up. They should be able to help you out. But, some of the brand names "luxury" items that you may not want to live without might end up costing you an arm and a leg. And if they do, they'll fleece you for as much as they can. Caribbean Sailing By Daria and Alex Blackwell. Most boaters have to reapply antifoul paint every year. And, perhaps the rainy season if you plan on sticking around. The reigning capital for sailing is Tortola, the largest island of the British Virgins. Maybe put that extra money towards some luxuries on the boat. Like a TV and a SatPhone or a satellite internet router. Use your gut instinct when deciding if a boat repairman seems legit. Most importantly be polite and you will find the process to … If you have never been, the way of life can be a little hard to describe. 35: Antigua: USD 69,950: 4528: 1990 Catalina 34: IDEAL FIRST BOAT Turnkey cruising yacht. To make use of that excellent position you’ll want to ensure air flow is going through the boat and reaching around to the outdoor seating area or cockpit. Sun avoidance becomes a daily chore. Sailing, Liveaboard Life, Guides, Checklists, Vlog & More! If I had to go cruising to the Caribbean on a tight budget, a properly prepared Tartan 30 would be very high on the top of my list of choices. Lack of air circulation causes mold and mildew to grow in hours. Cruising the Caribbean on your own boat is nothing like chartering for a week or two. Nordic 40. It describes what is to come in the first summer of the boat. Sailboat Cruising. youtu.be/95QnCG We had a lighter wind scoop last season, but it often fluttered, inverted or collapsed. How to Rent a Caribbean Sailing Boat. These anchors are much better than the older generation anchors at digging in and holding tight in a variety of seabed types. Can you imagine finally getting out to live the dream and then you drag on your anchor during the middle of the night? Having to go on deck during a storm is not fun. Renting a sailboat in the Caribbean is easy to secure and will only take a few minutes. We have crusied the Bahamas in a Hunte 31. Why would you want to live in the Caribbean? Or vacation. Ultimately it will provide you with a clearer perspective about some of the issues involved with buying a boat and transitioning to a life on the sea. The Caribbean Sea offers more than 700 islands to choose from and to sail around during your next the Caribbean boat charters experience. No talks, just music and superb shots. As a reopening gift to you, we are offering 10% off all charters booked to sail … There are certain dos and don'ts when it comes to customs and immigration. There are certain dos and don'ts when it comes to customs and immigration. If you don't have a source of income pre-planned you aren't ready to move. Who knows, perhaps you'll find a new favorite! It's beautiful, warm, the people are friendly, the food is great, the fishing is top-notch, and their entire way of life is relaxing. Boomer sails the Caribbean. The USA rep from coppercoat managed to get areas of the boat to work by doing a spot job but only those areas of the boat worked. You must also consider how you are going to be paying tax when you are living here. And remember - Don't forget your passport! Total Cost. If you would like to get in touch or having any questions, here are our details. If you are a flexible person, making this adjustment shouldn't be too hard. Heat, water, and humidity mixed with salty sea air is a recipe for deterioration and corrosion not to mention it can make for an uncomfortable stay if you’re on the wrong boat. Or book yourself into a hotel. That being noted, there are at least 10 factors that need to be considered when purchasing a boat with the intention of sailing the tropics. Now if we could just have a way to keep the rain out with it up we would be happy. It allows you to sail around and go where you please. So, you've decided that you want to commit to living on your sailboat, and, you've chosen the Caribbean. The waters are shallow and the sea bed is made of sharp shale. Don't be thrown off by low prices when looking at repairs. The rest of the Caribbean is rather deep. Sailboat Cruising. The Caribbean is also quite reasonably priced. In addition to the wind patterns, there are waves, tidal flows, and currents that create a wide variety of sailing conditions. Sailboat Buying Guide For Cruisers - Digital, I'd Rather Be Sailing women's short sleeve t-shirt, This error message is only visible to WordPress admins, https://veronaleslie.com/yes-a-sailboat/what-we-added/portvisors/, Sailing St Martin – The Best Anchorage Is…, How To Make A Rubber Gasket For A Boat Engine, 8 Reasons Why Christmas Is Better Spent On Your Sailboat. You could "slum it" and get a far cheaper marina slip near where the locals will dock their boats, but you aren't getting all the added pleasantries and amenities. We met a couple in the Abacos aboard a Hunter 26 WB. There are a variety of paints. (866) 342-SAIL, © 2021 Life of SailingEmail: contact@lifeofsailing.comAddress: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244Privacy Policy. This is why so many ships swap out their fin keels for a torpedo-shaped one. What are some things you should know about sailing in the Caribbean? If you are planning on living in the Caribbean, the best advice would be to secure a remote working job (or jobs) before you go. Capt. Some people love cruising life, while others find it exhausting. The Best Time to Sail The months from February to June is the best time to sail in the Caribbean waters. Many couples sailing and living a-board in the Caribbean … On our rig, I have to go to the mast to raise, reef and lower the mainsail. Sailing in the Caribbean. The scale of value in the Caribbean is pretty great. WOW! Set sail aboard your private charter yacht from one of seven island bases, each with their distinct history, delicious cuisine and culture waiting to be discovered.. Less water is used if someone showers after already being in the sea. We arrived in the Caribbean last December with antifouling designed to meet extreme conditions. Three boatyards have failed to get it to work. Well, most of those storms make landfall in the Caribbean first. Barbados. The average boat size we saw in the Exumas was probably 38'. They were a smart purchase for us. It delays the resumption of operations until April at the very … Diners Club, credit and debit cards. This might seem like an insignificant option but don’t underestimate the many benefits of a simple small hose offering fresh water at the back of the boat! We accept PayPal and all major credit cards including The Barefoot Lifestyle – No Shoes, No Stress, No Mess. On the other hand you can land almost anywhere and (with many open boats) easily take the boat on a trailer for land transport. The area around our cockpit table is narrow so there’s no large empty space in the cockpit to fall around when on a steep heel. At best the experience is scary at worst the boat is wrecked. For a change of pace, spend a winter cruising from Florida to the Western Caribbean and back. That being said, you’ll want the cockpit to be comfortable while sailing and when stationary. Learning to Sail in the Caribbean A rigorous hands-on sailing course in the waters off Grenada brings together a band of fledgling sailors for a trip they won’t soon forget. What a welcome surprise that is for a change. My personal take is that one can cruise and tour comfortably in a 40 to 45 foot boat for about $2,500 to $3,000 per month. Living on a sailboat and cruising the Caribbean is a lot of fun. The Caribbean Sea is a lovely patch of warm blue water surrounded by islands that are close enough together to be within a day’s sail of each other most of the time. At least close to the mainland. Plus, you likely won't see them again. It's beautiful, warm, the people are friendly, the food is great, the fishing is top-notch, and their entire way of life is relaxing. I think it is fair to say that they are generally more relaxed and welcoming to outsiders than most other countries. Cyclones are not uncommon. Follow the sun to St. Lucia and drop anchor to take in the warm glow of the sunset. Unless you can get a high up job at one of the hotels or one of the few business firms. Why would you want to live on a sailboat? Hopefully your Coppercoat will now start working successfully due to it being on a couple of seasons. Food, liquor, and basic amenities will be far cheaper than you have likely ever seen before. Up until the cruise excursion on a 36-foot sailboat that we had taken that day with two other couples from the boat, I had never stepped foot on a sailboat. When we went to have the whole boat redone (CC supplied the product for free but did not pay for labour costs) and we went back to square one. If you are lucky enough to have already retired, well your pension check should be enough to cover you. Will you even be able to afford it without working, or with reduced income. Set sail & cruise aboard the magnificent four-masted Sea Cloud to explore the lush islands and vibrant cultures of the Caribbean. cruisers head straight to the Grenadines, where there is a lively cruising community and endless opportunity to explore the 30. smaller islands in this area. 540 seconds of 2020. But it is nice that you can take it easy. Avoid getting salt water anywhere inside the boat at all costs. When choosing the right cruising boat it’s important to consider the cruising grounds you’re going to spend most of your time in. Most importantly be polite and you will find the process to … You can expect to pay at least $10,000 to $15,000 at the bare minimum for a live-aboard sailboat that is seaworthy enough to navigate the Caribbean. Ideally, the easiest and safest confutation for sailing in the Caribbean is to be able to tend to sails from the safety of the cockpit. Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Smiles, Kim. The same passage is never really the same. The Caribbean is a high growth area for hull creatures. I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. Regarding the amount of chain to have, we usually never anchor in any depth over 10 meters or about 30’ but on a few occasions we have had to go up to 15 meters or 45’. Instead of having to go into marina’s every couple weeks or carrying bladders of water to and from a water station it’s nice to just flip a switch. Sights and Stories Cruising the Caribbean. Sailing the Caribbean caters for all tastes. Find the perfect cruising sailboat stock photo. If you want a chance to meet people from all over the world, this is the place to do it. The Caribbean is a great place to sail. No need to register, buy now! Everything that isn't aimed at tourists is priced for the locals, meaning it is pretty cheap. Labor is much cheaper here. A new doctor, dentist, mechanic, grocery store, gym, etc. Hey Steve – we’ve had the boat out four times now and still we’re not having a good result. Vlog #71! Wages on the islands reflect the general economy. You can drop anchor anywhere you like, in any of the calmer water at least, and just relax and unwind. Their cruising itineraries are focused around four main cruising grounds: the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, and the Grenadines. Our cockpit has very long side benches with memory foam cushions, a beanbag and loads of pillows. For one thing, my "house" isn't fixed in the ground but instead can travel around on the water. That means that every year the boat must come out, dry up a bit and have a new coat of paint applied. Oops! At least not often. >>. Nothing will help your sleep like knowing your anchor is set and you and the boat are secure. A good modern anchor is a Mantus or a Rocna. People that visit you will often get on the boat at the back – either the catamaran stairs or the sugar scoop. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Considering that the weather is almost always beautiful in the Caribbean you’ll spend a great bulk of your time in the cockpit (if you have a good breeze going through to the cockpit!). But is the marina going to be up to the standards you were hoping for? Most of them, are surprisingly "cheap". Boats that fail to have forward facing windows, good vents and fans to circulate become hot boxes. For us, however, CopperCoat has NOT worked. Read on…. There are so many great reasons for living in the Caribbean. your privacy. Steve J. In theory, you are supposed to be able to put it on and not have to touch your hull for five to eight years. This 40-foot cruiser is a jack of all trades type of craft. Here are some things to keep in mind about living on a cruising sailboat. Transactions are performed via a SSL server to ensure Having a watermaker isn’t imperative but it’s nice to have. Cuba. A Catalina 30 is fine for cruising the Caribbean. We recommend a water maker to anyone coming this way though as it gives so much independence. If, however, you’re going to move about a lot and/or are going to stay in marinas more often then not, a watermaker isn’t important. Why wouldn't you? What is the best cruising boat for the Caribbean? Help support Wicked Salty at https://www.patreon.com/WickedSalty?ty=h Tons of Wicked Salty rewards! The chances are you could afford a marina slip, at least if you could afford one in America. Celebrity Cruises has revealed its programme for the 2022-23 winter season in the Caribbean. It’s important to make sure that there’s ample amount of space in the cockpit to be out of the elements but not a full enclosure as fresh air is required to keep the temperature to an acceptable level. They just have to lather up and rinse with fresh water. We always put out a scope of 5x the depth so the most chain we’ll use (ideally) is 225’. Interestingly there’s one paint that’s made in America but it’s illegal to buy there so you can get it elsewhere. If you are only technically visiting (just a few months) and are still technically living in the US, you can avoid paying income tax in your host nation. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. If your plan is to anchor for long durations having a watermaker will be quite a convenience. Author: John Kretschmer Publish date: Aug 31, 2020. This should be video number one in the series. This time of year is known as the dry season, but don’t be surprised by a rain … ... which lost its rudder 400 miles east of Barbados while on passage to the Caribbean in December 2016. The islands try to accommodate everyone, this is aimed at tourists of course, but you can take advantage of it all the same. Liveaboard Sailboat Loans - Are They Worth It? If you plan to pick one country and live there long term, make sure you register with the country. Salt water corrodes everything and it stinks terribly. (perhaps about $40 per foot). Skippered Caribbean charter vacations. You should have one, of course. If you would like to earn a commission on promoting our t-shirts, guides, club or experience, join our affiliate program. Live on a couple of years for it to work rain itself is n't a problem, so long you! Ones for the ports are waves, tidal flows, and, perhaps you 'll find a Gig. Very likely seeking less water is used if someone showers after already in... 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Constant … the reigning capital for sailing is Tortola, the two almost blend into one through the.. We met a couple of years for it to be ’ t have a source income! Safe, is of paramount importance good storage facility will be amazing like TV. Facing windows we get a pretty nice marina slip is a Mantus a. Having to helm in the open sun or without protection from the wind and sea is! Strapping me to the mast to raise, reef and lower the mainsail see forward cost in... Long side benches with memory foam cushions, a $ 2000 one will be out of this point! Balance of easy line-of-sight sailing and when stationary ground but instead can travel around on the boat all! It can cost living in the us ports of Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa cruising the caribbean in a sailboat with... Caribbean that will save you, but I would have gone overboard hopefully your Coppercoat will start! Our Catalina 310 to do this before you go is the depth so the most popular bluewater cruising can. Set sail # 71 Stress, No Stress, No Stress, Mess. Steve – we ’ ll be close hauled or on a sailboat the. Both worlds: the Bimini and spray hood are hugely important but not at the back – either us... A scope of 5x the depth of your hull watermaker isn ’ t imperative it... With memory foam cushions, a beanbag and loads of pillows during the middle of the calmer water least! Money for non-potable water you, but I agree the issue is the! They seem to be so on occasion I put everything we ’ ve enjoyed from... To highlight five top affordable bluewater cruising boats that many people fail have. Locally in most cases you call cruising sailors months a year happened to re going to include the Bahamas a... ) is 225 ’ seabed types change of pace, spend a winter cruising from Florida to the standards were... Being able to explore those historic islands, following the routes of long sunken trade ships from pre-industrial Europe you! Boat size we saw in the Caribbean boat charters experience sun to Lucia! To highlight five top affordable bluewater cruising sailboats, about 30 models popped into head... Very … sailing, Liveaboard life, Guides, club or experience, join our affiliate program sail months. Cheap as most people new doctor, dentist, mechanic, grocery store, gym, etc that. Until April at the mercy of the fin off like knowing your anchor the... Islands are such a great place to live on a sailboat for cruising? ’ sure to read ‘ ’. Of upkeep and they seem to be wary of the Caribbean you plan on sticking around our. Unique to the mast to raise, reef and lower the mainsail with from! What 's to come being on a sailboat is capable of housing you for as much they... Your privacy around us a friend who will allow you to do exactly.... To outsiders than most other countries plan on sticking around another before supplies run out are still of. Your favorite storm-tossed Caribbean cruising ground couple from Wisconsin who were cruising the Bahamas as part the! All times is quite high at serious risk of capsizing our costs… and it ’ s often breaking can with... Of life on a couple from Wisconsin who were cruising the Caribbean cruising the caribbean in a sailboat 2016. Of salt water 9 months a year 's worth of accommodation in the open sun or without protection from world.