As the days get shorter and darker towards the end of the year, our thoughts tend to drift off to the delights of summer, to the carefree days spent sailing and swimming, or relaxing evenings at anchor in quiet bays. But fear not – the sailing season doesn’t have to stop when winter starts!
There's a great selection of simply gorgeous sailing areas spread slightly further afield that are well worth a trip. Here's our pick of the best places to get some winter sun sailing done.
British Virgin Islands - The home of Caribbean cruising since the early 1960s, the British Virgin Islands have to be seen to be believed. A tight-knit group of over 60 gorgeous islands, all blessed with warm, consistent trade winds and ridiculous white sand beaches fringed by palm trees, the BVI is as close to yachting paradise as it’s possible to get. December is a great time to visit, when the weather is warm and settled, but before the rush of the holiday season over Christmas and the New Year. Set sail from Tortola and cruise across to the gorgeous coral island Anegada. Visit the legendary Soggy Dollar and Willy T,s bars. Dive one of the 70 incredible reefs and wrecks scattered around the sailing area. Sheer bliss. December breezes average 10-12kt ESE, with temperatures a wonderful 26˚C.
Belize - Meet howler monkeys, explore secluded cays and creole villages, and sail in flat seas, protected by a coral reef lying 15 miles offshore. A yacht charter holiday in Belize is coastal sailing, but not as you know it. An unspoilt Central American treat, complete with Mayan ruins, Belize is at its absolute best in January, with 25˚C averages and cooling 8kt easterly breezes.
Bahamas - Split into two distinct island groups, the Abacos and the Exumas, the Bahamas are a unique bridge between the Americas and the Caribbean. The chain’s geography creates a diverse ecosystem of coral reefs, cays , mangrove swamps, and rainforests. This wildlife haven is home to a unique collection of species, from sharks to swimming pigs, and filled with gorgeous sandy beaches. The Bahamas is at its most glorious in January, with air temperatures a very comfortable 28˚C, and great sailing breezes of 10-15kt the norm all month.
Antigua - Sail out of the famous Nelson’s Dockyard and skirt around Antigua’s beautiful coast, fringed by 365 beaches. Walk up Shirley Heights and join one of their famous 'jump up' steel band parties. February is warm (26˚C), windy (15-20kts), and sees 9 hours of daylight every day, with a magical sunset practically guaranteed each night. Sheer bliss on the water.
St Martin - Which is half Dutch half French, and full of cosmopolitan delights. Ideally located for trips to the neighbouring cluster of St. Barth’s, Anguilla, and Saba, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular charter bases in the Caribbean. Temperatures are again nice and warm, with a little less wind than Antigua but still enough to cool down and get moving.
Thailand - The driest month of the year in Southeast Asia is also among the warmest, with temperatures averaging 29˚C. Having said this, humidity is relatively low, so the air is less stifling than other months, which puts February among the most comfortable times of year to sail the Andaman islands. The winds have settled throughout January into February, and tend to blow gently from the east, at 5-8 kts in the early months of the year.
SO YOU CAN ESCAPE THE COLD !!
If that's wetted your appetite for an exotic escape over the winter months, we're on hand to help you plot your next Sailing Holiday Trip.
#asailorslotuk #wintersunshine #wintersailingholidays #wintersailingtrip
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