Yole race
Trois Ilets harbor
Caribbean Sunset
Sailing & Yachting
Martinique - Caribbean Sailing, Caribbean Yachting
Enjoying a ride in Caribbean water
The Most Winward of The Winward Islands
A sailing paradise, Fort-de-France has one of the safest, most beautiful bays in the Caribbean. Martinique’s capital has long been a favorite port of call with yachtsmen and sailors. Over the years, as the islands popularity in the yachting and sailing world has grown, marinas have opened in other parts of Martinique as well: at Pointe du Bout across from the capital, in Le Robert and Le François on the Atlantic, in Sainte-Anne down south, and most notably in Le Marin, also in the south, whose “Port de Plaisance” is now the island’s largest and best-equipped marina.
With some 45,000 visitors generating more than 15 million euros of revenue, Martinique has now become a top sailing destination. The number of Caribbean sailing and Caribbean yachting events has multiplied and attracts an ever growing number of visitors. The principal events in Martinique are:
- Yole boat race, a five-day event celebrating the traditional Caribbean sailing boats used by the island’s fishermen (August.)
- Nautical Week of Schoelcher (February.)
- "Transat des Passionnés" (biannual,) a Europe to Caribbean race that takes place in odd-numbered years. The 9th edition is scheduled for 2007.
- Transquadra (every 3 years,) another Europe to Caribbean race for soloists and doubles partners.
- "Transcaraïbe des Passionnés" (March) is a race that departs from Marin and finishes in Cuba.
- May sailing season kick off with "Van dan Vwèl" in Saint-Pierre and “Le Combat de coques” a regatta in the South of Martinique
- Fishing Tournament (Oct) The cities of Marin and Schoelcher received the French label “Station Voile” given by the FFV (French Sailing Federation) for this event (October.)
The quality of the marina infrastructure also accounts for the growth in this sector of the local economy.
The harbor of Le Marin, is a natural hurricane hotel where boats may be safely docked during large storms.
The charter fleets are huge there - catamarans outnumber monohulls.
The marina is equipped with 620 berths for boats up to 180 ft long and 70 mooring spots.
Le Marin’s goal: becoming the navigation hub of the South Caribbean.
The Port de Plaisance of Marin already has a strong reputation of professionalism and hospitality in the sailing world. It is the place for anyone who wants to discover and cruise the south of the Caribbean, and of course Martinique.
With chartering made easy, Martinique is a perfect destination either to start a Caribbean vacation or to simply enjoy a one-week sail around the island.
You can easily spend a whole week cruising the coast of Martinique from Sainte-Anne, the southernmost village, to Saint-Pierre, famous for the 1902 volcanic eruption of Mount Pelée, sail near HMS Diamond Rock and explore the many wonders the island has along her shores.
Whether for bareboat rentals or crewed charters, a wide variety of options are offered by many Caribbean yachting companies based in Martinique, among them Moorings, Stardust and Petit Breton to name just a few.
For a complete list of yacht charters and sailboat rentals, please contact:
Martinique Promotion Bureau/CMT USA / CMT USA
Tel: (212) 838.7800
Fax: (212) 838.7855
Email: info@martinique.org
For a more technical point of view on matters about Caribbean sailing, there is a comprehensive Caribbean yachting manual, the Annuaire Nautique de la Martinique, which costs 15€. Check also www.marine-news.com.
Ti'Ponton - The Sailor’s Guide to Martinique.
A new guide for sailors visiting Martinique. Ti’Ponton is the most extensive information resource on Caribbean yachting services, equipment, provisioning, places to see and things to do on and around Martinique. Ti’Ponton is bilingual French and English, including the most extensive directory for sailor’s needs in Madinina, The Island of Flowers -- names, addresses and telephone numbers of more than 500 nautical services, suppliers, provisioning companies, doctors, local restaurants, sightseeing spots and much more.
Ti’Ponton is a free publication and can be picked up all around the island.
Tél: (596) 596 74 00 84
Mobile: (596) 696 34 37 34
Fax: (596) 596 74 71 37
www.tiponton.com
Email: tiponton@wanadoo.fr
Spotlight - Marin's Yacht Harbor
Marin Yacht Harbor, a state of the art facility!
Early in the island's history of colonization, the Marin cul-de-sac on the southwest coast of Martinique became a popular boat shelter. Today, the marina of Marin Yacht Harbor is a major factor in the island’s quest for sustainable development, most notably the development of tourism. It is our goal to become the navigation hub of the South Caribbean. The quality of the marina's infrastructure, the fleet of tourist charter boats which use it as a base and the services provided by specialized businesses, combine to create a dynamic economic environment.
Virtually all of Martinique's boat charter companies are based in Marin.
Capacity: 620 berths for boats up to 180 ft long 70 mooring spots.
Harbor master (Capitainerie)
Capitaine in charge: Eric jean-Joseph.
Bilingual reception (french, English)
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 8:30am -12:30pm / 2pm - 6pm
Sunday and public holidays 8:30am - 12:30pm
Boulevard Allègre
97290 Le Marin Martinique FWI
Tel: (596) 596 74 83 83 - Fax: (596) 596 74 92 20
www.portmarin.com
Email: capitainerie@portmarin.com
VHF: channel 9
| Size | Day (1, 2) | Month (3) | Quarter (3) | Six Months PERIOD (3) |
| 20 to 50 feet | 0,36 € | 6,50 € | 16,00 € | 29,00 € |
| 51 to 65 feet | 0,40 € | 8,00 € | 20,00 € | 36,00 € |
| + of 65 feet | 0,50 € | 9,00 € | 23,00 € | 42,00 € |
(1) Contract runs from midday to midday.
(2) 20% transit tax for first two days.
(3) 25% tax for boats ich serve as residence for longer than three months.
Rates are in €/ft (8,50% taxes included).
Fixed price water 7,50 €/m3.
Fixed price water 25 € for 5 m3 not refundable.
40% premium for catamarans and trimarans.
Water and electricity consumption are metered.
Maintenance & Services
Technical services offered by Martinique's marinas are considered among the best in the Caribbean. Whatever you need, you will be able to find it on the island. Martinique is eager to maintain its reputation as the premier yachting destination of the Lesser Antilles.
From the finest provisioning to repairs or maintenance, everything will be at your finger tips.
Sailing Events
February
Nautical week
Schoelcher. Club Nautique de Schoelcher
tel: (596) 596 61 20 83
February
Gommier race
Sainte-Luce - traditional fishing boat race
March
Boat races
Yole boat races - Société des yoles rondes
tel: (596) 596 61 48 50
Gommier Race - Club des Gommiers
tel: (596) 596 62 42 42
April
Fête du Gommier
Sainte-Luce - “Gommier” festival
Windsurfing tour of Martinique - Wind Force
Tel:(596) 596 65 59 70
May
Yole boat races - Société des yoles rondes
tel: (596) 596 61 48 50
Gommier Race - Club des Gommiers
tel: (596) 596 62 42 42
June
Yole boat races
Société des yoles rondes
Tel: (596) 596 61 48 50
Fête des marins-pêcheurs, Fishermen's festival
comité régional des pêches
Tel :(596) 596 73 73 01
July
Route des Tepuys
A three-week rally from Martinique to Venezuela.
more on Route des Tepuys
Case Pilote - Fête des marins-pêcheurs, Fishermen's festival
visitors' bureau
Tel: (596) 596 63 21 39
Gommier Race - Club des Gommiers
Tel: (596) 596 62 42 42
August
Tour des Yoles Rondes
A spectacular Yoles boat race, unique to Martinique. Bring cameras, zoom lens and binoculars!!!
The whole island rejoices around this beautiful and festive spectator sport. indeed.
Société des Yoles Rondes
Tel: (596) 596 61 48 50
Gommier Race - Club des Gommiers
Tel: (596) 596 62 42 42
September
Boat races Yole boat races
Société des yoles rondes
Tel: (596) 596 61 48 50
Gommier Race - Club des Gommiers
Tel: (596) 596 62 42 42
October
Martinique's International Fishing sports tournament
Convivial, sporting and cultural weekend organized on various sites along the waterfront of the commune of Marin.
Yole boat races - Société des yoles rondes
Tel: (596) 596 61 48 50
Gommier Race - Club des Gommiers
Tel: (596) 596 62 42 42
November
Boat races Yole boat races
Société des yoles rondes
Tel: (596) 596 61 48 50
Gommier Race - Club des Gommiers
Tel: (596) 596 62 42 42