St. Lucia for next charter? Better than BVI?

[Clipper4730]

Hey all,

Just returned from our second bareboat charter in the Abacos. Its only been a few weeks and we are already planning our next adventure. Moorings in St. Lucia is getting the Leopard 3900 owners version with a gennie, three cabin, and two baths. We are considering purchasing one of these and want to try one out for size. Just wondering how St Lucia compares to the other bases. How is the weather in mid to late Oct and is the diving snorkeling etc up to par with say the Abacos. BVI is also getting the 3900 but we would rather not go back to BVI again. The new base in Lavrion Greece also will have the 3900 owners version, so any insight to a greek vaca would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Will

[Chuteman]

HUMM - tricky one = Carib in October
Still hurricane season & often the weather patterns are much more unsettled
which affect winds (variable) and increases cloud cover/rain showers.

Then again, you could get lucky & it would be just fine. How many days
do you plan to charter?

Many make the jump from St. Lucia down to the Grenadines often paying the extra one-way fee. But low season charter rates will certainly offset.

Greece - one of my favorites=people, food/drink & sights
Weather will still be nice - most tourists gone
Sailing - given that base location - you will have plenty of water to
try out the boat
But travel (shop hard for airfare) expenses & Euro exchange rate will have to
factored into your decision making.

Enjoy - no matter where

[kenny chaos]

I believe St. Lucia is still pretty beat up from the hurricane that
hit them the end of October last year.
I do understand that hurricanes are rather rare there.

[Brazil]

StLucia is very different from abaco . Much higher island with beautiful vegetation , but diving snorkel does not compare with Bahamas . It has nice hikes if you like to walk

[dennisjay]

St. Lucia is a good jumping off spot to sail to outstanding places, both north and south. The snorkeling in Tobago Cays is as good as the Bahamas and only two days away. One of the big differences is that almost every island around there is a new country and you must check in and out (and pay fees). Still, I think it's a step up from BVI, less crowded and better wind.

[knotnow]

Will, not sure where you hale from but picking up in St. Lucia and going south to the Grenadines is a real option but a crap shoot in October. IF you’re traveling from the US you can often pick up favorable fares to St Lucia and spend the first night of charter at the Piton’s on the south coast. Next day at false dawn head south for Bequia, a +- 50 mile voyage, spirited trip at times, clear in and enjoy Admiralty Bay. There are plenty of opportunities from there and south to snorkel. Maybe not as vivid as the BVI’s but a hell of lot less crowded. As far as diving, a drift dive thru the Mayreau Gardens between the Tobago Cays and Mayreau can be a great experience. Any questions on that area send me a PM

[Bash]

Originally Posted by dennisjay

Still, I think it's a step up from BVI, less crowded and better wind.

Much better wind.

[boatman61]

Theres more beans in the rice.....