Overview: Spring sailing in the Caribbean offers winter-weary sailors an exotic getaway to warm water, steady wind and stunning scenery. While the ice melts off Northern sailing venues and boats, spring in the Caribbean affords sailors a chance to tune up their skills while lifting their spirits.
Chartering offers turn-key boats ready to sail off to nearby exotic locations. Charter companies also give sailors "local information" so that they can maximize their time in the best marinas, anchorages, restaurants and bars.
Thumbs Up: Getting on a plane and flying four hours to a tropical island where a well-equipped sailboat awaits.
Tucking into a secluded cove while warm tradewinds make the palmtrees around the anchorage dance.
Snorkeling in gin-clear water that measures in the mid 80-degree range.
Thumbs Down: For a large body of water, the Caribbean can feel awfully small during high season. With charter bases clustered in prime cruising areas, anchorages can get crowded.
Chartering in high season is not for the faint-of-wallet. Boats command premium prices, as do provisions and meals ashore. One of the few pleasant surprises is rock-bottom booze prices. (Which can turn into an unpleasant surprise the next morning).
Sailboats are close quarters. Family vacations can turn into family nightmares if careful consideration isn't given to spending some quality time ashore.
The Bottom Line: Just do it. You owe it to yourself to try it once. If it works, make it a yearly tradition. If it doesn't, even the worst week sailing in the Caribbean still beats staying home and digging out after that spring snowstorm.
