Sailing Back to Virgin Gorda from St. Martin
The Caribbean always calls with adventure, and my recent journey sailing back to Virgin Gorda from St. Martin was no exception. I had the great fortune of joining Captain Charly Zahr and 1st Mate and Pastry Chef Carolina aboard the luxurious charter yacht CRYSTAL CLEAR. Together, we embarked on a remarkable delivery cruise, returning the yacht to her home port in Leverick Bay, Virgin Gorda, in the British Virgin Islands.
The Journey Begins in St. Martin
Earlier, CRYSTAL CLEAR had been in St. Martin for a photo shoot I arranged in St. Barts in late November. Afterward, I caught up with Captain Charly and Carolina aboard the yacht, which was docked along the wall at Fort St. Louis Marina in Marigot. The plan was simple — enjoy a birthday dinner for Charly at one of the fine French restaurants in the Marigot Marina Royale, then sail back to Virgin Gorda the next morning.
However, Mother Nature had other ideas. The seas were running nine feet high, after previously peaking at thirteen. Charly, ever the wise and cautious captain, decided to wait out the weather system. Everyone agreed this was the smarter move — why battle rough seas when patience could bring calm waters and a more comfortable passage?
Mad Man with a Credit Card
Since we now had three unexpected days in port, we made the most of them. With time to spare, Charly went on a Christmas shopping spree worthy of a movie scene. He bought one hundred bottles of wine for the yacht, along with hard-to-find boat parts, foul weather gear, toys for his son Valentin, and even a Christmas tree complete with lights and ornaments. As if that weren’t enough, he also purchased a swivel chair for the navigation station. Clearly, he was armed and dangerous with his credit card in hand!
Between shopping sprees, we dined like royalty. Each morning began with freshly baked croissants from Sarafina’s Patisserie, a charming French outdoor café that quickly became my new obsession. For lunch and dinner, we sampled culinary delights at local favorites such as Le Village and Le Chanteclair in the Marina Royale.
On our final evening, exhaustion caught up with us. Instead of venturing out, Charly took charge in the galley and cooked up an unforgettable Mussels Marinara dinner. I challenge anyone to find a better dish anywhere — it was perfection on a plate.
Setting Sail for Virgin Gorda
Finally, on Sunday, December 5th, Mother Nature smiled. The winds settled, the seas calmed, and a gentle breeze guided us toward Virgin Gorda. Our crew was ready and enthusiastic: Captain Charly, Chef Carolina, their two-year-old son Valentin (affectionately called “The Little Admiral”), and First Mate Tom Vannieuwenhuyse, a brilliant young sailor from Belgium.
Tom impressed us all. He had earned a Master’s degree in Sociology, spoke five languages — Dutch, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish — and navigated like a pro. He was a joy to sail with.
Our 90-mile voyage promised smooth sailing, and indeed, it started peacefully. Then suddenly, a loud whir from the back of the boat broke the silence — “Fish on!” someone shouted. To my surprise, we had been trolling a line since leaving Marigot, and now we had caught a stunning Mahi Mahi.
Charly leaped into action, reeling in the fish with skill and excitement. Once aboard, he humanely ended the fish’s struggle with a splash of gin — a rather unconventional but effective method. Soon after, the galley filled with the mouthwatering aroma of fresh Mahi Mahi appetizers. The day’s catch became the highlight of the trip.
As the sun began to dip, Charly turned chef again, preparing a roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings. It felt just like Sunday dinner back home, only better — served at sea, under the Caribbean sky.
Arrival in Virgin Gorda
By 6:00 p.m., we sailed gracefully into Virgin Gorda, just as the sun set over the horizon. The smooth journey, the laughter, the food, and the company made the wait entirely worthwhile. I couldn’t have asked for a more memorable voyage.
Since that incredible trip, Charly and Carolina have continued their adventures. Today, they serve as the crew aboard the stunning 57 ft. catamaran VISION, bringing the same charm, skill, and hospitality to new guests exploring the British Virgin Islands.
Sailing with them remains one of the most unforgettable experiences of my time in the Caribbean.
FAQ – Sailing Back to Virgin Gorda from St. Martin
The sail covers roughly 90 miles and usually takes around 12 hours, depending on wind and sea conditions.
The best route typically follows a west-northwest course, passing St. Barts and Anegada Passage before arriving at Virgin Gorda.
CRYSTAL CLEAR is a luxurious charter yacht known for comfort, elegance, and exceptional onboard cuisine prepared by Chef Carolina.
The best sailing conditions generally occur from December to May, when trade winds are steady, and seas are calmer.
You can catch Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, and even Marlin while sailing through Caribbean waters.
Captain Charly and Chef Carolina now crew the 57 ft. catamaran VISION, offering unforgettable yacht charters in the British Virgin Islands.
For more information, go to our Information Request page or contact CKIM Group at 1321-777-1707 or email: charterassistant@ckimgroup.com
