Boating & Sailing in St. Martin and St. Maarten

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Boating & Sailing

The island is surrounded by water, so why not get out and enjoy it? The water and winds are perfect for skimming the surf. It'll cost you around $1,000 per day to rent a 28- to 40-foot powerboat, considerably less for smaller boats or small sailboats.

Lagoon Sailboat Rental (Airport Rd., near Uncle Harry's, Simpson Bay. 599/557-0714. www.lagoonsailboatrental.com) has 20-foot day sailers for rent within Simpson Bay Lagoon for $150 per day, with a half day for $110. Either explore on your own or rent a skipper to navigate the calm, sheltered waters around Simpson Bay Yacht Club and miles of coastline on both the French and Dutch sides of the islands.

The Moorings (Captain Oliver's Marina, Oyster Pond. 590/87-32-54 or 888/952-8420. www.moorings.com) has a fleet of Beneteau yachts as well as bareboat and crewed catamarans for those who opt for a sailing vacation.

Random Wind (599/544-5148 or 599/557-5742. www.randomwind.com) offers half- and full-day sailing and snorkeling trips on a 54-foot clipper. Charter prices depend on the size of the group and whether or not lunch is served, but the regularly scheduled Paradise Daysail costs $85 per person. Departures are on the Dutch side, from Ric's Place at Simpson Bay.

Sailing experience is not necessary for the St. Maarten 12-Metre Challenge (Bobby's Marina, Philipsburg. 599/542-0045. www.12metre.com), one of the island's most popular activities. Participants compete on 68-foot racing yachts, including Dennis Connor's Stars and Stripes (the actual boat that won the America's Cup in 1987) and the Canada II. Anyone can help the crew grind winches, trim sails, and punch the stopwatch, or you can just sit back and watch everyone else work. The St. Maarten Challenge imitates an abbreviated America's Cup route, and the cost to participate in the two-plus hour race is $78. The thrill of it is priceless, but book your trip in advance; this is the most popular shore excursion offered by cruise ships in the Caribbean.