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| Flag of St. Maarten |
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| Click on an anchor for further information |
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| Flag of France |
Saint Martin/Sint Maartin is the name of the island divided between the French and the Dutch. The boundary runs through Simpson Bay lagoon whose entrance is controlled by the Dutch at the Dutch bridge on the south and by the French at the French bridge on the north. If you are visiting, you will pay different duties depending on which country you are staying in. We really like the Marigot Bay and will stay there in the clean water unless northern swells chase us around to the south. If you are visiting us here, tell customs you are staying on "S/V Eaux Vives which is anchored on the French side". It is cheaper.
It is a lovely romp to the south west to reach St. Barts, one of the ritziest islands in the Caribbean. There the true yachties can be found enjoying the clear waters, beautiful beaches and world class restaurants. Meanwhile, their crews keep some of the livelier bistros in action. The yachts are often based in St. Martin, which has all the services, and take the clients to upscale St. Barts or Anguilla.
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| Flag of the Netherlands Antilles |
St. Barts was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, and he named it in honor of his brother Bartolomeo. In the mid-1600s, the French arrived, took control from the indigenous indians, and built small settlements. In 1784 it was sold (traded) to Sweden, and even though the French bought it back in 1878, some Swedish influences remain, including the name of the its capital, Gustavia. Although the island is part of the French overseas department of Guadeloupe, I lump it in with St. Martin because it is close by and the two are usually visited together.
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| The Simpson Bay Lagoon on the left is Dutch, the Marigot Bay on the right is French |
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| St. Barts (Saint Barthelmey) |
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