lovetripper.com: honeymoon travel

 

ST. MARTIN: ROMANTIC ACTIVITIES

Let's get this straight. We're not boaters. But we would name this boat race as one of our most exciting activities in the Caribbean. Our boat: the Stars and Stripes (yes, the same one that brought Dennis Conner to glory.) Our mission: to win the America's Cup.

Well, maybe not THE America's Cup. This is the 12-Metre Challenge 011-599-54-2075, a race for both first-time sailors and salty skippers alike, held three times daily, six days a week from the Philipsburg marina. We learned that this was no pleasure cruise -- we were there to work. For the better part of an hour we practiced our jobs, tacking and jibing, kicking up a salty spray and often leaning so far into the wind that half the crew enjoyed a cool Caribbean bath.

The division of labor was spread among the crew. A navigator kept us on the course (which ranges from 8 to 12 miles, depending on wind conditions that day). A timekeeper ensured that we started the race without penalty. A hydraulics expert operated the hydraulic primer to control the boom and keep the sails tight. Backstay grinders and trimmers moved sails and ropes, as did mainsail grinders and trimmers.

With the wind whipping as hard as 20 knots and swells churning up at six feet, we were quickly dowsed as we turned into position. "Red flag up! Start!" The race was on. We were now on course, racing upwind and zigzagging through the eye of the wind by tacking as fast as the crew could shout orders.

Minutes later, we jibed around the windmark and began sailing downwind. Canada II had pulled into the lead, but we were just a boat length behind. From our position we could see the masts, the height of an eight story building, leaning into the wind.

For 45 minutes, we edged both Canadian vessels for the lead. Finally, on the last stretch, Stars and Stripes pulled ahead. With one last "Primary grinders, go!" instruction, we were leading.

And suddenly, there was one last shout. "Blue flag up!" Blue for Stars and Stripes. We had won.

Dennis would have be proud.

There's plenty of action on St. Martin's shores as well. Beaches such as Cupecoy, Mullet Bay, Maho, and Dawn Beach on the Dutch side attract sunlovers. On the French side, beaches are all topless and include Baie Rouge and Orient Beach, best known for its clothing-optional stretch. Orient Beach is lined with restaurants, beach bars, and souvenir stands, but on the nude beach photography is prohibited (although tour bus loads of gawkers come by daily). Chairs and umbrellas rent for about US $5 each.

Share on Facebook 

subscribe



 

 

couple santaWhat's Hot for Romantic Travelers?

1. Personalized romance novels starring you!
2. 300 Creative Dates *
3. 100 Great Sex Games for Couples *by Oprah show expert!
4. 50 Secrets to Blissful Relationships *

What's Hot for Brides-to-Be?

1. Lovetripper.com's Destination Wedding Workbook (ebook* or print)
2. Lovetripper.com's Castle Wedding Planner *
3
. The Romantic's Guide to Popping the Question *
4.
Wedding speeches *
5. The Wedding Day Diet *
6. Complete Wedding Planning & Saving Guide*

• denotes instant download
all eligible for the Lovetripper Bonus Book Program

 

Blogs Where to Honeymoon Destination Weddings Romantic Travel Company Info
Ask An Expert
Bridalstars celebrity weddings
Destination wedding news
myLovetripper
Romantic ideas blog
Romantic travel news
Video blog

How to plan a honeymoon
USA
Caribbean
Canada
Mexico, Latin America
Europe
Africa, Middle East
South Pacific, Asia, Australia
How to plan a destination wedding
Marriage regulations across the world
Theme Weddings
Castle Venues
"I Do" Hotspots:
Caribbean
Mexico
Vegas
Gatlinburg
All-inclusive resorts
B&Bs, Inns
Couples resorts
Cruises
Spas
Stages: dating to wedding
Videos
The honeymoon spirit at home: movies, music & more
About Us, Privacy Policy, Disclaimer
Advertising
Affiliate Program
Follow us on social media sites
Our other sites
Press Room
Sitemap
Submit your story
Writer's guidelines
Contact Us

Lovetripper.com Romantic Travel Guide

Copyright 2000-2009
All rights Reserved
No portion of this site may be reproduced in
any way without written permission from Lovetripper.com.