Victor’s top 3 Caribbean yacht spots

From runway to gangway to seaward serenity; jet to any of these yacht hot spots and begin your own quest for Treasure Island

Antigua

Hoist your mainsail toward Antigua April 23 for one of the world’s most prestigious regattas, the 49^th annual Antigua Sailing Week. Heeding the siren song of powerful headwinds and ocean swell, more than 1000 sailors from 22 countries will take to the high seas for a series of challenging coastal races and return to land for equally epic shore-side revelry. With 28 50-foot and over yachts, state-of-the-art racing machines like the Phaedo3, and veterans like multiple world-champion Cameron Appleton and Volvo Ocean Race Winner Jules Salter at the helms, this year’s Sailing Week assures continual salt-sprayed action. It’s not too late to bareboat charter and join the competition, or opt for a more leisurely route and Chase the Race through Falmouth and English Harbours.

Fly with Victor:
From $26,000 for a Citation X from Teterboro (TEB) to St. John’s VC Bird International, Antigua (ANU)
From $15,000 for a CJ 2 from Miami Opa-Locka Executive, FL (OPF) to St. John’s VC Bird International, Antigua (ANU)

Victor Picks:

Charter the speedy 32-meter Inukshuk, winner of a World Superyacht Award, assemble a well-seasoned crew and set sail. Or gain a bird’s eye view of the sea spectacle in the Falmouth and English Harbours by hiking along the headline to Carpenter’s Rock or the historic Forts Charlotte and Berkley.

St. Martin

You say St. Martin and I say St. Maarten… Part French, part Dutch, all sun-splashed seaside haven, St. Martin is 36 square miles of Caribbean island gem. Mega-yachts abound thanks to Isle de Sol, a highly secure, gated enclave with 44 berths for yachts up to 360 feet. Ideally situated amidst the Leeward Island chain, St. Martin is the perfect launch point for sailing adventures to glamorous neighboring St. Barth’s or the dazzlingly pristine sugar-sand beaches of Anguilla. Head to Saba – a volcanic island with a dramatic, cloud-topped peak – for some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean.  Or put in at St. Kitts, an historic sugar-plantation-island-turned-luxury-boutique-hotel paradise.

Fly with Victor:
From $25,300 for a Citation X from Teterboro (TEB) to St. Maarten Island, Princess Julianna International (SXM)
From $7300 for a Citation Ultra from San Jose International (SJC) to St. Maarten Island, Princess Julianna International (SXM)
From $19,000 for a Citation X from Miami Opa-Locka Executive (OPF) to St. Maarten Island, Princess Julianna International (SXM)

Victor Picks:

Charter the 90-ft Lauren L Megayacht that sleeps up to 40 guests, has 3 glorious VIP cabins measuring 48 square meters each, a helipad, a library, multiple sundecks, a saloon with grand piano, steam room, master office, large conference room, Lido bar and formal dining room.

Belmond La Samanna St. Martin:

When your sea legs are ready for solid ground, head for the Belmond La Samanna with its palatial, oceanfront four-bedroom villas with private terraces, pools, and chef’s kitchens. Situated on the island’s loveliest beach with numerous dining options and the endless ocean just outside your window, there’s little reason to leave.

St. Thomas

Nestled in the turquoise waters between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, St. Thomas is the westernmost of the U.S. Virgin Islands and a perfect point of embarkation for any Caribbean sailing adventure. Make a beeline from your private jet to the Yacht Haven Grande and climb aboard a luxury vessel to set sail for even bluer waters. Marvel at the neighboring British Virgin Islands, volcanic formations now green and lush thrusting up from the ocean floor. Explore the Baths of Virgin Gorda, where exotic pools and hidden grottoes abound. Seek out the real Treasure Island as you snorkel through the caves of Norman Island. Sail to sparkling Marina Cay, or just drop anchor, dive in, luxuriate in the sun, and repeat.

Fly with Victor:
From $30,000 for a Hawker 1000 from Teterboro (TEB) to St. Thomas Island Cyril E. King, Virgin Islands (STT)
From $78,000 for a GIV from San Jose International (SJC) to St. Thomas Island Cyril E. King, Virgin Islands (STT)
From $22,000 for a Learjet 60 from Miami Opa-Locka Executive (OPF) to St. Thomas Island Cyril E. King, Virgin Islands (STT)

Victor Picks:

Set sail to your own private island. Actually, it’s Richard Branson’s private island but can be yours for a sum. Hire the entire Necker Island, complete with housing for 32, and see what transpires. Choose from an assortment of Bali-meets-BVI architectural gems including the nine-bedroom Great House, six Balinese homes, the Temple House and the Love Temple. From floating sushi bars to styled-out parties, to kite surfing, to shipwreck, reef and night diving, to pampering spa treatments the Necker Island staff delivers a world-class experience worthy of someone who owns an island.

*Feature image courtesy of Virgin Limited Edition