St Martin
From CruisersWiki
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====Cruising the region==== | ====Cruising the region==== | ||
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==Charts== | ==Charts== |
Revision as of 07:12, 16 June 2011
Saint-Martin
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to Saint-Martin.
Also see Sint Maarten
Overview
The island of St. Martin is split between the French Guadeloupe and the Dutch Netherlands Antilles. It is one of the smallest land masses divided between two countries. The northern, French side of the island is known as Saint-Martin, and is 20 square miles. The southern, Dutch side of the island is known as Sint Maarten, and is 13 square miles. To avoid confusion between the three variations on the name, the two regions are commonly referred to as the French side and the Dutch side.
Although this island is owned by two countries, there is no real borderline. There are only monuments and signs that delineate the border. Over 350 years ago the two countries decided that residents of either country could travel across both sides of the border without worrying about any trouble. The two countries live peacefully without difficulties which increases tourism. Any separation is more from separate and dissimilar utilities systems, e.g., power on French side is 250V 50 Hz, while the Netherlands side is 110/120 60 Hz.
The Dutch side is much more heavily developed than the French. There are high rise condominiums and waterfront communities. The language on this side of the island is English and the de facto currency is the US dollar. Note that grocery stores and other local businesses may have prices expressed in Netherlands Antilles Florins (NAF). The US dollar will be gladly accepted at these establishments as well.
The French side consists of the Northern two-thirds of the island. It is governed by the neighboring island of Guadeloupe, and is more European than the Dutch. The native language is French and it has the same guiding laws as France. There are no casinos on the French side. It is less developed than the Dutch side, but contains more of the island's natural wonders. Beauty abounds on the island, with bluffs overlooking pretty harbors, sandy-cliffed beaches or just tranquil rocky coves where fish provide the beauty. Neither country, and side of the island would be able to stand on its own without the other.
Cruising the region
See Lesser Antilles and Netherlands Antilles
Charts
Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of local radio Nets.
Weather
Local weather details?
Sources for weather forecasts.
Navigation Details? Permissions for entry?
Simpson Bay Drawbridge
Details?
Sandy Ground Bridge
Details?
Immigration
NOTE: St Martin is part of the French overseas department of Guadeloupe.
- You are allowed a stay of up to 3 months.
- Visas are required by citizens of Bolivia, Haiti, Honduras, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Turkey and Australia, South Africa, Dominica, St Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. Any non-EU citizen staying longer than three months, needs an extended visa (see the official French website section on Overseas Departments).
Customs
St Martin is a "Duty-Free" territory.
- Firearms and ammunition MUST be declared on arrival.
- PETS - Pets must have a valid Health Certificate, issued by a Veterinarian, dated less than 10 days prior to departure. Dogs and cats need a valid anti-rabies vaccination certificate given at least 30 days prior to arrival St Martin and must have been administered within the previous 12 months).
Check-in facilities
See each port.
Fees and Charges
- Check-in fee = Euro 20 (Jan'09)
- Check-out fee = Euro 5 (Jan'09)
- Criusing permit/anchoring fee = 0.35 cents per meter (vessel). (Jan'09)
Ports and Popular Stops
- Anse Marcel (Port of entry)
- Marigot Bay (Port of entry)
- Oyster Pond (Port of entry)
Health and Security
?
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Submit Marina details.
Anchorages
List details of all safe anchorages in the area.
Tourism & things to do ashore
List places of interest, tours, eateries, etc.
Marine stores/Yards
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Routes to/from
Popular routes, timing, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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