31 Oct 2023

NAUTICA ASSISTANCE SETS SAIL IN THE CARIBBEAN YOUR CENTRAL AGENCY LOCATED IN SINT MAARTEN ISLAND

If you've come across our article, you're likely gearing up for an extended Caribbean season, which, as we all know, brings with it the allure of palm trees, beautiful beaches, and the sensation of charting the paths of pirates. However, it also brings a multitude of questions regarding the need for a central agent among the various islands.

Nautica Assistance has often positioned itself as a go-to for clients who have been using our services in the Mediterranean for years. Drawing upon the trust we've built over time, many of our clients have expressed a desire to have us support them in their Caribbean cruises.

In order to better serve our clients, we are very excited to announce that NA staff will be directly available in Sint Maarten island starting from December, for the entire Caribbean season, with a new office in Isle de Sol Marina, Dutch side. Since our first visit about 13 years ago, the island has become a second home for us, so this new opening comes as natural prosecution of what has been done in the past. In fact, while our presence in the Caribbean experienced a hiatus in recent years due to the pandemic and other calamities, we didn't halt our operations. We had a wonderful three-year stay on the island of Antigua and maintained continuous contact with various agents to ensure constant information flow, even during the pandemic. All of this has led us to further strengthen our overseas relationships.

Sint Maarten, situated in the Lesser Antilles, is definitely one of the main hubs for superyacht life in the Caribbean. The island boasts extensive facilities for superyachts. It features numerous marinas, with most of them nestled within the protected lagoon. Additionally, Sint Maarten has an international airport with daily connections to various European and American cities, making it a convenient hub for yacht arrivals and departures. Sint Maarten has the biggest general aviation of the Caribbean.

But what tips can prove vital when approaching a Caribbean season, and how might our support become essential during the winter season for you, whether you're a captain, chef, or head of a yacht department or a broker building up a new itinerary remember the below checklist.

Checklist to approach your yachting Caribbean season

1. Check Crew and Guest Visas: It's crucial to verify the visa requirements for both your crew and guests. Each Caribbean island has its own immigration laws, and some may demand specific visas. Obtaining visas can sometimes be a time-consuming process, so plan ahead to ensure compliance with local regulations.

2. Provisioning Considerations: Unlike Europe, not all supplies are readily accessible in the Caribbean. It's important to organize your provisioning lists well in advance, ensuring that you have everything you need for your journey, as restocking might not be as convenient on some remote islands. We will be happy to help, ensuring the best support locally from Sint Maarten.

3. Customs Duties: Most Caribbean islands impose customs duties on imported goods. This means you will typically require the services of a customs agent to navigate the process of clearing goods through customs. As agents we can help you understand and fulfill the specific requirements of each island.

4. Document Preparation: In the Caribbean, you'll need to go through customs, port authorities, and border police checks at each island. Make sure to have all passports (both crew and guests) readily accessible as they will be physically inspected during these checks. Enlisting the services of a professional agent can expedite this process and ensure compliance.

5. Passenger Tax: Be aware that many Caribbean islands levy a passenger tax on visiting vessels. This additional cost should be factored into your onboard budget to avoid any surprises.

6. Wind Conditions: Understanding the prevailing wind patterns is vital. In the Caribbean, the consistent easterly winds provide limited sheltered areas, especially in islands like Sint Maarten, St. Barth, Saba, and Anguilla. This knowledge can assist in planning your routes and choosing suitable anchorages. We will be happy to help to build the best itinerary with you.

7. Marina Facilities: The Caribbean's key marina facilities are primarily located in Sint Maarten and Antigua.

8. Technical Support and Shipyards: When it comes to technical support for yacht maintenance and repairs, Sint Maarten is recognized as a premier destination in the Caribbean. Nautica Assistance is well-positioned to provide valuable assistance in this regard. For major shipyard services, you'll find them primarily in Martinique, which offers comprehensive facilities for more extensive yacht projects.

9. Must-visit ports and marinas in the Caribbean: The Caribbean offers a treasure trove of picturesque ports and marinas. St. Barts, St. Lucia, Antigua, and the British Virgin Islands are popular stops for their beauty and vibrant yachting communities. For a more secluded experience, consider exploring the Grenadines or the Exumas in the Bahamas.

This detailed information should help you better navigate the intricacies of planning and executing your Caribbean route.

How Nautica Assistance can support your cruise in the Caribbean?

Where is the Nautica Assistance Office located in Sint Maarten?

Nautica Assistance is ready to set a new season into the stunning waters of the Caribbean, with a new dedicated hub. Our new office in Sint Maarten may become your Caribbean point of reference. Starting from December 2023 through mid-April 2024, our base camp will be at the Marina Isle De Sol, right by the Simpson Bay Bridge.

The marina is part of the IGY group and is essentially a paradise for superyachts.
The marina provides several facilities: you can expect a pool, a lively bar, tennis courts, a gym, and fun activities like billiards and ping pong, all right there in the marina complex.

At Nautica Assistance, our mission is to be there for you 24/7. We're not venturing into the Caribbean alone; we've partnered with a network of local experts who help us stay grounded where it matters most.

What does working with Nautica Assistance in the Caribbean mean to you?

Nautica Assistance can be your point of reference during your time in Sint Maarten or your central agency in the Caribbean, offering a wide range of services to enhance your yachting experience. These services include itinerary planning, handling all berth reservation and payments for the yacht, and managing your accounts with one trusted agency. We act as your go-to agency to ensure your yachting operations run smoothly and efficiently, allowing your crew to focus on delivering an exceptional experience to your guests. Whether you're exploring the Caribbean waters for the first time or are a seasoned sailor, we're here to make your route constantly supported. .

Being your central agency in the Caribbean means that we can handle a wide range of tasks, allowing your amazing crew to focus on delivering an exceptional experience to your guests. Here are some of the advantageous benefits of working with us:

Itinerary Planning: We'll plan the entire itinerary or itineraries for the whole period, so you don't have to stress about the details.

Financial Ease: We'll handle all the payments for the yacht in every location, giving you peace of mind. All your accounts will be managed by one trusted agency, simplifying your finances.

One Go-To Agency: You'll have one agency to rely on all the time. We can be your one number referent point that will ensure everything runs as smoothly as if we were there in person.

Provisions support: We can handle all aspects of provisioning and supply management for your yacht, ensuring that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable journey in the Caribbean. We work with local suppliers and can accommodate your specific preferences. Working as your central provisioner in the Caribbean we will make sure that all your provision orders are handled wherever your route will bring you, through local support in Sint Maarten and with shipment to the islands.

Constant concierge support: Nautica Assistance, not only provides exceptional central agency services but also aims to equip you with all the information you need to make your Caribbean yachting experience pampered as ever.

How can I learn more about Nautica Assistance's pricing and service packages in the Caribbean?

To get detailed information about our pricing and service packages in the Caribbean, please reach out to our team at our Sint Maarten office. We'll be happy to discuss your specific needs and provide you with a tailored proposal that aligns with your yachting plans in the Caribbean. Our team is based at the Marina Isle De Sol, and we are available for in-person meetings, calls, and emails. We also offer 24/7 support to ensure that you can contact us whenever you need assistance during your yachting journey in the Caribbean. Please write to us at info@nayacht.com.