St Lucia - Profile
Facts
- Saint Lucia is part of the Windward Islands and a good base from which to explore the rest of the Lesser Antilles.
- Cruising attractions include excellent facilities at Rodney Bay Marina in the north and in the well-protected port of the capital Castries, the scenic anchorage of Soufrière Bay overlooked by The Grand and Petit Pitons and the delightful, yet crowded, landlocked harbour of Marigot Bay.
- The government has actively encouraged the establishment of yachting related businesses, aiming to make Saint Lucia one of the prime yachting centres in the Caribbean.
- Getting work done here: Rodney Bay has a well-service boatyard. Good electrical, mechanical and electronic contractors, several of whom work as service agents for major manufacturers. Note that the Christmas period is a busy time with plenty of public holidays, so it's advisable to schedule work outside of this time.
- Provisioning: Reasonable value for money. Many imported US products. Fresh produce markets in main towns and supermarkets near all ports.
Security
Although there have been reports of boardings and theft from yachts in Saint Lucia, this island is much-like the rest of the Caribbean where petty theft is increasing (see Piracy 2014 reports for more details).
Cruisers should take basic safety precautions and use common sense when leaving the boat or going ashore at night. This includes securing all hatches and doors and stowing anything of value.
Dinghy and outboard thieves operate throughout the Caribbean, and on this Island are particularly active in the Reduit Beach area, Rodney Bay. Best advice is to place your dinghy and outboard on deck and chain them overnight.
When going ashore, day or night, sensible precautions are always required. Cruisers have reported purse snatching attempts in broad daylight in January 2014.
Daytime burglaries were reported in 2011 and in 2012 by cruisers leaving their boats at anchor in Vieux Fort while travelling to the airport to check-in with immigration and/or collect guests from arriving flights. It is recommended that a crew member be left onboard at all times. Sadly, a British cruiser was killed defending his wife against armed boarders in Vieux Fort in January 2014. See report. This port should be avoided.
This news report indicates that efforts are being made by the Saint Lucia Police Force to improve security for yachts on the west coast. See news report.
Free Cruising Guides have completed the Caribbean Security Index (CSI) review of 2013 and updated the country ratings. The latest update of the CSI contains new information that may be important to you to “route around crime.”
See this report athttp://www.noonsite.com/General/Piracy/caribbean-crime-caribbean-security-index-csi-review-of-2013
Check the Noonsite Piracy Pages and the Caribbean Safety Net for information on the current situation.
The Caribbean Safety and Security Net (safetyandsecuritynet@gmail.com) gather information by anchorage or by island, so sailors can plan their cruising in the Caribbean with an eye to appropriate behaviour and precautions wherever they decide to go. Should you have suffered a boarding, robbery or attack on your yacht or have information about a yachting-related security incident, go to the CSSN homepage and click on the "Report an Incident" icon. The associated form is quick and simple to complete and ensures that all the necessary details are reported. The CSSN is the most comprehensive source of Caribbean security incidents against sailors on the net. Remember, it is every cruiser's responsibility to ensure that incidents are reported.
Last updated October 2014.
Weather
The island has constant trade winds with only minor differences through the year. December to June is the best time of year, when it is less humid, and there is no risk of hurricanes. The hurricane season is from June to November.
Weather information for Saint Lucia and the Windward Isles : http://www.caribwx.com
For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page.
Main Ports
Castries * , Marigot Bay * , Rodney Bay * , Soufriere * , Vieux Fort *
* indicates port of entry
