A BUSINESS & FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVE
The traditional Caribbean season runs from mid November to Easter or the end of April, Antigua Sailing Week is timed to form a natural finale to the season as yachts, both Power & Sail, prepare to head back to the Mediterranean or up to Florida and the East Coast
WHY????
The usual answer is that there is charter income to be earned in the Mediterranean. True, but does this really cover the cost of 2 Atlantic crossings?
Probably. But does it also cover the cost of sitting in expensive Mediterranean or Florida marinas between charters?
Possibly. What if you could pick up a few weeks charter in the Caribbean? How many weeks' charter would be needed to cover any small change left in the above maths? Not many!
The period from mid-April to mid-June provides the quietest and most stable weather pattern of the entire Caribbean year. The risk of tropical systems is practically zero. The average wind speed is already down to 13 knots and the rainfall levels are similar to those in February & March. You can reasonably expect one, two or three weeks' charter in this period and in early November.
Suddenly the mathematics changes.
Some basic figures for a 40 metre motoryacht:
Berthing in Marigot: US$4,290 per month.
Berthing in Port Camille Rayon: US$14,794 per month.
Saving May - November: US$52,010
Fuel Cost 2 x Atlantic Crossings: US$NNN,NNN
Wear & tear / Servicing: US$NNN,NNN
BUT WE CANNOT GET THE WORK DONE....
Over the last 3 summers, 6 different large motor yachts have spent their summers in Marigot.
1 undertook a full generator refit, shore mains upgrade and partial teak deck replacement
1 had an entire hull respray and conversion to dual frequency electrical compatibility
1 undertook all repair, servicing and upgrades for change of flag & class approval
1 had extensive modifications & reinforcement to the transom platform to enable an increase in size of her towing tender.
2 enjoyed themselves!
With the exception of the generator refit all work was undertaken by Marigot Bay residents at labour charges a fraction of those found anywhere in the Mediterranean.
THINK AGAIN, STAY IN THE CARIBBEAN THIS SUMMER