Hello. I was wondering if anyone has been on the Passaat and if so, how did you like it? Or if there is another one you may prefer to this one? Thank you!! Hubby and I's first trip to SXM arriving on Mar. 4th and we are very excited!!

We have done several lunch sails (doing one in less than 2 weeks again, March 7) on the Passaat and also a sunset cruise. Really nice people who run it and they do a nice job. Food is good and you are not crowded. I would highly recommend the Passaat.

You arrive just prior to Heineken Regatta so I would not wait too long to book. They do some special Regatta sails and may not be running their regular schedule. If you are interested in the lunch sail, see if they have any more room on March 7 and join our group.

Ruralcarrier,

It's been a while since we've done the Passaat dinner cruise but the first thing I remember about it was, just like their day sail and their sunset cruise, it was a lovely sail. With regard to the dinner portion, I may be confusing trips here, but I seem to recall dinner was actually served after we returned and anchored back in Simpson Bay, right? (Too many glasses of wine perhaps?) But I think we've done either three or four trips on the Passaat and we've never been disappointed yet. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

No idea on that pat as we have never done dinner on the Passaat. For lunch you eat at anchor in Long Bay.

Thank you for the information!! I am guessing that is the Day Sail that is from 11-3:30. Thank you also for inviting us to join your group. That is very kind. And I just may take you up on the offer. I see you have been to the island many times, so it would be great to chat with someone of your experience!!

Thank you as well Pat! You are correct. The dinner is after you return, according to their site. While sailing and sunset, you have some cocktails and small bites. And I am one that appreciates a nice spicey, dry red wine!!

Yes, that is the time and they dingy picks you up at Skipjacks restaurant in Simpson Bay. If you contact them mention you are with the TTOL group of Cheryl and JD. You are more than welcome to join us if there is availability. We have 8 going and have all done it before and been on the island multiple times. There is a chance to swim/snorkel prior to lunch also.

Once again, thank you so much! How long does it take to get there from Orient? We are staying at a private studio located in Palm Court Hotel. I know this is a different subject and can be moved if need be. Ruralcarrier, any thoughts on this rental? or should I say, the PCH in general.

No idea on that particular rental as I have always stayed on the Dutch side.

There are 3 ships in port on Tuesday, March 7 so traffic should not be too bad. I would allow 45 minutes minimum, but to be safe, go with an hour as you don't want to miss the boat! You can always check out the Simpson Bay area, go the the St. Martin Yacht Club for a drink or breakfast, grab a pastry in the area or just enjoy the view at the drawbridge. You should be able to park across the road from Skipjacks.

I just talked to Mirian, and she is going to be sending you an email stating she has to change your sail to Wednesday if that works for you all. She said her husband has a doctors appointment that he can not miss. I went ahead and put our names down just in case you all decide to move your sail date. Please let me know what you decide to do . I would really appreciate it.

Ok and thanks. I am pretty sure we will still go but we have 3 others arriving that day so we might have to work around that. I will keep you posted but it should still all work out.

You are welcome. And again, thanks for the invite. Mirian gave me a discount for mentioning your group! Nice! I really look forward to meeting with you all!! And appreciate all the great information on here. I have read tons of pages and have learned a lot. I asked about the Passaat because I really did not see any post on it. Thanks again, I am so excited!!

Thank you and you are quite welcome. The Passat does a decent business and has a loyal following and they also attract new people. Seems they come up every 2-3 months when someone asks about the ship. It is a very unique old sailing ship. Last year they had a young yellow Lab onboard and I am hoping it will be there this year.

That is one thing that attracted me to the ship, it's history and age. My husband and I love and appreciate history. Oh, and the pup, well that is just a plus as I am a dog lover!! Animal lover in general!

The ship does have a lot of history and you can learn all about it when doing the sail. Dog person here also so it is nice to have a dose of a Lab when I am away from mine. The ship is moored in front of Royal Palm so we can see it every day as that is where we stay.

Very nice, far as your stay. I will have to check it out for future stay! And as I said, dog person as well, and it helps to have a little canine on crew to help a little from missing my own!

Nice chatting with you tonight!! I will watch for updates on a Wednesday sail, since Tuesday is no longer available.

Thanks and likewise. I contacted the person in our group who made the arrangements. Safe travels.

If you see a "flashing envelope" on your TTOL screen, click on it to open a private message.

A thought if you are driving from Orient - we print and bring a copy of the causeway and both bridge opening times for the glove box, otherwise we never seem to remember

Here is a link - note, extra openings during Regatta wk
https://www.marinafortlouis.com/bridge-opening-times.html

Enjoy your stay we are the 1st 2 full wks of Mar in Orient Village.
J&B

Thank you for the link J&B. That will be very helpful as we travel around SXM!! Maybe we will see you guys there!! I will keep an eye out for that "flashing envelope"!

I sent you a private message last night.

There is also a possibility of a slight time change for the lunch sail on Wednesday as there is a conflict with 3 people of our group arriving that day. Not for sure yet but Mirian is looking into setting out 1 hour earlier so we can be back to pick the new arrivals up at the airport. I am sure she will contact you or I will let you know when I know.

Thank you. Yes, I received the message, and thank you. I am fine with any changes you may need to do in order to accommodate your friends. Just let me know and we will be there. Looking very forward to the sail!!

It is my understanding there was one other couple (other than you and our group of 8) scheduled and Mirian needs to clear it with them. Right now there are a total of 12 people signed up.

The 3 people arriving that day have never been to the island so we hate to leave them at the airport or ask them to take a taxi.

I am easy going and am just looking forward to the vacation in SXM. Whatever works best for your guest so that they have a good experience is what matters. I fine with changing time or date. We will be arriving on the 4th and departing late afternoon on the 11th. Wish we could stay longer, but we are business owners and can only stay away but so long.