“Rum is the Answer...What was the Question?”
The Classic Rum Cruise is a “Cruise in Company”, staged every year, which visits the Caribbean Windward Islands of Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes, Marie Galante, Dominica, Martinique and St. Lucia.
Overview
Originally conceived and researched by Paul and Marguerite Jackson of s/y “Mackenzi”, Jolly Harbour, Antigua, 2011 will be the 4th edition of this superb, island hopping, rum sampling and exploration cruise. The main aim is to provide an insight into the development of rum distillation, throughout the island chain, over the many years since the Caribbean became the centre of rum production. Both historic and modern distilleries are visited to show that while the chemistry hasn’t changed, the recipes and methods of production certainly have! Many distinct blends will be sampled throughout the cruise with ample opportunity to acquire a bottle or two of your favourites!
The Classic Rum Cruise is not just about rum. Participants will get plenty of time for island exploration, diving and snorkelling, individually or in groups, plus daily socialising with fellow cruisers. Many new places will be discovered, and many new friends will be made over regular sun downer “Ti Punches”!
Dates & Locations
In 2011, the Classic Rum Cruise starts on Thursday, May 5th as the fleet sets sail from Antigua and heads for the beautiful anchorage of Deshaies, Guadeloupe. See Itinerary for full details of the 14 days that follow before the cruise ends on Thursday, May 19th at the final destination of Marigot Bay, St. Lucia. Along the way, guided tours are organised at the Domaine de Bellevue and Rhum Bielle Distilleries on Marie Galante, the Macoucherie Distillery on Dominica, the Chateau Depaz Distillery at St.Pierre, Martinique, and the St. Lucia Distillers near Marigot Bay.
The timing of the event is ideal for those heading south for hurricane season. There is no need to return to Antigua when it is all over. You will be ideally located to simply continue your cruising down island to your chosen “hurricane hole” destination before the season begins in June.
The Classic Rum Cruise is lead by Miramar Sailing Ltd, a well established Antiguan crewed charter business, under the leadership of its proprietors Brian & Pippa (see www.miramarsailing.com). Participation is being offered at a very reasonable cost and places are filling fast. The following pages will explain why this is a “Cruise in Company” to remember and why you shouldn’t miss out!
The Classic Rum Cruise is for everyone!
You do not have to be a seasoned sailor to enjoy the delights of this cruise. Brian & Pippa welcome guests to join them at any stage of their journey south to Grenada, for as many or as few days, as they wish. They have 2 double cabins available for up to 4 guests at the very affordable rate of US$295 per cabin/day. If you would like further information on any aspect of the Classic Rum Cruise and the full itinerary please Contact Us.
Qualifying Criteria for Yacht Skippers
Yacht Skippers should be seasoned Cruisers with good seamanship skills and, among other things, experience of customs & immigration procedures, sailing in Atlantic Ocean conditions and anchoring. Yachts must be in sound condition equipped with working VHF radio, safety equipment, at least one GPS and nautical paper charts of the proposed sailing grounds. Skippers must be capable of maintaining their yachts without supervision and carry sufficient parts to enable repairs. Crews and guests should not exceed the maximum accommodation comfort level for the yacht.