The ABC Islands, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, occupy the southern Caribbean beyond the reach of most Atlantic hurricanes, and their steady northeast trade winds make them a natural sailing destination. The passages between islands are generally comfortable, with seas running two to three metres on open crossings and flatter conditions in the lee of each island. Bonaire in particular has become a benchmark destination for sailing charters seeking quiet anchorages, world-class shore diving, and the kind of unhurried pace that a sailing schedule allows.
Sailing yacht charters in the ABC Islands typically involve sloops, ketches, or performance cruisers between 20 and 35 metres, crewed by two to four professionals. Catamarans offer the draft advantage in Bonaire’s shallow anchorages and the stability for guests who prefer minimal heel on passage. The trade winds run dependably from the northeast at 15 to 20 knots across most of the year, producing fast reaches between islands.
Weekly charter rates for sailing yachts in the region range from around 30,000 to 120,000 euros. The advance provisioning allowance covers food, drink, fuel for the tender and engine, marina fees, and Bonaire’s marine park entry levy, which is paid per person. Provisioning is most convenient in Aruba and Curacao.
Typical sailing itineraries begin with an arrival in Curacao and a night at anchor in the Spanish Water Lagoon, a sheltered bay southeast of Willemstad with easy dinghy access to shore restaurants. The passage to Bonaire covers around 35 nautical miles on a comfortable beam reach. At Bonaire, anchoring off Kralendijk is the standard base, with afternoon dinghy trips to the dive sites along the western coast. A day sail to Klein Bonaire adds a circumnavigation of the protected islet reef. The return leg to Aruba, roughly 70 nautical miles, can be broken with a night at Klein Curacao.
