Curacao sits in the southern Caribbean trades and benefits from the same consistent east-northeast winds that make Bonaire such a reliable sailing destination. The island is positioned well south of the hurricane belt, making it a year-round sailing base, and its combination of protected western anchorages and more demanding windward passages gives sailors of different experience levels the conditions they prefer. A crewed sailing yacht here is one of the most versatile ways to explore an island whose best beaches and reefs are accessible only from the water.
The sailing fleet available for charter in and around Curacao includes traditional monohull sloops and ketches as well as modern performance catamarans. Catamarans suit families and larger groups, with wide deck space and multiple cabins, while monohulls appeal to sailors who want to feel the wind in the rig. Vessels range from 18 to 30 metres, and crews of two to four are the norm.
Weekly charter rates for sailing yachts in this region start from approximately 25,000 euros for a well-crewed performance sloop and rise to 150,000 euros for a large ocean-going catamaran. An advance provisioning allowance of around 30 per cent covers food, fuel, berthing and beverages. The best sailing conditions coincide with the high season, December through April.
From Curacao, a sailing itinerary naturally extends to the full ABC Islands circuit. Bonaire lies 70 kilometres to the east, a comfortable overnight or day sail, while Aruba sits 130 kilometres to the northwest. Closer to hand, the crossing to the Spanish Water lagoon on the eastern end of the island is one of the most satisfying daysails in the southern Caribbean.
