Inagua sits in the path of the Atlantic trade winds at the southern tip of the Bahamas, making it one of the most rewarding sailing destinations in the chain. The prevailing easterlies create ideal conditions for a blue-water passage from the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico, and the relative calm inside Man of War Bay allows a sailing yacht to anchor quietly once the passage is complete.
The Bahamas sailing fleet runs to around 55 published yachts, from elegant 30-metre sloops to larger ketch and schooner designs capable of blue-water passages. Many are comfortable passagemakers that handle the 450-mile run from Nassau or the crossing from the Greater Antilles without difficulty. Inagua rewards yachts with good upwind ability, as the return leg can be demanding.
Rates for sailing yacht charters in the Bahamas begin at around 50,000 euros per week for a smaller vessel and rise to approximately 250,000 euros for a larger crewed performance yacht. An advance provisioning allowance of roughly 30 percent covers food, fuel, berthing and drinks. The absence of marine services on the island makes provisioning in Nassau before departure essential.
The best itinerary pairs a trade wind passage from the Dominican Republic or Turks and Caicos with exploration of Hogsty Reef, then a run north through Long Island and the Exumas toward Nassau. Wind angles favour the return leg along the central Bahamas chain.
