Essential Information

• Address & Map
• Arrrival & Departures
• Sailing Information
• Banks & Money Exchange
• General Information
• Electrical, Phones & Music
• Activities
• Provisioning
• Health & Safety

Address & map

Address

SPARKLING CHARTER
Port de Plaisance
97290 Le Marin
Martinique
French West Indies

Tel. + (596) (0) 5 96 74 66 39
Fax + (596) (0) 5 96 74 71 89

Location

Located in the heart of the Caribbean archipelago, Martinique is one of the Windward islands in the Lesser Antilles group.
Sunsail’s Preferred Partner Sparkling Charter has its base at Le Marin, a 40 minute ride from the airport. The marina is set at the end of a beautiful lagoon and boasts all the facilities you could wish for.

Base Open Hours

The Base is open 8.00 am to 5.30 pm, 6 days a week. On Sundays, from 08.00 am to 12.0 pm.  It is closed on December 25 and on January 1^st.

Base/Shore Facilities

The Sparkling Charter base is in a small marina complex at Le Marin, with  provisioning, water & diesel,  Facilities Ice, Showers, Laundry, Bar & Restaurants, diving center, car rental (Avis, Europcar), shops.

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Arrivals & Departures

Airport

Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport is the international airport of Martinique in the French West Indies. Located in Le Lamentin near the capital Fort de France.

Facilities at the airport include:  Police, customs, baggage claim, pharmacy, medical center, vaccination bureau, disabled facilities, tobacconist, bank, money changing, souvenir shops, tax-free shopping, gift shop, florist, hairdresser, car rentals, taxi, parking, restaurants, cafés and bars.

Internal Flight information

Airawak and SVG Air operate a private charter service from The Grenadines (St Vincent, Union) to Martinique. LIAT and AIR CARAIBES operate in the Caribbean islands.Contact us for flight arrangements.

Transfers

We may organize and reserve your transfer to the base (payment at the Sparkling charter base or on contract).
In case of late arrival, the taxi driver will take you directly to the boat.
From the airport to the base in Le Marin marina:
from 1 to 5 passengers : 65 €
6 passeners or more: 13 € per person

Luggage

We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.

Passport and Visas

Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return.

Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.

It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. Sunsail cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.

Customs and Immigration

In Martinique customs clearance is free but mandatory. There is no departure tax in Martinique.

Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear Immigration and Customs.
A landing card will be given to you on the plane, along with a Customs declaration form. It is not possible to take fresh food into most Caribbean islands and airlines will assume no liability for perishable articles that may be confiscated by Customs.

On Arrival

Your boat is ready to welcome you. Beds are prepared, linens at your disposal (towels, dish towels, etc) and provisioning onboard if you have preordered it.
Depending on your time of arrival, the base manager will welcome you or will leave the boat open for you.

Formalities

The day following your arrival, the skipper has to get the boat papers from Sparkling Charter before customs clearance (customs opening hours : from 07h30 till 12h30). After verifying the boat inventories, the technical check out will be done with a technician.

Insurance & Deposit

All our boats are insured against all risks for yachting with an excess depending on the boat value.
The corresponding deposit is to be paid upon embarkation (cash or Visa, Mastercard).
By taking the surrender of excess insurance (obligatory with a skipper), you partially reduce the excess and only a residual deposit of 765 € is to be left upon embarkation.
Special conditions in case of participation in regatta. Please consult us.
Cancellation insurance may be offered.

On Departure

At the end of your charter your yacht will need to be vacated by 11 am so you must return to the base the day before by 5 pm.
Before departing your boat you will need to debrief and do a return inventory with a technician and fill an evaluation form from reception. At the end of each charter, a diver checks the hull.
The evaluation and debriefing are to let us know if you encountered any problems with the boat or broke anything during your trip, this enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.

Please place gather your used linens for return inventory, empty all cupboards and fridges of food and throw away any opened items, return snorkel gear and any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sparkling Charter in a clean and tidy state. We reserve the right to charge clients for boats left less than shipshape.

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Sailing Information

Available Fleet & Specs

Sailing Licences

Although no sailing licences are required for cruising in Martinique, we strongly advise that you take any sailing certification on vacation with you. This may be useful should you be contacted by Customs or Port Police. Prior to your arrival at the base, the skipper and 1st Mate will be required to fill in a Sailing resume to confirm that you have the necessary skills..The skipper must be 21 year old minimum.

Mooring Fees and Taxes

You will have to pay cruising taxes while sailing in St. Vincent, St. Lucia, and the Grenadines.
They are as follows: - Cruising Tax/Month permit: $0.75/ ft. of yacht.
Departure Tax: US$4 per person per island (except St. Lucia).
St. Lucia Departure Tax: $11 per person.
Tobago Cay’s: A new daily tax: US$ 3.7 per pax.
The Windward Islands are actually 4 separate countries:
Martinique (part of France)
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines (south to PSV)
Grenada (including Carriacou and Petit Martinique)
Each Island has its own customs regulations and you will find it necessary to ‘clear’ both in and out of customs at an official location for each territory.

Area & Sailing

Sailing Conditions

Martinique is a Level 3 sailing area
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area.  Follow the link for more information on the sailing conditions.

Cruising Permits

Each national territory, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent, the Grenadines & Grenada, charges fees. These are cruising permits, harbor dues and custom clearance fees. Average cost to a 45ft yacht with 6 people on a 2 week charter is approximately US$100 (£60). Some marinas/moorings charge a fee of about US$15-20 (£6-9).

Night Time Sailing

Night Sailing is not permitted without permission from the base manager, to be arranged in advance by filling the sailing resume; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.

Cruising Area Limits

Navigation zone permitted: 19°N-9°N / 58°W-68°W. From the BVI to Venezuela,Los Roques, Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao, excluding Cuba and Haiti.
Venezuela, Los Roques, Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao are unusual navigation zones for bareboat charterers.
It is strictly forbidden to sail alone. Two persons minimum on board.

Charts & Pilot Book

All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht. We also recommend the Sailors Guide to the Windward Islands: Martinique to Grenada by Chris Doyle.

Skippered Charter Information

The skippers is booked from 12:00pm to 11:00am in 24 hours period. He will welcome you on board if you arrive after the base is closed..come on board The next morning, he will help you with check out procedures and inventories.
The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. He is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of his contract with you.

For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the check out skipper’s time is booked from 5:00pm to 4:00pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day. This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy and a chart briefing.

The skipper will be required to give you as much information as you require concerning the yacht and its systems, sailing skills and navigation in general.

The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and are the responsibility of the client.
The skipper must have his own cabin. We prefer not to put the skipper in the bow due to the shared heads and size of the cabin. If you expect him to stay in the bow, please let us know well in advance so that we can choose the appropriate (small) skipper.

For one-day check out skipper’s it is your responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay for his expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him back to the base.

The average tip for a skipper is 15-20% percent of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at your discretion.

More information on Skippered Charter Options

Fuel

Located at the base
Fuel about 1.5 € per liter

Cool Boxes

Cool boxes are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign these out and return them clean and undamaged otherwise you will be charged for replacement. Only one per boat.

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Banks & Money Exchange

Currency

As part of France, Martinique is part of the European Union, and its currency is the Euro

Bank

Banks open weekdays from 7.30am-4pm. There are banks and an ATM based in Marin.

Credit Card Information

Credit cards can be used for payment in larger establishments and restaurants.

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General Information

Language

The language is French, Creole and English is also widely spoken.

Cost of living in Martinique

Two-course lunch for 2 at a mid range restaurant is approximately 50€ (without drinks).  A bottle of beer is approximately 2€.  A bottle of wine is approximately 18€.

Eating Out

Martinique has a hybrid cuisine, mixing elements of African, French, Carib Amerindian and South Asian traditions.

Restaurants

Restaurants open at approximately 9am and finish serving at 9pm.

Marin Mouillage: close to the base, 8 mn walking distance serves Creole and French cuisine.
Ti Toques: located next to the base, 5 mn walking distance , serves fine French and Creole cuisine.

Restaurants closed during September – Low Season
If you are looking to travel in low season we would advise you that you will have a limited choice of restaurants to eat ashore and to provision accordingly. This would be a perfect time of year to enjoy a BBQ off the back of their boat.

Tipping

Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants / bars and for other services undertaken during your holiday. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15% of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this onto the bill.

Shopping

Shops open 8am-6pm (Mon/Sat), however, most are closed on Sundays. Supermarkets open 9am - 1pm on Sundays.

CARREFOUR MARKET, located in Le Marin, offers a wide variety of produce and baked goods. Opening hours: 8:30AM-7:30PM Mon-Sat, 8:30AM-12:30PM Sun.
ED located near the marina, offers a wide variety of produce and baked goods. Opening hours: 8:30AM-7:30PM Mon-Sat, 8:30AM-12:30PM Sun

Martinique enjoys a higher standard of living than most other Caribbean countries. The finest French products are easily available (perfume, etc…). Original Creole jewellery, bamboo objects, wood sculptures, baskets, pottery and Creole dolls dressed in madras... just to name a few of the handcrafted souvenirs that can be found in the boutiques or in local markets in Fort-de-France, Le Marin or St Pierre.

Hotels

Located 300m from the base:
“Résidence des Iles”
Quartier Mondesir,
Le Marin 97290, Martinique
Tél: + 596 (0)596 740234 Fax: + 596 (0)596 749890
www.residence-des-iles-martinique.com
Self-catering and studio apartments includes, telephone, fax, pool and car rental.

Pierre & Vacances : rooms and apartments
Quartier Desert
97228 Ste Luce
Located in Ste Luce, 20 mn drive from the base

Tel 05 96 62 12 62 - Fax 05 96 62 12 63
E mail reservation : snoleo@pierre-vacances.fr SUV@pierreetvacances.com odelor@pierre-vacances.fr

Karibea La Valmeniere Hotel
Avenue des Arawaks - 97200 Fort-de-France
Martinique - Antilles Françaises
Tél: + 596 (0) 596 75 75 75
Fax: + 596 (0) 596 75 69 70
50km from the base, near the airport, includes restaurant, bar, swimming pool, car rental, Jacuzzi.

Bakoua Hotel
La Pointe du Bout
97229 Les Trois Ilets
Martinique
Tel: 05 96 66 02 02
Fax: 05 96 66 00 41
This former colonial mansion boasts 139 rooms including 3 that are wheelchair accessible, 2 restaurants, Chateaubriand and Sirene, pool, direct beach access, diving club, tennis court, car rental Wi-Fi internet access, golf, tennis and horse-riding.

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Electrical, Phones & Music

Electricity

The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. All Sparkling Charter boats are equipped with inverters 12V/220 to use electronic equipment that is 220v.

Cell phones

It is advisable to bring your cell phone, and to ensure prior to travelling that you have international roaming.

Music/Ipods

All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player, and some with an Ipod plug-in. If you wish to listen to your IPOD whilst sailing you will need to bring along an I-trip or FM radio transmitter.

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Activities

Car hire

Ranges from $US50 to US$80 per day.
You must be 2 andyour current driving license must have been valid for at least 3 years.
Driving is on the right.

Watersports

Diving

Paradis Plongee
Club Nautique du Marin, Bassin Tortue
97290 Le Marin
Tel: +33 6 96 34 56 10
Email: remi@paradisplongee.com

Snorkeling

We have a range of snorkeling gear which you may wish to use. We are limited on children’s sizes so if you have your own you may wish to bring them with you.

Deep Sea Fishing

The most popular catches in Martinique are tuna, barracuda, dolphin, kingfish and bonito. A good contact for charters is Yves Pélisson in Le Diamant whose two boats are Little Queeny and Maverick Too (Tel.76.24.20 / Fax.76.13.47). Marine Hotel (Tel.76.46.00) also in Diamant, organizes sport fishing trips, as does Caribtours (Tel.50.93.52). In Bellefontaine, Association Coup de Senne (Tel.55.13.88) can arrange for visitors to fish in typical island fashion with fishermen in Carbet. For surfcasting, best bets are Cap Macré, Cap Ferré and Cap Chevalier.

Walking

You can hike just about anywhere, even near resorts. Martinique has 31 marked trails that are maintained by the National Forest Service. In addition to the Route de la Trace, other exceptional routes and best-known trails include:
Canal de Beauregard knows as the Slave Canals
La Trace des Jesuites
La Trace des Caps
La randonnee Grand Riviere/Precheur

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Provisioning

Provisioning is available in this location.

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Health & Safety

Illness or Injury

If you are taken ill and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip contact Sparkling Charter as soon as possible on either a lead boat or at a Sunsail base or Club.
 If you need to make a claim for curtailment due to illness, ask the base manager for assistance and contact your insurer’s emergency medical service immediately.
Your insurance company will assist with travel arrangements, advice and payment of bills.  Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your claim

Safety

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets harnesses we leave it up to you to decide when personal safety equipment should be worn.
We have a limited supply of children’s life jackets (age 4+ only) if you have your own children’s life jacket we would encourage you to bring it along.
We suggest that children who are not strong swimmers should not be allowed in a dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and that they should wear a buoyancy aid or harness when on deck.   Children under the age of 16yrs should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

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