Boring but Important

Additional Costs 💸

We want every guest to be free to explore and discover the amazing places we visit at their own leisure. As a result, there are some additional costs on the event, which we have estimated for here.

Yacht Insurance and Security Deposit ⛵

Please note, security deposits in Martinique can be paid in cash or by card.

A fully comprehensive hull and yacht insurance is issued by the charter company and is covered by a yacht security deposit paid by you to the charterer. Log-in to your booking to see your yacht security deposit amount. Insurance papers should be stored with the yacht documents and should be with the client at all times when on the yacht. The yacht security deposit is used to pay for damage and losses not arising from normal wear and tear and not covered by the hull insurance. When the yacht is returned it will be checked and, if everything is in order, the yacht security deposit will be refunded.

In the case of an accident the client/skipper must call the yachting company and nearest harbour master’s office (the yachting company provides the phone numbers) to make a report. If it is the fault of a third party then insurance will cover damages.

Personal Travel Insurance

By booking with us, you are not covered by a personal travel insurance policy. It is your responsibility to have personal travel insurance for the duration of your trip and that it covers activities such as sailing. We highly recommend that all guests purchase such a policy.

Customs and Immigration

Please visit VisaHQ to check what documents and visas you might need to enter the country. Remember to include the countries that you might travel through to get to your final destination as well.

Weather

Expect temperatures between 22°C and 28°C (72°F - 82°F) and water temperatures averaging 27°C (80.6°F).

Time Zone

Martinique and St Lucia are on Atlantic Standard Time (SST) GMT-4

Personal Safety

All The Yacht Week events are extremely safe. However, as you will find yourselves in unfamiliar surroundings, we recommend that you follow some basic precautions:

• Lock your yachts when you leave and store expensive possessions
• Remain with other TYW guests and staff whenever possible
• Avoid parties and venues not on the itinerary or recommended by TYW
• No one wants to leave a party alone, get 3-4 friends to go with you.
• When travelling by taxi or water taxi, make sure you travel in groups of 3-4

In an emergency, we have means to contact authorities and the coast guard to quickly address any issues.

Hospital

MARTINIQUE
Hospital Center University Of Fort De France
Fort-de-France 97200
Martinique
Tel: +596 596 751575

ST LUCIA
Tapion Hospital
Tapion Rd
Castries
St Lucia
Tel: +1 758-459-2000

Electricity

The yachts use DC power on 220 (rather than the typical US 110 volts AC power) volts and are good to charge camera batteries, cell phones, iPods and other devices when the yacht is connected to shore power. If you have any items that use a cigarette lighter plug, they will work when sailing. Otherwise, yacht charter companies may have some inverters and adapters available.

Internet

There is internet access at the marinas and most bars/restaurants. If you can't live without wifi for the week, see your charter company for dongle rental.

Seasickness

The waters are normally calm but we cannot control the weather. Previous passengers swear by a special adhesive patch that you can wear behind your ear, others have bought sea wristbands or ginger capsules at a pharmacy.

Money

In Martinique, the official currency is the Euro but most large venues and hotels will accept USD. In St Lucia, the local currency is Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC) but most shops and venues will take USD. All venues on both islands will accept credit cards but it is worth holding some cash for smaller purchases in shops and markets.

Credit Cards - Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and sometimes American Express) are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Smaller shops or more remote islands may accept credit cards with a minimum purchase. We recommend using credit cards as much as possible as they’re more convenient and provide the best exchange rate.

Important - Be sure to contact your credit card company and bank in advance to advise them you’ll be traveling outside of the US (pre-empt any question of fraud) and inquire about any foreign transaction fees for using your card in the islands.

Cash - You’ll certainly want to have some cash on hand for small purchases and the occasional tip.