Seasonal· Martinique· Windward Islands
Winter North Swell and Christmas Winds (Martinique)
14° 26.1′ N · 60° 53.2′ W · approximate
From late December into January, stronger 'Christmas winds' of 20-30 knots and long-period northerly swells sweep the islands. They kick a steep chop into Ste-Anne and close the windward reef passes.
Practical
Coordinates are approximate, at the Ste-Anne anchorage. Cruising World describes Christmas winds of 25-30 knots in late December to early January, and a delivery skipper's dawn at Ste-Anne with gusts to 30 knots, whitecaps across the anchorage and bareboats unable to re-anchor. Haul dinghies out, lengthen snubbers and dive on the anchor. Northerly swells refract into north- and west-facing anchorages. On the Atlantic side, reef entrances at Baie des Anglais, Cap Chevalier, Le Vauclin and Le François break heavily in big swell, so wait for settled trades (Multihulls World describes 'sporting' entries amid breakers even in 20-25 knots). SailboatLiveaboard notes winter northerly swell causes roll and surf at dinghy landings.
Best for
Knowing when to stay put
Season
Late December to February
Nearby
- Ste-Anne AnchorageRight here
- Natiyabel Dive Centre (Ste-Anne fishing port)0.2 NM away
- La Dunette (Ste-Anne waterfront)0.3 NM away
- Le M (formerly Paille Coco), Ste-Anne0.3 NM away
- Ste-Anne Beach Restaurants0.3 NM away
- Ste-Anne Market and Groceries0.3 NM away
- Ste-Anne Village, Church and Dinghy Dock0.3 NM away
- People Beach (Anse Caritan)0.4 NM away