Batten Down the Hatches, In Deep Water, All at Sea, Down in the Doldrums … these seafaring sayings are perfectly pandemic suitable. Day by day we have become Covid experts in the Art of Escape by Yacht. 

Pandemic escapes can safely be organized by yacht, deserted islands are the perfect place to land for swimming, diving, picnics, hidden beaches, protected coves with jazzy beach bars.

To really understand an island, you must go by sea and explore, just ask any pirate!

Two of many options: The Bahamas. Because of its proximity to South Florida, it’s easy to motor or sail, and once you get here, there are 700 islands to explore, from the Abacos chain to Eleuthera to the Exumas. This is yachting paradise. The Bahamas, known officially as the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, is a country within the Lucayan Archipelago of the West Indies in the Atlantic. It takes up 97% of the Lucayan Archipelago’s land area and is home to 88% of the archipelago’s population. 

The Bahamas archipelago is an ecological oasis sprinkled over 100,000 square miles of ocean, starting just 50 miles off the coast of Florida. It comprises 700 breathtaking islands, over 2,000 rocks and cays, and boasts the clearest water on the planet—with a visibility of over 200 feet. You can see your toes as easily as you can the world’s third largest fringing barrier reef.

Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines The Grenadines, from the color of the water to the Tobago Cays, the Grenadines are what you dream about — this is paradise discovered by boat. Grenada is a great launching point to enjoy the whole chain. The Grenadines are islands in the Caribbean nations of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada. They’re known for yacht-filled harbors and sailing spots like the reef-lined island of Bequia, with secluded Princess Margaret Beach and the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary. Mustique is a private island with luxury villas and quiet beaches. Southwest are the low-key Canouan Island and the coral reefs of Tobago Cays Marine Park.  Noted for its beautiful scenery, spectacular beaches and diverse marine habitats. A deep cultural heritage is a result of the blending of African, Carib, East Indian, Portuguese and European influences. The Grenadines are renowned for their indigenous boat building skills and seafaring traditions. There is also the rich historical aspect of shipwrecks in the area. Some reports noted that Grenada alone has 163 wrecks, one of these being a slave ship wreck off of Isle de Ronde.

The entire Grenadines area is noted for its beautiful scenery, spectacular beaches and diverse marine habitats that include coral reefs, mangroves and seabird colonies. The area supports the most extensive coral reefs and related habitats in the Windward Islands, the Grenadines Bank constitutes approximately 11% of the coral reef area of the Lesser Antilles. Divers Delight!

M/Y or S/Y, immense or not so immense – bring the family on a snug 112-foot yacht or invite the swells and motor through sapphire seas on a 205-foot M/Y.

Do practice your nautical terms prior to setting sail. Captain, Permission to board? Three Sheets to the Wind.

Sunshine and swimming, cast your cares to the wind for a winter week or two or three!

A colorful look at the Grenadines in the West Indies. And the Bahamas