Saint-MartinHeritage SailingMaritime heritage · Saint-Martin
Reviving
Saint-Martin’s traditional
sailing heritage
Passing on living knowledge, training tomorrow’s crews, and returning Saint-Martin’s sailing tradition to the water.
A living heritage
More than a sport, traditional sailing is collective memory—made of timber, wind, shared gestures and trust between crewmates.
Saint-Martin Heritage Sailing is a local association dedicated to preserving, passing on and sustainably returning this tradition to the island’s waters.
Inter-island schooner · archiveFrom island to island
A history born from work, grown into culture.
In Saint-Martin, traditional boats tell the stories of fishers, boatbuilders and families whose lives revolved around the sea. From Marigot, people sailed to trade, visit neighbouring islands or find work as far away as the Dominican Republic. In Grand Case and Sandy Ground, boats and their crews also kept a passion for racing alive. This is the Saint-Martin heritage we want to pass on.
Explore this historyA cultural sea activity in Saint-Martin
An experience at sea that goes far beyond an ordinary island excursion.
For visitors staying in Saint-Martin or Sint Maarten, the Sailing Heritage Experience brings together time at sea, cultural discovery and active introduction to traditional sailing. Your participation supports the preservation of this local tradition.
Sailing heritage experience
Approximately two hours of history, local rules, boat knowledge and practical sailing as part of the crew.
Visitors €135 · Residents €100A place in the crew
Come for the stories. Set sail with us.
Meet the crew, get to know the boat and take part in sailing. Come on your own, as a couple or with friends. No previous sailing experience is needed.
For exhibitions and cultural projects, contact the association to find out more.
Upcoming sessions
Choose your Saturday on the water.
Six departures are planned between 21 November and 26 December 2026. Reserve one place or several: we combine paid reservations to form the crew. Departure is confirmed 7 days before, with a full refund if we cancel.
View datesYour group, your date
Already at least seven? Choose your date.
For a date outside the published schedule, send a free request for your group of at least 7. We will reply to confirm whether it is possible before any payment.
The shipwright’s hand
Before the sail comes the timber.
Every frame reveals knowledge refined across generations. Documenting, restoring and passing on those skills is central to the mission.
Support restoration
Logbook
See the heritage at work.
Work together