Spirit of St. Maarten
114-foot hand-built schooner with luxury sailing, gourmet dining, and a social mission.
Why Go
The Spirit of St. Maarten is not just the largest sailing vessel operating from the island — it is a statement. At 114 feet of hand-built Brazilian hardwood, this schooner combines the romance of traditional sailing with modern luxury amenities, all-inclusive service, and a social mission supporting youth wellbeing that means your vacation dollars do real good while you sip rum punch on the open sea.
The Experience
Departing from Bobby's Marina in Philipsburg, the Spirit of St. Maarten offers a sailing experience that no powerboat or catamaran can replicate. The wooden schooner's design evokes the golden age of Caribbean sailing while providing the space, comfort, and service standards of a luxury yacht. Day tours cruise the southern coast with stops for snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. VIP snorkel cruises add enhanced service and premium positioning on the vessel. Full-day adventures extend the range and relaxation time. Sunset dinner cruises transform the experience entirely — gourmet meals, premium drinks, and the Caribbean horizon turning gold from the deck of a wooden schooner create an atmosphere that restaurants ashore simply cannot compete with. Private charters customize the vessel for group events, celebrations, or corporate gatherings. The all-inclusive model covers open bar, fresh food, professional crew, and all water activities. The social mission supporting youth wellbeing adds purpose to pleasure, directing a portion of proceeds toward community programs.
What to Try
The sunset dinner cruise is the most romantic option — gourmet food and drinks on a wooden schooner as the sun drops into the Caribbean. Day snorkel cruises combine sailing with water activities. Private charters transform the schooner into your own floating venue.
Insider Tip
Request seats at the bow for the best sunset views during dinner cruises. The schooner's sailing sections (when the engine cuts and sails fill) are genuinely magical — real wind-powered Caribbean sailing is increasingly rare. The $$$$$ pricing reflects the premium experience.
The Practical Stuff
Based at Bobby's Marina, 22H Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard, Philipsburg. Top-tier pricing ($$$$). 114-foot wooden schooner. Options: day tours, VIP cruises, sunset dinner, private charters. All-inclusive: open bar, food, activities, crew. Social mission supporting youth wellbeing. Near Aziana and The Greenhouse.
Pair It With
- Aziana Guide — Upscale marina restaurant for pre-sail cocktails at Bobby's Marina
- Eagle tours Guide — Catamaran alternative at the same marina for comparing sailing styles and pricing