Day 1-3

Intensive sailing from the get go.

Climb aboard in Anse Marcel, St. Martin. First tasks: provisioning, settling into quarters and getting to know the yacht and your shipmates. Phase One of our journey begins with intensive sail training in the Renaissance Islands of St. Martin and St. Barts. We start with the basics — jibing, tacking and the points of sail. The distances to be covered and the nature of the sea demand perseverance, respect and hard work. Discover that the sea is a whole new world with its own language, traditions and rules.

Day 4-8

Catch some wind.

Already getting your sea legs, you discover your vessel's personality...how her sails handle the wind, how her hull slices through the waves, the music of her rigging and her moods. Training drills intensify as the crew practices man-overboard drills and learns to safely navigate from island to island. Sailing Lasers helps us perfect our small boat handling and understanding of wind shifts, and a regatta with the other Arc boats provides a little friendly competition. Take a well deserved break to hike the Quill in Statia, up and over its volcanic crater and down into the lush rainforest below. Back on the water, it's time to finally put your knowledge to the test.

Day 9-12

Service, adventure and cultural immersion.

Congratulations! You've earned the first of your IYT sailing certifications, one of our key goals. Celebrate your accomplishments with a traditionally cooked island meal on the beautiful shores of Nevis. You're ready to begin Phase Two of the voyage when we shift our focus from rigorous sail training to island adventure, cultural immersion and community service. First mission: the Montserrat service project, a unique opportunity to truly experience Caribbean culture by helping its people. The recent volcanic eruptions here created great hardships and the locals truly appreciate our help.

Day 13-22

Explore culturally rich islands in a way that few can.

Continue bearing south, exploring the Archipelago of the Lesser Antilles. Marie Galante and Iles des Saintes exemplify tropical beauty. Dominica is a spectacular land of towering mountains, huge waterfalls and dense rainforests. Paddle up the Indian River and hike to the "boiling lakes" through bountiful ecosystems. You won't find much tourism here... The country is poor, but the culture is rich. Night sail to St. Lucia and hike up the dramatic jungle covered peaks of the Pitons. Volunteer at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary in Bequia and help "Brother King" in his quest to save endangered sea turtles.

Day 23-27

You at the helm.

Sailing is second nature and the crew is ready to start Phase Three of the trip. The program leaders step back now to become silent observers. It's up to you and your shipmates to chart and plan the remainder of the voyage. Sweep south through the Windwards. As you hop to and from the tiny unspoiled islands of the Grenadine Passage, you find the most beautiful anchorages of the journey. Take in the festive sights and sounds of Carnival in St. Vincent. Snorkel on the shallow reefs of Tobago Cays, have a scavenger hunt on Mustique and learn how local fishermen craft their boats on the beaches of Carriacou.

Day 28-32

Wide-open adventure anchored in achievement.

Our picturesque anchorage in Grenada is surrounded by a pastel rainbow of dockside houses and shops. Head ashore to relax on the fine white sand of Grand Anse Beach, where local ladies sell fresh fruit and share stories of the revolution. Overnight sail to Trinidad, an island unlike any other we have visited. South America looms on the horizon as we navigate through "The Dragon's Mouth" between Venezuela and Trinidad. Sailing into our final port is a joyous arrival but sentimental departure from the yacht we've grown to love and respect.

Arc Extension

Optional Blue Water Sailing Extension

*A yacht delivery extension is available for participants who are interested in extending their sail training experience for four to five days after the end of the program. Extension participants make the return sail back to St. Martin along with staff and other interested Broadreachers. The extension offers participants yacht delivery experience and the opportunity to hone their sailing skills with longer sails and a smaller crew. If you are interested in the yacht delivery extension, please contact our office at 888-833-1907 to discuss the details.