Caribbean II: Sint Maarten to Curaçao

Leaving Sint Maarten, we sail south-west for three days, passing Saba and sampling its waters as we go. Small, steep and largely untouched by mass tourism, Saba offers a striking contrast to some of its neighbours. But if the ocean doesn’t recognise those distinctions, will the samples we collect tell a different story?

The island of Curaçao arrives in vivid colour after days sailing across deep turquoise water. The distinctive bright buildings line the beautiful natural harbour of the capital Willemstad, but this UNESCO World Heritage Site contains a very modern waste challenge. Cosmopolitan and complex, Curaçao is a good place to explore how plastic moves through such a diverse and dynamic island-state, and what the people who live here are already doing to tackle it.

S/V Sea Dragon is a 72ft, 90,000lb displacement steel hulled sailing vessel built in the UK in 2000. She is one of 11 yachts built for the Global Challenge Race – one of the longest, most demanding ocean voyages ever made with an upwind, west-about 32,000km circumnavigation.

The boat provides a superb platform for rugged capability, capacity, and efficiency with a naturally low environmental footprint. The British Maritime and Coastal Agency rate Sea Dragon to the highest standard of Category 0 All Oceans. Designed to thrive in the Southern Ocean and safely handle the world’s worst sailing conditions, the boat is also specifically set up for volunteer crew with limited sailing experience while reaching cruising speeds of up to 10 knots – she is a genuine ocean explorer.

Sea Dragon can accommodate up to 11 guest crew in comfortable sea berths. There are two heads with showers, a large well-stocked galley, and a comfortable salon with seating for the entire crew. With extensive sails, fresh-water making, tenders, medical supplies and almost 1kw of wind/solar power, the boat is equipped with everything needed for extended passage making are remote exploration.