Good protection from the trade winds
Grand'Case cove is protected from the north-westerly to north-easterly swell by the island of Anguilla. Located to leeward of Saint-Martin, Grand'Case cove is reasonably comfortable when the trade winds are doing their job. The seabed is in good condition, and the moderate air traffic doesn't interfere with this pleasant place to linger.
Far from the cliché â??euroscocotier, paillotteâeurosâ?, Grand'case Bay is vast enough to welcome a host of sailors.
A "wild" anchorage
Grand'Case doesn't have any sneaky â??eurosvice -cachéâeurosâ?. Unlike many of the Caribbean's anchorages, a stopover in this bay doesn't turn into a tourist trap, with compulsory rental of "âeurosmooringâeuros" or any of the other rackets that have become so common in the area. No, here, you arrive, take advantage of the space to set your anchor not too close to the neighbors, pull it backwards and bingo, "âeurosà nous la belle vieâeuros".
Designed for navigators
First good impression: the dinghy pontoon is convenient and easily accessible. Mind you, this wasn't always the case! It's true that, often hit by hurricanes, Saint-Martin occasionally sees its facilities and shores ravaged by a few raging winds or devastating swells. At present, however, it's impeccableâeuros!
A welcoming dock
The second pleasant sensation arises very quickly, once the dinghy is properly moored. After the gangway, there are a number of charming gargotes, tempting you to stroll around, have a drink and make new acquaintances. The atmosphere is as convivial as you could wish for, and there's something to suit every taste. Lovers of fine cuisine will find sophisticated restaurants just a few hundred meters away. Shopping fans can also spend a few hours browsing the many boutiques lining the main street.
Car rental companies are only a few hundred meters away. The Super U, about 2 kilometers to the east, is a good place to stock up. You don't need a car to buy bread or a few beers.
Sunbathers and children will find several quiet beaches here. And for underwater enthusiasts, there are several rocky â??eurosspotsâeurosâ? within easy reach of the dinghy. Among them, Rocher créole is a must for snorkellers, and has already delighted a host of enthusiasts.
To be recommended without moderation
At a time when many possible anchorage areas have been invaded by greedy groups, forcing travelers to pay to tie up to often dubious deadbeds, Saint-Martin's Grand'Case bay has remained a haven of good-natured tranquility and is currently a dream stopover for nautical wanderers.
