OCC Forums

RCC Pilotage Foundation updates on St Martin

https://forum.oceancruisingclub.org/Topic2850.aspx

By George.Curtis2 - 29 Jan 2016

Phillipsburg
Should be avoided. Very rolly in the anchorage and the marina is poorly serviced and not secure with all the chop from jet skis and cruise ships.
Simpson Bay
Simpson Bay itself is a fairly rolly anchorage. If you’d prefer some protection in the lagoon you will need to go through the bridge. From the Dutch part in the South (Simpson Bay Bridge) bridge times are Outbound: 0830, 1030, 1600. Inbound: 0930, 1130, 1500, 1700 and the French North side (Causeway Bridge) they are 0815, 0945, 1015, 1145, 1515, 1545 – and both monitor VHF Ch 12. Worth noting that in the Dutch Part they will not wait for you if you are not waiting at the bridge or immediately behind the next boat in the queue. In fact rumor has it they quite enjoy closing people out if they’re too slow.
Inside the Lagoon on the Dutch side you will find filthy water, Super Yachts and low flying planes. Simpson Bay Marina is an expensive IGY but they look after you well and will come to meet you whilst you wait for the bridge to open before piloting you in