Destination comparison
Anguilla vs France
Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Anguilla | France |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Caribbean | Mediterranean |
| Peak season | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Shoulder | Nov, May | May, Sep |
| Sailing difficulty | easy to moderate | moderate to difficult |
| Recommended level | beginner friendly | intermediate to advanced |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 17 / 13 kn | 14 / 16 kn |
| Hurricane risk | Aug, Sep, Oct | None |
| Currency | XCD (pegged to USD) | EUR |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $11,500 | $11,000 |
| Luxury tier price | $45,000 | $45,000 |
| Detail page | View → | View → |
At a Glance
Quiet, family-friendly. Often skipped by American bareboat fleet who focus on BVI. Short hop from St Martin (5nm).
- • 2 base marinas
- • 4 must-visit anchorages
- • 31 boats in our fleet database for this region
Mistral (cold NW wind) can be very strong; check forecast. Riviera is expensive; berth fees premium. Cannes film festival early-mid May. Peak season very crowded.
- • 5 base marinas
- • 6 must-visit anchorages
- • 27 boats in our fleet database for this region
Sailing Conditions
Anguilla averages 17 knots in winter and 13 knots in summer. Hurricane risk runs Aug, Sep, Oct — outside these months the sailing is generally dependable.
France averages 14 knots in winter and 16 knots in summer. No hurricane season.
In terms of sailing difficulty, Anguilla is generally rated easy to moderate and France is moderate to difficult. The difference matters: France asks more of the skipper — confidence at the helm and some experience with coastal navigation helps.
Cost Comparison
For a 7-day charter of a typical 45-ft catamaran (4 cabins, sleeps 8):
- Low season: $4,500
- Mid season: $11,500
- High season: $22,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $45,000+
- Low season: $4,000
- Mid season: $11,000
- High season: $22,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $45,000+
Bareboat base rates. Crewed typically adds ~$1,500/day (captain + hostess). Prices exclude fuel, provisioning, mooring fees, gratuity.
Anchorages & Must-Do
- Shoal Bay — Often voted world's best beach
- Mead's Bay — Calm; long beach
- Prickly Pear Cays — Day trip; BBQ lunch
- Rendezvous Bay — Anchorage; mellow
- Porquerolles — National park; bicycles; calm anchorages
- Calanques National Park — Dramatic white cliffs near Cassis
- Saint-Tropez — Glamour; beaches; market
- Cap d'Antibes — Old-money Riviera charm
- Monaco — Day trip; Casino; F1 (May)
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Anguilla. It's the more forgiving first-charter ground — charter fleets are abundant, marina staff speak English, checkout sails are standard.
Choose Anguilla. Warmer water year-round (often 75–85°F), palm-fringed anchorages.
Choose France. Mediterranean culture, history, cuisine, wines.
Captain's Take
"The Mistral is no joke — gusts of 40-50 knots that can last 2-5 days. Check the forecast before heading west of Cap d'Antibes. If a Mistral is coming, plan a sheltered plan: Port-Cros (Hyères Islands), the Bay of La Ciotat, or even Monaco (well protected). On Mistral days, the coast can be unberthable but the islands are calm. For new crews, the Iles de Lérins just off Cannes are an excellent training ground with all the services you need. Berths on the Riviera are expensive — budget €100-300/night depending on boat size."
Timing and Budget: Anguilla vs France
Frequently Asked Questions
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Choose Between Anguilla & France
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