We have teamed up with blogger and travel writer Charli Moore to provide you with an insider’s guide to our beautiful island’s activities and attractions. Here she talks to Lennox Wallace the captain of Leeward Islands Charters’ catamaran Caona; often seen moored in Oualie Bay.

Boasting a fleet of three luxurious catamarans all built locally by yachting legend “Dougie” Brookes, Leeward Islands Charters offer a range of sailing tours that encompass some of the most scenic shorelines in the Federation. From her mooring at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis catamaran Caona sails twice daily (10am and 2pm Monday through Saturday), and carries guests on a spectacular three-hour sail and snorkel excursion; the trip is rated as one of the best things to do in Nevis.

Set sail across “the Narrows” to the southernmost tip of St. Kitts and relax as the gentle Caribbean breeze carries you to secluded Shitten Bay; only accessible by sea. Here take a dip in the pristine waters and snorkel amid the shallows where vibrant reef fish, turtles, and stingrays dart in and out of the volcanic marine landscape. An open bar, lively conversation with the crew, and never-ending picture-perfect views will ensure a memorable time on the water.

* Private, full day, and sunset charters are available. Please email Leeward Islands Charters for more information and booking inquiries.

Quick fire questions with Captain Lennox

Tell me how you came to be captain of Caona.
Lennox says, “I studied carpentry in my youth and it was my lecturer who first suggested that I’d make a great boat builder. After I graduated I joined the St. Kitts Boat Building Company and helped to construct the company’s first catamaran (also named Caona), that was sadly destroyed in 1984 by hurricane Claus. After a number of years there I was told that I should learn to sail the boats I was building, the rest as they say, is history.”

Can you recall your most memorable trip aboard Caona?
“While we were moored in Shitten Bay one afternoon a guest who had been relaxing on deck managed to drop his dentures overboard. Some of the crew were snorkeling at the time and immediately ducked down under the waves to try and retrieve them. However, on returning to the surface they were all in hysterics! Apparently the teeth were sitting on the sand and appeared to be chattering away to themselves! The current was causing the hinge to open and close as though they were alive!”

What inspired the name Caona?
“Caona was the wife of a great Carib Chief, and the word also means ‘Yellow Gold’ in the native Taino Carib Indian culture. We wanted a name that reflected her roots and inspired thoughts of adventure, so we decided on Caona, the fiery Caribbean Princess.”

Office Opening Hours: 9am to 4pm – based in Basseterre, St. Kitts
Location of Caona: Four Seasons Resort, Nevis
Website: leewardislandscharters.com
Contact: +1 869 465-7474 or sail@leewardislandscharters.com