Celebrate Valentine`s Day with a Story of True, Caribbean Love

Nothing is quite as romantic as the launch of a ship.

After years of lying derelict in Marigot Bay off St Martin, the wooden ketch Irene has been fully refurbished and will re-enter service as a wind-powered cargo ship.

Irene spent the 60s as a luxury charter, ferrying elite passengers around the Caribbean Sea. Celebrity passengers joined millionaire guests on the gleaming decks, enjoying tropical cocktails and fresh seafood. Late one night, a fire began and rapidly consumed the ship. In a matter of hours, the ship sank.

The Irene remained beneath the Caribbean Sea until a British ship lover learned of her sunken wreck. He simply fell in love. Instead of relaxing at a nearby St Martin luxury villa, the new owner hired a crew of divers to investigate and refloat the vessel. Now, after more than 40 years and thousands of pounds in restorations, this unique ship will set sail once again.

Instead of carrying pleasure sailors, Irene will shuttle organic beer from Devon to France, olive oil from Spain to Brazil, and cocoa, coffee and rum from the Caribbean back to the UK. However, with cargo stacked into the cabins and saloon, this passage will be less than comfortable. Unlike its life as a luxury sailing vessel, crew quarters will be cramped. Food will be carefully rationed, and the owner expects an infestation of cockroaches and weevils.

The effort to resurrect the Irene was a true labour of love. Years were spent restoring her to her pre-fire glory, and relentless plans to return her to the Caribbean Sea were put in action. Soon, beach goers on Dutch and French St Martin may see the Irene pass by in full sail, reliving her glory in the sea that saw her sink.

Now that`s a love story to celebrate on Valentine’s Day.

While Irene may not be available for pleasure cruising, several full service marinas on St Martin offer opportunities to set sail. From day tours in the landlocked Simpson Bay Lagoon to charters cruising in Marigot Bay, the waters surrounding St Martin offer ample opportunity to set sail. For those who prefer relaxing aboard the deck of a yacht, the St Martin marine reserves provide shelter to drop anchor and enjoy the sun and surf.

About Evan

Before landing permanently in the Caribbean, Evan captured his view of the world through the lens of a camera. His time as a professional photographer saw him travel to regattas on St Martin, polo matches on Barbados and to deep-sea expeditions off Cabo San Lucas. Evan loves nothing more than unwinding at the end of a long day in the company of friends.

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