Passaat, Dutch for “Tradewinds” is a gaff rigged schooner built in 1911 in Holland. She has an interesting history that continues to build sailing in the turquoise blue Caribbean PassaatPeople-Rwaters of St.Maarten & Saint Martin. Pieter Bakker, the captain owner, and his partner Mirian Ebbers would love to invite you for a day sail, sunset or dinner cruise along the beautiful coast of St.Maarten & Saint Martin. Once aboard you will learn more about Passaat’s history taking you back to a time when schooners grazed the waters of the world.

Key words for Passaat are sailing & relaxing. The only music aboard is the wind in the sails and water against the hull. There is never a crowd on Passaat as Pieter and Mirian like to get to know their guests personally; and, with a 100ft. in length, there is lots of personal space aboard.

Passaat offers 3 different cruises during the week and also on weekends.

Lunch & Swim Cruise
Join us for a half day cruise from 11am to 4pm.
Sail on the comfortable & spacious classic schooner along the South West coast of St.Maarten. 
The wind in the sails and the water against the hull is the music accompanying you on this trip. 
Swim & snorkel in turquoise waters of a calm bay. 
A gourmet Caribbean lunch is served at our shaded table on the foredeck.
Lunch is a choice between a nice Mahi Mahi filet or chicken filet, with Mango Sauce, salad, rice, plantain & bread. Our snacks typically are banana or coconut cake andPassaatSunset-R fresh fruits. The open bar is available to you all day long and the choices are wine, beer, rum punch, various sodas and water of course. Snooze on the aft deck sailing back to “home port.” 

Sunset Cruise
Think all shades of yellow, orange and almost red or is it pink and it is not a rum punch! A typical sunset in the Caribbean… How better to enjoy this true moment of splendor on Passaat, sipping on a cocktail, enjoying the peace of the Caribbean Sea whilst hugging the shore of the island of St.Maarten/Saint Martin. 

Dinner Cruise
Whilst the sun is setting Passaat takes you on sail. Cruising along the South West island’s shores, enjoying your aperitif she will be your escort for an unforgettable evening.
A Caribbean 3- course Dinner will be served aboard upon return in port whilst at anchor. After a nice mixed salad gourmet Mahi Mahi filet or chicken curry will be served and you get to sample our famous home-made coconut cream pie for dessert. If you have any dietary requirements or allergies please let us know and we will try to accommodate you. After a joyous evening under star scattered skies the tender will take you back ashore. Look for the shooting star and make a wish! 


PassaatSteering-RProfiles: Pieter Bakker, the Captain & Owner of Passaat, has been sailing in the Caribbean for the last 19 years. He started his sailing career more than 32 years ago in the Netherlands, sailing his own ship on the waters around Holland and the IJsselmeer. After he delivered his first boat to the Caribbean he got hooked to sailing in the Tradewinds. With his broad experience and knowledge of the Caribbean waters, every sail is guaranteed to be an enjoyable one. 

Mirian Ebbers, his partner, has lived in the Caribbean for the last 15 years. From 1999 to 2007 she was the organizing director of the famous St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. With her hotel degree, background in the service industry, and love for cooking, Mirian feels right at home on Passaat and will do everything in her power to make your stay aboard a great one. 

Recently, Peiter and Mirian also acquired a nice 26ft. rebuilt navy launch. Passaat Too is nice for a Simpson Bay Lagoon day sail, a private sunset cruise or exploring the secluded beaches of the island for an hour or a day.

Passaat Classic Schooner is located in Simpson Bay, just outside the bridge in the bay. When you book a cruise on Passaat we will pick you up by tender at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club in Simpson Bay, which is located next to the Simpson Bay Bridge opposite the Royal Palm Resort. For information and/or reservations for day sails or other cruises, please email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at: 1.721.580.3301. Your can also visit our website at: www.sailholiday.com.