Why are there so many yachts in St. Maarten?

St. Maarten holds so many yachts because geography, tax status, and repair capacity all stack up in its favor. Simpson Bay Lagoon is a huge, hurricane-protected natural harbor — rare in the Caribbean — with room for hundreds of boats. The island is duty-free, so fuel, parts, and provisioning cost less. Its yards and chandleries are the best for a wide radius, making it the regional refit and resupply hub. It also sits at a crossroads between the Leeward and Windward chains and St. Barts, so yachts stage here between charters. Add a deep airport and the famous Maho Beach approach, and crews congregate. Explore St. Martin and St. Barts.