We enjoyed our visit to St Martin (French spelling). We checked in on the French side at the ferry terminal in Marigot Bay. The two major bays, Marigot and Simpson are sufficiently large to accommodate many more boats than were currently visiting the island. However, when the swell picks up, only a small number of those boats are able to tuck in the most protected corners to avoid significant discomfort.

That's when you go through the lift bridges into Simpson Bay Lagoon, which is thoroughly protected from everything except dinghy wakes.

We did not enter the lagoon, and paid the price with some uncomfortable nights.

The bridges aren't particularly large, but that doesn't stop mega yachts from entering.

St Martin is the French side of the island. St Maarten is the Dutch side of the island. You can pass freely between the two, but the cultural differences between the two sides gives the island that much more appeal.