The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL, January ninth, sailing the islands of the Caribbean.

The trade winds sweep through a 56-island archipelago that arcs for 300 miles across the eastern entrance of the Caribbean Sea. From St. Vincent, through the Grenadines to Grenada, the line of sight sailing of the Windward Islands makes for some of the finest yachting in the world, with access to exotic islands and uncrowded beaches unreachable by land.

Once you get your sea legs, sun bleached days at sea take on soothing routines. Everyone eschews shoes and slathers on the sun block. Dropping anchor off a quiet Cay offers access to world-class snorkeling amid sloping reefs of boulder coral, pillar and plate coral, brain coral and sea fans big enough to hide behind. The sunlight which punches through the clear, turquoise water gives everything a luminous sheen. On deck at night, stars seem air- brushed across the sky, and morning comes with gentle rocking reminiscent of the cradle.

The January edition of the magazine National Geographic Traveler, a supporter of our program, takes a loving, informed look at sailing the Windward Islands. The yachting article is only one installment in a comprehensive Caribbean package, which includes quick sketches of 33 different islands.

There are profiles of eight great inns and affordable hotels, along with insights about island cuisine, music and beach bars. There's a guide to pronunciation and patois, as well as a schedule of parties and festivals to which everyone is invited.

For information on the islands of the Caribbean, Caribbean Tourism Organization at 800-356-9999 or www.caribtourism.com

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