The
Grenadines
- March 2012!
Boats and Crew for
Grenadines Mar 2012
Registration Form
March 10 - 17, 2012
Each year, the club organizes "De Caribbean Regatta" which is really a week of sailing vacation (not a race). Manhattan sailors fly south and sail as a flotilla from island to island on beautiful boats.
This year, we will be going to the beautiful Grenadines. This chain of islands is less developed than the BVIs and also benefits from a slightly stronger trade wind. The sailing should be spectacular!
Skippers sign up to be in charge of a boat. Then crew is invited to join. Once a skipper gets a full boat, they are confirmed. The cost to participate depends on the type of boat you sail and the availability of boats at the time of booking. Check the listing at Boats & Crew to see which skippers will sail which boats and the associated entry fee. The entry fee covers the cost of the boat plus breakfasts & lunches and 3 dinners. You will be responsible for your own airfare, drinks, dinners out at restaurants and any hotels before or after the trip.
Preliminary Schedule
Below is the preliminary schedule. However, please keep in mind that the itinerary is likely to change based on wind and weather conditions. Please do not make any plans at locations in advance. For example, we hope to be in Mustique one day but if weather conditions dictate, we may sail there Monday or Tuesday instead. We will be on "Caribbean Time" and go in the direction which the wind blows us. The red line on the map graphic below is not our route but just somewhat close.
Saturday, March 10
Arrive in St Vincent and book yourself in overnight at a hotel. You can get to St, Vincent be flying to Barbados on any airline and then using Liat or SVG Air or you can connect through one of the islands like St. Martin or Puerto Rico.
Sunday, March 11
Pick up your boat, attend a skipper's briefing, get your provisions and then do a short sail to Bequia, the jewel of the Caribbean. Anchor in Admiralty Bay. If there is a north swell, anchor far up in the harbor. Otherwise, you can anchor further out. Take your dinghy ashore to the Frangipani dock for a frozen banana daiquiri. You can stroll left along the Belmont Walkway and walk into town. There is an ATM machine plus arts and crafts stalls near the ferry dock. Have dinner onboard and begin to build teamwork. Then head to the Frangi bar for a night cap. Ask around for where the party will be that night. Maybe "De Reef" in the Lower Bay. If any of your crew had problems with their flights, they can still fly to St. Vincent and then take the ferry to Bequia to meet you.
Monday, March 12
Sail downwind to Mayreau and anchor in Salt Whistle Bay or the main harbor. Walk to the top of the island and look out over the Grenadine chain. Have a relaxing dinner onboard your boat. Then all sailors are encouraged to gather for the Regatta Party at "Robert Righteous and De Youth" which is a colorful bar near the top of Mayreau Island.
Tuesday, March 13
Sail to Union Island. Stop for lunch and snorkeling in Chatham Bay, then take a mooring overnight in Clifton Harbour. At sunset, everyone gathers for cocktails on "Happy Island," a tiny island built of conch shells on the reef. The Regatta Dinner this evening is at Lambi's. Call them on the VHF to make your reservation (skippers sometimes get to go for free if they bring their crew. Be sure to ask.). Lambi's also has steel drum bands which keep the spirit hot and exciting. A great evening of Caribbean dancing.
Wednesday, March 14
Sail to Tobago Cays, one of the most beautiful spots in the Caribbean. Spend the afternoon snorkeling on the reefs or lying on the sand. You can swim with the turtles in a special protected area. This is a reef paradise away from civilization. You will see amazing stars at night. Lobsters are available from fisherman in season.
Thursday, March 15
Sail to Mustique and overnight in Britannia Bay. Walk up to the Firefly bar for some exercise and an incredible sunset experience. Great evening for dinner on the boat followed by socializing at the world famous Basil Beach Bar, home of the Mustique Blues Festival.
Friday, March 16
Return to Bequia. It's a relaxing sail over from Mustique. You can get lobster pizza for lunch along the waterfront. Take a taxi over to Friendship Bay for a change of view and some nice sunbathing along the beach. There is a great dive company along the waterfront which can arrange dive trips. That evening, we will all gather at 6 p.m. at Porthole Restaurant for the Appetizer Competition followed by the "Skipper Appreciation Dinner." All skippers will be introduced and then they will introduce their crews. Then off to late night revelry at "De Reef." Late night diving into the water at Lower Bay is permitted.
Saturday, March 17
Sail home to
St. Vincent.
Return to the base by 12:00 noon. Fly out that night or
overnight at a local hotel.