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Re: Grenada sailboat trip May2019
[Re: moore5678]
#169032
09/04/2018 01:48 PM
09/04/2018 01:48 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 846
Sunset_Sammy
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 846
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I would spend an extra night on Carriacou and just one night on Union, unless you are kite surfers as there is a good kite surfing school on Union, but not much else. Be aware that there have been reports of yacht burglaries on Mayreau; the anchorage at Saltwhistle Bay can get crowded and the one at Saline Bay, rolly. One night in the Cays then over to Bequia would be my choice, it's the most developed of the Grenadines but still has just the right feel to it. Best lobster in the Cays is by Desparado, we always eat ashore and time it to finish eating just as the sun sets. I'd skip PSV, it's a private island and you can only go to Goaties Bar on the beach for $30 (US) drinks. Almost forgot, have a sundowner at Happy Island. Why is my profile picture so big?????
Last edited by Sunset_Sammy; 09/04/2018 01:49 PM.
Drink all day at home, your friends worry about you; do it on vacation and they say "what a good time you're having". Save your friends needless worry, travel more!
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Re: Grenada sailboat trip May2019
[Re: moore5678]
#169107
09/05/2018 02:34 PM
09/05/2018 02:34 PM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 350 Ottawa, Canada
UncleLuff
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 350
Ottawa, Canada
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Hi:
I have chartered with Moorings before in BVI and did a sail course in Grenada last April. I will also be chartering a Catamaran with Dream Yacht in May 2019. Perhaps we will see your Flotilla on the water!
Unless I misunderstood, you are arriving the same day that you want to undertake boat briefing, chart briefing and provisioning and get off the dock by around noon? This seems unlikely especially if you have 3 boats in your flotilla. Chances are something will be wrong that will require attention with one of the boats. When we rented with Moorings in the BVIs last year, the sleep aboard got us on the boat at 4pm and we were able to leave the next morning after boat briefing and last minute maintenance, etc. We did the provisioning and our own full inspection and chart briefing the night before (which you can't always do).
St. Louis Marina is a great marina with nice bar, pool, awesome showers. If you have to take your time and stay on the dock that first night to ensure everything is in order without stress I wouldn't take it as a negative.
We stopped off at the sculpture garden and to be honest was underwhelmed. Not a lot of fish life and a boat dropped their anchor in the big circle of statutes and destroyed a bunch. I would suggest staying on the dock the first night, skip the garden and anchoring on the lee shore and head up to Carriacou leaving in the morning the next day. Another disadvantage on anchoring in one of the harbours on the lee shore is the swells seem to curl around the top of the island so we had the swells on our beam rocking and rolling all night.
We don't have as long as you but here is our preliminary itinerary. Notice if possible we want to try to get up to Bequia for two nights if wind and swell are favourable hence the a/b .
Time - Early May Boat - FP Saona 47 Crew - Cap, and 3 qualified crew, 4 passengers
Day 1 - Sat - Arrive by flight 2:15, provision, boat inspection Day 2 - Sun - Check out of GND, Chart/ boat briefing, sail to Carriccou, sandy Island anchorage with dinner on shore (Slip-way in Tyrell bay is awesome!) Day 3a - Mon - If wind and conditions are favourable sail to Bequia for check-in. Day 3b - Mon - Union and maybe Chatham bay) Day 4a - Tue - Bequai Day 4b - Tue - Sail to Mayreau - Salt Whistle bay Day 5 - Wed - Tobago Cays, Beach BBQ Day 6a - Thur - Mayreau, salt whistle bay Day 6b - Thurs - Palm Island Day 7 - Friday Checkout at Union sail to PSV dinner at beach bar or main restaurant Day 8 - Sat - long sail to Prickly Bay, Check in, maybe anchor Hog Island Day 9 - Sun - boat return, Overnight ashore
Last edited by UncleLuff; 09/05/2018 02:36 PM.
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Re: Grenada sailboat trip May2019
[Re: tothedogs]
#169136
09/05/2018 07:02 PM
09/05/2018 07:02 PM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 350 Ottawa, Canada
UncleLuff
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 350
Ottawa, Canada
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Uncle Luff-Were you able to get from Carriacou to Bequia in one day? This is about 35 nm close hauled unless the wind went a little south of east. Must have been a long slog otherwise. We have done it many times from Canouan or the Cays and that was enough for us.. Havent done it yet! This is our intentions for next May. I assume that it will be similar to the slog from Grenada to Carriacou. But you are right if wind is north of east it will be difficult. We will have to play it by ear and hope the wind is south of east for more of a beam reach. There have been other posters that say they clear out early and head direct to bequia from Carriacou and it is an easier sail than the Grenada to Carriacou beat. We’ll see!
Last edited by UncleLuff; 09/05/2018 07:02 PM.
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Re: Grenada sailboat trip May2019
[Re: UncleLuff]
#169138
09/05/2018 07:40 PM
09/05/2018 07:40 PM
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 925 Michigan
rhans
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 925
Michigan
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Uncle Luff-Were you able to get from Carriacou to Bequia in one day? This is about 35 nm close hauled unless the wind went a little south of east. Must have been a long slog otherwise. We have done it many times from Canouan or the Cays and that was enough for us.. Havent done it yet! This is our intentions for next May. I assume that it will be similar to the slog from Grenada to Carriacou. But you are right if wind is north of east it will be difficult. We will have to play it by ear and hope the wind is south of east for more of a beam reach. There have been other posters that say they clear out early and head direct to bequia from Carriacou and it is an easier sail than the Grenada to Carriacou beat. We’ll see! Take it from someone that’s spent a LOT of time in that area. Clear out Carriacou - Clear in @ Union. ***Pressures off***. What’s different than the BVI’s is Ocean rollers between Islands. Get a little N. Swell and a little east wind and some of the crew will have enough in about 3 hrs. between Islands. Luck out and everytings cool go to Bequia – A must stop – things don’t look so great stop at the Cay’s
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Re: Grenada sailboat trip May2019
[Re: moore5678]
#174140
11/03/2018 06:38 PM
11/03/2018 06:38 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 678 Vail, CO/St. Thomas, USVI
caribbeangirl13
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 678
Vail, CO/St. Thomas, USVI
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I highly recommend that you do a one-way starting in St. Vincent for a 10 day itinerary. They will deliver the boat to St. Vincent for a fee. The most we have paid was $700 but that was not for a cat. This is a much more enjoyable trip (you won't be beating your brains out going into the wind for half your trip) and you get to see more. Bequia is an island that really is not to be missed...it is beautiful, has tons of cute local bars and a ton of history. The people are amazing!
Leaving from St. Vincent my suggestions are:
1st night: Bequia (I would do 2 nights here but that is how much I love this island): We have had some of the best lobster pizza ever at Mac's Pizzeria. The Whalebone is a fun place to check out for the whalebone decorations. The Frangipani has been there since I was a child (it was my parent's favorite place to go, so we went there a lot) so we like to go for a drink here. Last time there we went to Jack's Beach Bar because my oldest son's name is Jack. Might be a good place to hang during the day because of the beach. We went for happy hour.
2nd night: Mayreau, Salt Whistle Bay: Do the lobster beach BBQ here as it is much cheaper here than in the Tobago Cays. Make sure to barter. We paid $400 EC for 5 of us in 2016. Also check out the cute town by walking up the hill. Beautiful church at the top of the hill that has gorgeous views to the Tobago Cays and then reward yourself with a beverage and a swim in the pool at Dennis' Hideaway.
3rd night: Tobago Cays: Such an amazing place to just explore by dinghy. Tons of turtles to snorkel with off of Baradel. Great beaches everywhere. I would stay here for 2 days too if you can do it.
4th night: Petit St. Vincent: Goaties beach bar is a favorite. Gorgeous beach.
5th night: Clifton Harbor, Union: check out of St. Vincent and the Grenadines here. Cool bar is Happy Island. We really liked Sparrow's Beach Club. They have a shuttle that will pick you up in Clifton and take you to their place on the Northeast side of the island. Beautiful beach with the bar/restaurant right on the beach.
6th day: Sandy Island, Carriacou: Clear in at Hillsborough first and then hang for the day at Sandy Island. 6th night: L'Esterre Bay: There are several cute beach bars here.
7th night: Tyrrel Bay, Carriacou: We really liked the Lazy Turtle here. Just don't eat the manchineel apples that are abundant on the beach here. They are highly poisonous. I would actually add a day in Bequia instead of doing Tyrrel but thought I should leave it in as an option.
8th night: St. Georges, Grenada: We like to leave a couple days at the end of the trip to explore Grenada. Port Louis marina is a great place to be based out of. Easy to get places and they have a very nice facility along with a pool. St. Georges is not to be missed. I always make my kids walk up to, St. Mary's church which used to house the school I attended as a kid. Last trip we rented a car and drove to Annandale Falls (chose these because it was easy to hike into right off the road and we only had the car for the day). We also toured the Chocolate Factory and River Antoine Rum Factory (which was really cool) and then drove back along the east coast for a totally different view of the island. We wanted to end the day at Westerhall Estate for another tour of a rum factory but they were closed by the time we got there. I would suggest dropping the chocolate factory in favor of another rum tour.
If you do end up leaving out of Grenada there is a great grocery store (they even had veggie burgers) right by the marina. I think it is a Foodland. You can even take the dinghy to the little dock right by the store and have someone wait there for you.
Things are very different in this part of the Caribbean compared to the BVI's where we also frequent. The sails are longer, the seas are usually a bit bigger, wind stronger and you kind of have to act like less of a tourist. Absolutely lock your dinghy at all times. Take it out of the water at night and lock it. Make sure the outboard motor is locked as well as the gas can. Try to take as few valuables as possible. That being said, you will need a bit more cash as there are places that don't take credit cards. Whenever you leave your boat, lock it up tight (as in hatches and portholes as well as the cabin doors). When in town just be aware of your surroundings and don't leave bags unattended. This is not to scare but just to make you aware. The locals are amazing people and so kind and helpful. Just a few bad apples cause unnecessary reputations. The boat boys can be a bit annoying but also super helpful, especially if you are in the Tobago Cays and realize you don't have enough ice! LOL! I recommend being polite and telling them no thank you if you don't want them to bother you.
Enjoy! We are going back this December/January and are getting our boat out of St. Lucia, which is a first for our crew and I haven't done this sail since I was a kid so I'll have lots of questions for the forum!
Sue s/v Ripple Leopard 40
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Re: Grenada sailboat trip May2019
[Re: UncleLuff]
#187454
03/15/2019 06:15 PM
03/15/2019 06:15 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 75 california
moore5678
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 75
california
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We have 10 nights total aboard the boat WITH an early departure at noon on the first day. How would you change your original itinerary you posted? Stay longer in Union? Prickly Bay? Carriacou? Or maybe up in Tobago cayes.. We're getting together soon to come up with out itinerary and I'd like to throw your suggestions out there. Remember we have 3 boats total- 1 Monohull and two 44 ft Cats.. We are experienced sailors and there are 9 couples. We are fun loving but also love the beauty of the islands..Some good beach bar/restaurants are a must as we'll eat out half the time if possible.. Thank you so much Uncle Luff and anyone else that would like to chime in!
Here's your original suggestion Day 1 - Sat - Arrive by flight 2:15, provision, boat inspection Day 2 - Sun - Check out of GND, Chart/ boat briefing, sail to Carriccou, sandy Island anchorage with dinner on shore (Slip-way in Tyrell bay is awesome!) Day 3a - Mon - If wind and conditions are favourable sail to Bequia for check-in. Day 3b - Mon - Union and maybe Chatham bay) Day 4a - Tue - Bequai Day 4b - Tue - Sail to Mayreau - Salt Whistle bay Day 5 - Wed - Tobago Cays, Beach BBQ Day 6a - Thur - Mayreau, salt whistle bay Day 6b - Thurs - Palm Island Day 7 - Friday Checkout at Union sail to PSV dinner at beach bar or main restaurant Day 8 - Sat - long sail to Prickly Bay, Check in, maybe anchor Hog Island Day 9 - Sun - boat return, Overnight ashore
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Re: Grenada sailboat trip May2019
[Re: moore5678]
#189620
04/03/2019 11:44 AM
04/03/2019 11:44 AM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 350 Ottawa, Canada
UncleLuff
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 350
Ottawa, Canada
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Hey; Here is a reply to a post that I put out on Cruisers forum (link included as there may some additional advise that could help you with your trip). Looks like the self provision at the Food land right next to the arena is the way to go! http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...provision-or-charter-company-216113.html--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We just got back (ended 23 March) from a charter with DYC in Grenada so hope I can help..... Rest of post deleted by Carol Hill. You posted a link, which is fine, but you can't copy and paste the whole of a report from another forum. Carol Hill
Last edited by Carol_Hill; 04/03/2019 12:30 PM.
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Re: Grenada sailboat trip May2019
[Re: moore5678]
#195140
05/17/2019 11:20 AM
05/17/2019 11:20 AM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 350 Ottawa, Canada
UncleLuff
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 350
Ottawa, Canada
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Hey Jaime; Trip was awesome, Provisioning, better off paying for a taxi and getting all the provisions at the main IGA this will probably cost you about 120 EC both trips and to get the taxi driver to wait for you. The food land near the marina did not have a lot of items that we required. Negotiate up front for the taxi. Actually negotiate up front for everything and make sure you understand the price, oneway, two way, per person, EC vs American...
All in all the boatboys were really nice, treat them with respect, shake their hand, introduce yourself, offer them a beer, slip them 20EC if they provide help with a mooring ball or direct you to an anchorage. They will try to get you to come to an establishment on the beach. The only boatboy issue I had was in Union and that was just inexperience and I didn't confirm the price for Ice before hand. They charged me 25EC per bag x3 (you can get them at the Anchorage Yacht club in union for 12EC per bag. Liquor we brought some scotch, rum and white wine from the duty free.
Enjoy, PS salt whistle bay was so nice one of our favorite locations, Palm Island is really nice but rollie and they won't let you use any of the facilities (except the pricey bar) unless you buy a day pass for US100 per person, which sounds expensive but this includes unlimited drinks and a three course lunch. So not bad at all. This is subject to how busy they are however and may not be offered to every boat, no kids allowed...
we stopped at - paradise beach (entry is difficult especially for a monohull, cat was fine (go to tyrell bay to check out as I think immigration is closed in Hillsborough) - Chatham Bay, had a great time and if you get there early enough you can arrange for one of the beach bars to handle check in or wait and do it in union the next day (they are pretty relaxed regarding check in and check out as long as it is around 24 hours since last check out) we ate at Aqua and had an amazing dinner. Lisa is the cook, bartender and waiter and she is amazing! service took a while but understandable when you find out she is doing everything! if you have a large party best reserve in advance as I would imagine they would have to source everything to prepare. We had drinks at the sunset grill as wll and the rum puch was pretty strong but good - Salt whistle bay - watch the rum punch at the salt whistle bay resort - the bartender/server Cupid was amazing, food was good - Tabago Cays - we used Taffa AKA 'Desparado' which was delicious, lobster is out of season unfortunately but fish was really good - Union, Happy Island - had sundowners and then bought some fresh fish and bbq'd on boat! really good! - Palm island - already described, but if you get a day pass you can add a message for 75US which we did for the ladies as an early day mothers day gift - long sail back to Port Louise - stayed in Marina for the night, Ate at BBs which was locale fare and hands down the best meal we had on the whole trip, portions are huge!
have fun!
Last edited by UncleLuff; 05/17/2019 11:22 AM.
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Re: Grenada sailboat trip May2019
[Re: cruzdoc]
#196581
06/03/2019 12:10 PM
06/03/2019 12:10 PM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 350 Ottawa, Canada
UncleLuff
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 350
Ottawa, Canada
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Thanks for the report UncleLuff! A couple of quick questions if you have a minute to answer as we are headed down there later this week.
- I'm assuming you anchored in Paradise Bay on Carriacou. How were the conditions overnight and was the holding good there? Also did you motor around to Tyrell Bay to clear out or dinghy in and take a taxi over from Paradise Beach? Do you know if they will
- Would you be comfortable headed over to Chatham Bay from Carriacou and waiting until the next morning to clear in to SVG over in Clifton? That seems a little risky to me I guess but certainly would save the hassle of going all the way over to Union just to clear in and back to Chatham.
-Seems like Salt Whistle is pretty crowded most of the time. Have heard they do not allow anchoring there anymore with their mooring balls in place. Is that accurate based on your experience?
Thanks for any help and would love to here a report from moore5678 too from your recent trip. Will give my own trip report as well upon return.
happy to help, see answers below: 1) Yes Paradise Beach on Carriacou, as for holding cannot say as we got a mooring ball in about 8 feet of water. Conditions were great not rolly but I think this would depend on the direction of the swell (it was east for us) As for checking out, we dinghy'd in to the beach and walked up to the road and walked until we flagged a bus. Tip: when they drop you off at the top of the hill its a steep walk down to the marina and the C/I office. DONT walk up the hill on the way back, follow the beach to the Lazy Turtle and get a taxi or continue your walk from there. 2) Based on the laid back feel of the island and having experienced it and done it, I would have no problem in doing this again. The C/I in union gave me know issues upon check in but this might have been because it was within 24 hours since our checkout. Do this at your own risk of course based on your level of risk tolerance! 3) I think you will be in off season, we were able to get a mooring ball no problem around 1:30 and there were lots of mooring balls available the next day. There were cats and a monohull that anchored in front of us (a big 60'plus cat charter with captain though so he knew where he was going and what he was doing). I have not heard anything about not being able to anchor.
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