All booked for Grenadines June/July 2014

All set with Barefoot, just need to sort the air travel and any land stays! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />

I'm sure you will have a great trip! Just fyi, there was an armed boarding of a cruising boat at Union Island last night. You can read details on the Grenada Cruisers Facebook page. (Sorry, this device does not copy and paste conveniently.) Suspects are already in custody, but it is more bad news for the SVG boating tourism industry.

Saw that, very sad, I am glad the couple survived and are recovering and the that the perps are in custody.

is there any information out there on the victim's recovery? I was thinking they will probably need to airlift her to the states for reconstructive surgery.

As often as we sail in the Grenadines during the high season we've never felt in danger, but in the off season I would not want to be a lone boat or two in an anchorage there. Dawg, I gotta tell you I was a bit concerned when you first mentioned heading there in the summer, especially with just the family, but now that you've organized a mini flotilla I'm sure you will be fine. Thoughts go out to the couple that was attacked and hopes for a full recovery.
Sunset

I also have 2 big, young guys aboard, my Nephew and Daughter's BF, Dylan, he is 6'8" and 290 lbs. Varsity football player.
2 cats so far, anyone want to join? June 28 start July 9 back to base.

Dog, how are you getting there? I'm going in May and trying to figure out the flights/routes is not easy. I'm coming from DC.

The only place we felt threatened was on Union Island. Will never go there again, just too dangerous. We sailed in June. Watch out in Mayreau, also. The young boys lay in the sand and make sand angels, all the while checking out who is leaving their boats for the day. Just be aware of your surroundings and you will be alright. Mayreau is an absolute must as is Bequia. Do have a great time, it is a beautiful place, with more shades of blue than the BVIs.

We went to Bequia last May and our flights were very easy but not cheap! BWI to Miami, and then on to Barbados, all on AA. We then took SVG Air to Bequia. We left BWI at 6 am and arrived on Bequia at 5 pm.

Unregistered wrote -

"The only place we felt threatened was on Union Island. Will never go there again, just too dangerous"

Union Island is not dangerous in any way, but I know that many visitors have felt intimdated. There are reasons for this, and with some foresight, this feeling can be pretty well eliminated:

* Many of the youngsters there are somewhat pushy - when you arrive at an anchorage and you have a couple of small boats with fellows clamouring for your business, this can be intimidating. I've heard, many a time, a yachtsman roar "Go away!" Immediately, the problem has been created. Consider looking them in the eye, and responding firmly but politely - you will earn respect and they will back off

* Union Island has something like 45% unemployment, no hospital and no higher education facilities. Remember this when you go there, and remember that when youngsters who live in a wooden shack with no running water or toilet, see visitors arriving on a yacht that's worth more than they will see in their lifetime, they will "try it on" to see what they can get. I suppose that's human nature.

* The fellows do offer a number of services which can be useful - getting you ice or provisions, helping you anchor or tie to the dock, taking your garbage, showing you around, taking you fishing, whatever. Try and give them a bit of business - it costs around $EC 60 ($US 24) to tie stern-to at the dock - that's about 50% more than the gross daily salary of someone (bar-tender, waiter) who works at a major hotel in St Vincent & The Grenadines

* Smile. Like the movies, the initial approach of these fellows might look like John Wayne with one hand on his hip and the other at his holster. But a broad smile breaks the ice - very quickly. A look of nervousness, together with a "Go away!" is simply fuel

* Don't over-tip. Balance is important - give them the business, yes, but don't throw money at them. I have seen, on countless occasions, a visitor "get rid of the nuisance" by passing over a $US 20 or $US 50 bill. That does not help - it confirms to them that visiting yachtsmen are rich idiots and so fair game

At the end of the day, whilst I'd agree that there is, of course, real crime in Union, just as anywhere in the world, the truth is that communication is key - and communication between folks should always a two-way street. Sadly, it is not always so.

Thanks Seth! Good info there! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

As far s getting there, we have a nice flight itinerary from Leah Hernandez, a Travel agent suggested by Seth at Barefoot Charters.
Takes a little longer than getting to BVI's but direct flight LAX-MIA and then direct flight to Barbados all on AA, the only leg that concerns me is the Lait one as they have a horrible track record.

All in, feathers, Fairy dust, taxes $1,127 per pax, not too bad.
Includes a late afternoon flight back to Barbados and an over night stay on the way home, cost additional but get back to LAX later afternoon that way.

Already kicking around sailing itineraries!

I'm looking at that same plan. AA to Barbados then LIAT to SVD.

Hey Mark,
Seth’s comments on Union are spot on. I’ve met more great folks there than bad ones. Some tend to seem pretty aggressive but again I think Seth hit a home run.
The intinery as it looks is confusing. With that short of time on the boat do you really want to do a circle around St. Vincent. Spend some more time in the southern portions. While on Union slide around to Chatham or head down to Petite Martinique or spend an extra day in the Cay’s.
Send me a PM with ?

Enjoy the SVG's. For me I'll be stuck doing tour guide duty in the BVI's

Rick

In Grenada now. Will be headed back north in about a month. Agree with rhans, would skip the St. Vincent circumnavigation.
And Seth's comments are spot on. Have been in Union several times. Never a problem. Always late may/early June. Couple of times in Frigate Bay where the recent attack took place (BTW, was at a South African wine tasting here in Grenada with Tina a week or so before the incident). Wife and I went ashore in Ashton and walked around as well in 2012. Never felt threatened in any way. "Stuff" can and has happened in most of the stops on your itinerary. Reciprocal courtesy and respect go a long way.
Have a great trip Dawg (if I may).

Mr. Doggie,
I see you are flying into and staying over night in Barbados
(beautiful island). Be sure no one in your group wears any type of camo. We had one guy that had camo shorts on, he got pulled aside by security. It is a law that only their military wears camo. Fortunately, this person had another pair of shorts in his carry on, and the only thing airport security did was make him change his shorts and told him not to wear them while in Barbados. Just a heads up, to save you time and trouble. I hope you and your family loves the Grenadines as much as we do.
Jo

SouthCarolina - camouflage clothing is also illegal in St Vincent and the Grenadines

Yep - we were made aware of that and no one had camo except one person. So no problem, not worn for the rest of the trip. Oh the fun things you learn when you travel. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/usflag.gif" alt="" />

Hey Seth,
I sent you and private message, did you get it?
Jo

Jo - just seen it and have PM'd you!

avoid Walilou, go to Chateaublair instead. but if you go to Wallilou, use Julien on the kayak, his wife died leaving him with 3 small children
in Bequia, Marias is a cool sailing hangout, see the ring toss game i put in there upstairs!