St. Vincent and the Grenadines
February 13 - 20, 2027
In the southern part of the Caribbean chain known as the Windward Islands, 90 miles west of Barbados, there is an archipelago of islands that is simply beautiful and stress free. The Sailing Club last went there ten years ago. It’s time to return.We're going way south folks, average daytime temperature runs between 78 and 84 degrees. Shorts, t-shirts, and sunscreen will be the uniform of the day.
Capital and gateway to The Grenadines, the spectacular St. Vincent cruising area offers line-of-sight sailing not unlike the British Virgin Islands. Sailors of varying experience levels will enjoy the alluring landscapes, superb snorkeling and diving, as well as an endless variety of stunning palm-fringed beaches in this nation of islands.
The trip we have put together will be a real warm weather adventure; an escape from February's dark, cold, generally lousy weather to a truly tropical paradise.
Friday, Feb. 12: Kingstown, St. Vincent
We start our adventure a stone’s throw from where the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean” was filmed. You should plan to arrive by Friday to start the charter on Saturday, February 13. There is a hotel at the marina, or we can request early boarding on our boats for an extra fee of $150 per cabin. The next day, we'll start our trip south.
Day 1, Saturday: St. Vincent to Mustique (15 nm)
The charter starts at noon, whether or not some sleep aboard the night before. After provisioning and boat briefing, we will set sail to Mustique, the first overnight stop. This beautiful island is one of 32 that make up the magic corners of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Teeming with underwater life, you'll truly feel fabulously free as you swim, snorkel, and soak up this elite island. At Mustique we’ll pick up a mooring in Britannia Bay, before heading ashore for cocktails at Basil’s Bar.
Day 2 and 3, Sunday and Monday: Mustique to Tobago Cays (18 nm)
The Cays are said to be one of the World’s most breathtaking anchorages. The Tobago Cays (Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradol, Petit Tabac, and Jamesby) make for a soul-nourishing charter destination. Adorned with coral reefs, pure white beaches, and beautiful bays, this marine national park is a sailing haven. Film buffs can also maroon themselves in the same spot as Jack Sparrow on the lush picnic spot of Petit Tabac. We’ll spend a layover day here to allow us to explore the Cays.
Day 4, Tuesday: Tobago Cays to Canouan (6 nm)
Canouan, which means "turtle" in Carib, is a small hook-shaped island lies halfway along the Grenadines chain and is equipped with a modern airport that can handle mid-sized jets, a championship golf course, beautiful villas, and a couple of luxury resorts, making it the playground of billionaires. We’ll take a berth at the Sandy Lane Yacht Club marina. If all the luxury amenities become too tiring, there are plenty of isolated bays off which you can anchor and four pristine, pearly white, sandy beaches with turquoise waters to snorkel.
Day 5, Wednesday. Canouan to Mopion and Chatham Bay (12 nm)
Mopion Island is a sandbank meaning it shifts and changes with the pull of the tide – it’s got that deserted island feel, powdery white sand beaches, and is one of the best spots to snorkel! There’s very little to do upon Mopion except pack a picnic and soak up the feeling of being the one in the world.
A secluded Caribbean destination, Chatham Bay is a jewel in the crown of St Vincent and the Grenadines offering a whole host of clear water swimming, exotic snorkeling, and sublime nature trails.
Day 6, Thursday. Chatham Bay to Mayreau (5 nm)
The tiny island of Mayreau, situated between Canouan and Carriacou, is the smallest populated island in the Grenadines chain, with around 500 residents. This idyllic island only received the luxury of electricity in 2002! Saltwhistle Bay is the spot for mooring your yacht while here. With such a small population and almost no infrastructure aside from a dozen bars to enjoy, you will feel like you have arrived on an island straight out of a novel.
Day 7, Friday. Mayreau to Bequia (21 nm)
Set out for a four-hour romping sail to Bequia, arriving in time for a late lunch before setting off to explore the island. This island is one of the most laid-back and attractive islands of the whole Caribbean – absolutely perfect for your last night. Restaurants and bars abound, choose between local fare and fine dining according to your taste and budget. For the more active there are numerous hiking trails around Bequia with superb views from the hilltops and a particularly fantastic sunset view from Mount Pleasant. Walk along the water-front promenade and pop into one of the restaurants - Mac's Pizza is highly recommended!
Day 8, Friday. Bequia to Blue Lagoon (8 nm)
A short but exciting sail brings you back to Blue Lagoon Marina in time for a noon finish. The Horizon crew will be available to assist you whether you are departing the island or staying for a few days. St Vincent is a spectacular island that offers excellent hiking, visits to beautiful gardens and old plantations and maybe a visit to the Pirates of the Caribbean set at Wallilabou Bay. A great way to finish your week sailing and exploring St Vincent and The Grenadines!
Getting There
American Airlines offers daily flights from Miami. Caribbean Airways has direct flights from JFK. Jet Blue also flies to Argyle, but not every day. It’s a short cab ride from Argyle International Airport (SVD) to the Blue Lagoon Marina on the southwest corner of St. Vincent.
Our Boats
We have reserved a 45-foot catamaran and a 45-foot monohull for this cruise. When you sign up, be sure to say if you have a preference.
The cost of the trip is $1,350.00 per person (Skippers - $675.00). This price covers the charter cost, boat insurance, dinghy with motor and dinghy fuel. Food, marina and mooring fees, airfare and other incidental expenses are additional and will be handled by each boat’s crew.
A $200.00 deposit is required to hold your position. The deposit is non-refundable once you have been confirmed on the trip. Please make your check payable to The Sailing Club, Inc. and mail it, along with your completed two-page reservation form, to Jan Cornelius at the address below. Reservations will be processed beginning August 1 with a random draw of those received by that date. All reservations received after that date are on a first-come, first-served basis. The balance of $1,150.00 will be due Dec. 1.
A pre-trip meeting will be held at a time and place to be announced. All crewmembers should make every effort to attend in order to meet your crewmates, plan your meals and discuss travel plans.
Trip Leader
Jan Cornelius
165 Brooktondale Rd
Brooktondale, NY 14817
607-342-6528
JanCCornelius@gmail.com
Assistant Trip Leader
Bob Rainey
2006 South Branch Dr
Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889
908-872-9101
Rjraineyjr@aol.com
