Caribbean, Grenadines
From Blue Lagoon on St Vincent the whole Grenadines chain lies downwind: Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, the Tobago Cays and Union in one week, with short legs, reef anchorages and the best trade-wind sailing in the Caribbean.
YACHT TYPES
Catamarans 40 to 50 ft; sailing yachts 38 to 50 ft; a smaller fleet than Martinique or the BVI.
A typical week from Blue Lagoon
The Grenadines run north to south, so the week sails downwind and the return is the one longer day.
Day 1, Blue Lagoon to Bequia (9 NM). Admiralty Bay off Port Elizabeth: buoys, water taxis, the Frangipani bar.
Day 2, to Mustique (14 NM). Britannia Bay's buoys, Basil's Bar, a walk past the villas.
Day 3, to Canouan or Mayreau (12 to 20 NM). Charlestown Bay on Canouan, or straight to Saltwhistle Bay on Mayreau, the beach anchorage of the week.
Day 4, to the Tobago Cays (5 NM). Park buoys behind Horseshoe Reef, turtles at Baradal, lobster on the beach.
Day 5, to Union Island (5 NM). Chatham Bay for the quiet side, Clifton for the village and provisions.
Day 6, to Bequia and Blue Lagoon (25 to 35 NM). The beat home; leave at dawn or finish at Bequia and return early on the last morning.
Crews who dislike the upwind return take a one-way to Grenada; both options are on our Caribbean itineraries.
Practical points for a Grenadines charter
Licences and formalities
A recognised licence or a convincing sailing CV; operators want to see reef and trade-wind experience for bareboat. St Vincent and the Grenadines is one country, so there is no clearance until you cross to Carriacou or Grenada.
Wind, sea and reefs
Trade winds of 15 to 25 knots from the east-northeast all season, stronger in the afternoon. The islands shelter the anchorages; the channels have swell. Reef entries such as the Tobago Cays are navigated by eye with the sun high, which sets the afternoon arrival times.
Fees and moorings
Park fees in the Tobago Cays, buoys in Bequia, Mustique and the Cays, boat boys who sell ice, bread and moorings everywhere. Provisioning is good in Bequia and Union, basic elsewhere; stock up at Blue Lagoon.
Getting there
Argyle international airport has direct flights from Miami and Toronto and connections via Barbados and St Lucia; Blue Lagoon is 30 minutes by taxi. Bequia has a small airfield for island hoppers.
Grenadines or BVI?
The BVI are easier: shorter legs, more marinas, calmer channels. The Grenadines have better sailing, emptier anchorages and the Tobago Cays. Experienced crews prefer them.
Is Mustique open to yachts?
Yes, on buoys in Britannia Bay for a fee; the island itself is private and visitors stay near the bay.
How hard is the return to St Vincent?
Upwind for 25 to 35 NM, lumpy in the channels. A dawn start or a one-way to Grenada avoids it.
What does Seeksail need to advise us?
Dates, cabins, reef and trade-wind experience, skipper or not, return or one-way. We answer with three yachts from Blue Lagoon and a recommendation.
PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE
More destination-specific guides are being prepared.
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