Visit our Popular Forums

Flyf9 · 01-10-2012, 21:30

We are trying to decide whether to start a 7 day bareboat sail from St. Lucia south to the Grenadines or Grenada north? We like quaint beaches to stop at with a restaurant or two for a few nights of the trip. Is St. Lucia and St. Vincent too busy of islands? We will be going at the beginning of Feb. with 2 inexperienced couples. Thanks!

**John A** · 01-10-2012, 22:11

Will you need to return to the base that you start from?
If it were me I'd start from Granada and go north..

**osirissail** · 01-10-2012, 22:40

I'd second that and say start from Grenada. Grenada has a seriously large cruiser community with lots to do along the bays on the south coast.

And then the sail north to Carriacou (southernmost island of the Grenadines) is very enjoyable. If the weather holds, a stop at Ronde Island is really a treat. Also you can visit Carriacou and it northern companions Petite Martinique and Petite St Vincent without the need of "checking out/in" from Grenada. All of which is an awful lot of sailing for a week.

demacsea · 02-10-2012, 00:03

I agree with the other two replies; definitely Grenada north. Not only can it get a bit rough in the acceleration zone off the north end of St Vincent, the deep anchorages are a little tricky too. Normal practice is to drop the hook and take a long stern line to a palm tree.
When sailing north from Grenada stay close to the coast as the current between Grenada and Carriacou will push you well to the west, so you'll be hard on the wind to get into Tyrrel Bay.

**GordMay** · 02-10-2012, 03:21

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Flyf9.

YACHT TARENTELA · 02-10-2012, 05:13

A 7 day cruise doesn't allow much time for travelling round trip from Grenada to St Lucia, or vice versa. Unless you are determined to sail as far as possible with little regard for enjoying your stops you might consider not going so far. If you depart from Grenada you probably won't want to go north of Bequia, which affords plenty of opportunity for a wonderfull fun filled charter. On the other hand if you depart from St Lucia you can cruise round trip to Les Saintes and have an equally enjoyable time. Both choices offer numerous locations to visit along the way. These are completely different so you should take a look at both before you make up your mind. It's not simply a matter of geographic location. I have spent my last 5 winters cruising the Windwards and Leewards and really enjoy a lot of each location. Regardless of what you decide, enjoy your trip.

maytrix · 02-10-2012, 05:27

we are doing an 8 day charter on November starting and ending in St Lucia. I haven't decided our plan yet, but we've considered just taking it easy and spending all the time on St Lucia. It seems there should be plenty to keep us busy.

We also considered a trip North to Martinique or a trip south as well. Still trying to decide though. What I've realized is that two weeks are more appropriate for that area.

Flyf9 · 02-10-2012, 07:11

Thank you all for the information. If we start in St. Lucia, we would go south to St Vincent, Bequia and another island then returning the boat in St. Vincent. If we start in Grenada, we would like to go north to the Grenadines and then return the boat to Grenada. It sounds like Grenada may be our better option. We would appreciate any more opinions and advice. Unfortunately a 1 week sailing trip is all of the time we have, so we are trying to decide the best way to maximize our time. The goal is to see the smaller islands in the area. Anyone have more favorite spots for our itinerary?

sck5 · 02-10-2012, 07:15

When heading south from St. Lucia we (and many others we know) skipped St. Vincent altogether because of security issues and sailed overnight straight to Bequia. Not sure if charters would allow that but there have been problems on the west coast of St. Vincent. I would either go from St. Lucia (from the charter base at marigot?) north to Rodney Bay and then to Marin on Martinique (only a few hours sail from Rodney Bay) or I would start in Grenada and hit the Grenadines. Either way you will have a good time.

mbkite · 02-10-2012, 07:26

Be shure to start a thread when your done..
I have been trying to set a trip from st Lucia to the grenadines for a few years now.
So far no luck not every one on board.
The closest I have come was a trip to st Lucia and a sun set sail.
Once out off the coast of the pitons you can see st Vincent and Martinique
Snorkeling was great at the base of petti piton and the night is filled with natures noise .. I loved it .. Have a good trip..