Clearing in Florida to Grenada

[Windwalker44]

I'm planning a passage from southern Florida down to Grenada once the hurricanes stop this Fall. I would like to leave my Gulfstar44 sailboat in dry storage in the Caribbean and use it as a winter destination.
My question is, do I have to go through customs and clearing from every Island Country if I'm just dropping anchor for the night and continue transiting southbound the following day ?
If I don't go ashore is it ok to just sleep and run ?

[Zanshin]

There is a long-established "right of innocent passage" from the UNCLOS that allows doing just this, with certain restrictions. I'm not going to hot-link either keyword, as you can google the terms and choose which of the references to use.

I have used this "right" numerous times in the Caribbean, dropping anchor at night and not going ashore and departing the next morning. I usually have a reason prepared should I get asked ("I was so tired I thought I'd pass out", "The engine sounded strange, so I stopped to check it out", "my crewmember was so sick that I thought I'd need a doctor", etc.) to explain my use of this this UNCLOS right, to which the Caribbean nations are, as far as I know, all signatories.

The U.S. Islands are notable exceptions, I would not dream of trying to assert my UNCLOS rights as those authorities are exceptionally strict. They will usually track you once inside territorial waters. The other Caribbean nations are more lenient or lax, and I've never once had any issues.

But I would recommend on stopping, clearing in, and enjoying the wonderful islands and nations you will traverse on your trip down to Grenada!

Your first stop will most certainly be more than just an overnight - you'll be happy to step ashore after the passage from the USA and will most likely need to reprovision and perhaps buy parts for items that broke on the passage.

[SailSB]

If you have not made this trip before, clearing in is not as difficult as some would have you believe. In the French islands it is a 5 minute online form from their official computer, usually located in the back of a store close to the dingy dock. I don’t think I spent more than a half hour clearing in anywhere when working our way down from Florida to Grenada. I think the longest time was in the Bahamas. And why bother going if your not going to explore the islands. With that said, on a few occasions we did anchor for the night, not go ashore and left in the morning without clearing in. We only did this if we had scheduled constraints but did not want to sail thru the night. It should certainly be the exception not the rule. My understanding is that if you stop, your supposed to clear in. I believe the rules stated above are for emergency stops, so if you plan on not clearing you should certainly have your reasoning ready in case you are questioned. I’ve known people who spread tools and parts around and claimed engine problems, but to my mind, it is easier just to follow the rules and clear in and out. Check noonsite.com for formalities wherever you plan on stopping. But in general clearing in and out is quick, cheap and easy, so why not? Also keep in mind that a few places require the exit paperwork from your last port.

[Windwalker44]

Thank you for the information, it was helpful.

[ItDepends]

Originally Posted by Windwalker44

I'm planning a passage from southern Florida down to Grenada once the hurricanes stop this Fall. I would like to leave my Gulfstar44 sailboat in dry storage in the Caribbean and use it as a winter destination.
My question is, do I have to go through customs and clearing from every Island Country if I'm just dropping anchor for the night and continue transiting southbound the following day ?
If I don't go ashore is it ok to just sleep and run ?

That's a LONG hard trip...dead upwind at least as far as Antigua. (I know, I am in Grenada right now ) We meandered through the Bahamas, then from San Salvador we got here in two stops. In general, if you have favorable winds you are going to be working it every second to get south and east. If the winds are against you, you will be anchored and waiting. I don't think of overnight anchoring as a really useful thing--but to each his own

If you decide to sail from the USA to Grenada non-stop, (or at least non-official stop) be SURE you jump through the hoops needed to clear OUT of the USA. Grenada is one of several places in the Caribbean that requires a Zarpa from the last port of call for all incoming boats. Not having one will get you a hefty fine.

[Windwalker44]

Reply to Itdepends:
Thank you for your response, I should have made it clearer that my concern with clearing in and out was inconvenience and not time restrictions. We’re planning on 3 months for our passage and enjoying many islands along the way.
What is your experience in Grenada with marinas? I’m thinking of dry storage starting in April thru hurricanes season. Should I plan on booking this now before leaving to head south.