Although Hurricane Ivan in 2004 caused significant damage to Grenada, the island recovered quickly, and all major marine facilities accommodating yachts and boats have reopened. Caribbean sailors may once again adventure south to call on this beautiful island.

Grenada is a popular sailing destination in the south of the Caribbean at the bottom of the Windward Islands and near the Grenadines. There are number of marine ports where travelers can enter Grenada, and one port of entry in Carriacou. Sailors wishing to travel to Petite Martinique must first clear in Carriacou. In August, Carriacou has a sailing regatta. The coast guard uses VHF channel 16.

Ports

Entry and Exit Procedures

When entering Grenada, masters should fly their yellow quarantine (Q) flags. In addition, the courtesy flag of Grenada should be flown starboard on the main mast. Grenada uses the red right returning rule, meaning ships should keep red buoys to their right when pulling in to harbor.

Masters will need to make three or four copies of crew lists, as well as immigration cards. Declarations will need to be made of stores and pets, as well as for firearms and medical stores. Firearms will either be kept onshore by officials or can be locked aboard the boat. Travelers should have passports and identification as well as a clearance from their last port of call. Customs and Immigration officials are available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Friday's they are available until 5:00 p.m. Weekend hours are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m, but weekend or late clearances may incur fees.

Entry and Exit Fees

Travelers who sail to Grenada must obtain a cruising permit from the Customs office in order sail in local waters. Parts and equipment may be imported without duty.

Upon departure from the island, boats must pay EC$1 per person to the Immigration office as an embarkation tax.

Local Concerns

Fishing is restricted in the protected marine areas in Grenada (Moliniere Point) and Carriacou (Sandy Island, Saline Island, White Island). Anchoring at Grand Anse and the Carenage in Grenada and at Harvey Vale in Carriacou is restricted. Yachts must stay at least 200 meters offshore from all beaches and should never pump bilge or waste into local waters. Spear fishing and lobstering are both prohibited. There is a 1.5 kilometer no sailing zone around the active underwater volcano Kick Em' Jenny located between Grenada and Carriacou.

Contacts

Chartering A Yacht

Sailors of all experience levels who do not own their own boats will need to secure the services of charter brokers and charter companies in order to secure the charter of a vessel.

Charter companies, who actually own the boats, are divided into groups based on tiers and size. Tiers are divided into a first and second, while sizes are divided into large and small. The tier of a charter company is indicative of the age of their fleet. First tier companies own fleets of boats that are less than five years old. Typically, these boats will be equipped with the more technology and the newest equipment. Second tier companies, meanwhile, will have fleets of boats that are more than five years old. Companies in the second tier may purchase boats from first tier companies as vessels age. Equipment on these boats may be dated, but they may also come at a lower price.

The size of a charter company is based on the number of boats in a fleet. Small charter companies will have a smaller fleet of vessels, but will generally be committed to providing a high level of helpful and personal customer service. Large charter companies will possess large fleets of boats and offer additional benefits such as boat replacement in the event of a shortage. Tiers and sizes in charter companies are interchangeable, so small companies may be first tier and large companies may be second tier.

Travelers should be sure to carefully inspect all of the documents, agreements, policies, and insurances of a company before signing paperwork, as it is important to understand your liability on such an expensive boat.

Charter brokers are available to travelers looking to secure a yacht charter. Charter brokers will search for a boat, company, and crew that will best meet the needs of your party. Brokers are paid by yacht owners to match a boat whose size, style, and amenities match a vacationers wants. Travelers can contact the American Yacht Charter Association or the Charter Yacht Broker's Association at 866-901-2922. Travelers can charter yachts from companies located in the United States and the Caribbean. Popular spots include Florida and the Virgin Islands.

In the Caribbean:

Charter Styles

The style of charter that travelers can secure will be based on their level of sailing experience and type of vacation. Yacht charters can be fully crewed, skippered, or bare.

Fully crewed charters are for travelers who have no sailing experience, or for those who simply want to leave the sailing chores to others. These charters can be perfect for relaxation. A crew will usually include a captain, who is in charge of the journey; and a cook, who prepares the meals. Crewed charters typically come equipped with amenities such as scuba diving gear. Travelers who have no experience sailing may use their experience aboard a crewed charter to gain valuable sailing knowledge and experience. Some captains and crews may even allow for vacationers to take part in routine sailing procedures under their guidance. Itineraries and activities on these crewed charters are generally discussed prior to embarking, although the ship's captain will have the final word if safety should merit an alteration in plans. Crews rely on tips for their survival, and are generally tipped 10 to 15 percent of the total cost.

Another charter option that still provides vacationers with a helpful guide during their travel in Caribbean waters is a skippered bareboat. These boats will have a captain, or a skipper, who will help to guide travelers through sailing in the local waters. Reefs, strong winds, and other hazards can make sailing in the Caribbean hazardous, and these skippers can provide invaluable knowledge about sailing in an area. Skippers may stay with a boat for the duration of their journey, or simply for a few days. Skippers are typically paid $80(USD) to $120(USD) a day, and must be provided with food.

The final option for travelers wishing to travel through the Caribbean by sailing boat is a bareboat. As the name suggests, bareboats come without a skipper and crew, as well as many extras such as scuba diving gear. These types of charters are only for experienced sailors, and charter companies will require proof of sufficient sailing training, knowledge, and experience. Travelers chartering a bareboat should have some familiarity with Caribbean waters and should have charts of the local marine geography. Although the care of a boat of such significant value requires responsibility, the experience of guiding a boat throughout the majestic waters and islands in the Caribbean is unlike any other.

Making Your Decisions

Once the appropriate style of charter has been selected, travelers will need to make several more decisions based on their vacation party and plans. Travelers who wish to take advantage of Grenada's numerous dive sites will want to ensure that their boat is equipped with scuba diving equipment. Travelers may want to prepare a list of equipment and food supplies that they wish to have on the boat. Itineraries should be planned to reflect the desires of your vacation party. Travelers may wish to spend time sailing around a certain group of islands, or lengthen their journey by traveling to distant ones. Vacationers with children or those who wish to engage in sailing activities should be sure to have a charter broker select a crew that will be compatible with your situation or wishes.

The size of your boat should be based on the number of vacationers in your group. Catamarans typically provide the most space and luxuries for sailors, and standard boats will come equipped with three to four bedrooms and bathrooms. Boats are also available for charter that can accommodate a lesser and greater number of passengers. Rooms in catamarans will usually provide soundproof walls for privacy. These boats will not roll at anchor and may keep some travelers from becoming seasick. Monohulls on the other hand are representative of a more authentic sailing experience, but tend to provide choppier rides.

Travelers should consider their costs when making decisions as well. Extra equipment such as scuba diving gear may incur costs, and travelers should also consider the cost of food. Charter companies can stock boats with meals and rations, and this option can run about $25(USD) per person per day. Travelers looking to save money can stock their own boat, although customs in some countries may prevent food from being taken ashore. Travelers should also keep in mind that food supplies may not be easily accessible or available on some islands or harbors.

Almost every island in the Caribbean offers sailors a unique experience. At the bottom of the Windward Islands, Grenada offers scuba diving, beaches, and the nearby Grenadines to seafarers who make their way to it's numerous harbors.

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