The Sailing Club, Inc.

St. Vincent & The Grenadines January 20 – 31, 2011

In the southern part of the Caribbean chain known as the Windward Islands, just 90 miles west of Barbados, there is an archipelago of islands that is simply- beautiful and stress free. Click to enlarge 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. Grenada, just 12 degrees north of the equator, will be our southernmost stop. We will spend two days in Grenada, which the cruising guide describes as a "spectacularly beautiful island with lush green mountains, crystal waterfalls, golden beaches and fragrant spice trees." The trip we have put together will be a real warm weather adventure; an escape from January's dark, cold, generally lousy weather to a truly tropical paradise. The Adventure Begins Day 1: Depart Newark for Barbados, then on to Kingstown, St. Vincent It’s a short ride to the Blue Lagoon where a 38 foot catamaran and a 43 foot monohull await us (when you sign up, be sure to say if you have a preference). This is a stones throw from where the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean” was filmed The next morning we'll start our trip south toward what Jimmy Buffet calls "the little latitudes" - Grenada. Between Blue Lagoon and Grenada lie the Grenadines, where we'll spend most of our time. Day 2: Blue Lagoon to Bequia After a brisk sail, Bequia with its small hotels, bars, restaurants, colorful vendors and boutiques should make for a very interesting day ashore. The island is also steeped in history with an old fort, an old but functioning whaling station, a turtle sanctuary, and Moon Hole, a natural moon hole (through which the moon shines during the vernal and autumnal equinoxes). Day 3: Bequia to the Tobago Cays The Cays offer an interesting overnight anchorage behind a huge reef which contains one of the best snorkeling spots in the world.   Day 4: The Cays to Carriacou We will clear customs in Hillsborough, then have a snorkeling stop at Sandy Island and spend the night anchored at Tyrrel Bay.   Days 5 & 6: Carriacou to Grenada This is an offshore jaunt to St. Georges, the main town on Grenada.There is a nice marina in St Georges where we can tie up for two nights, get water, do laundry, etc. There is so much to see here. A tour of the island is a must to see the mountains, vistas, crater lakes, rainforests, and the huge market in town. Two days will give us ample opportunity to sample some of what this island has to offer. Hiking in the Rain Forest   Delightful Harbor Views   Water Falls   Secluded Beaches   Great Shopping   Sunsets like no other   Day 7: Grenada to Petit St. Vincent (PSV) The island is primarily given over to a quiet and exclusive private club. There is, however, a beautiful public white sand beach and a restaurant up on a cliff with a stunning view.   Day 8: PSV to Mayreau A short sail will bring us to Saltwhistle Bay and its perfect half moon beach and fishermen who will be happy to sell you their just caught lobster. Views from the top of the island are impressive as are the rum shops and local restaurants. About 300 people live here. Day 9: Mayreau to Mustique Mustique is an elegant island with exclusive mansions owned by the likes of Mick Jagger, Raquel Welch, David Bowie and Sting. Mustique, however, is probably most famous for Basil's Beach Bar. Basil's is built out over the water, has great food, music and is a terrific place to see "the beautiful people" and watch the sunset. The Mustique Blues Festival happens every year around the end of January.   Day 10: Mustique to Friendship Bay Bequia Eight miles from Mustique, on the southern coast of Bequia, Friendship Bay offers a pretty beach, good snorkeling, the Friendship Bay Beach Resort with a great bar, Mosquito, at the waters edge. There is also the Firefly Plantation restaurant, a great experience.   Day 11: Friendship to Blue Lagoon A ten mile sail brings us back to our starting point in plenty of time to gear up for our last night's party, pack and get ready to leave for the airport the next morning.   Day 12: Return Home After any last minute cleanup and boat checkout, it’s a short taxi ride to the airport for our flights back to civilization. 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.   Free drink coupon redeemable when you get there (one per person) (Compliments of the trip leaders)   Remember- When you get older you will regret the things you didn’t do more than the things you did do!   The cost of the trip is $1,350.00 per person (Skippers $725.00). This price covers charter fees, boat insurance, fuel and travel insurance. Food, airfare and other incidental expenses are additional and will be handled by each boat’s crew. A $250.00 deposit is required to hold your position. Please make your check payable to The Sailing Club, Inc. and mail it, along with your completed reservation form, to Jeff Hamer at the address below. Reservations will be processed beginning April 9, 2010 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 $1,100.00 will be due as follows: A second payment of $275.00will be due Sept. 2; a third payment $275.00 will be due Oct. 2, a fourth payment of $275.00 will be due Nov. 2, and the final payment of $275.00 be due Dec. 2. 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.