B3 The Imray-Iolair e CHARTS FOR THE ABOUT THIS CHART EASTERN This chart has been compiled by D M Street Jnr using official sources and additional information acquired over more than 50 years of cruising, racing, exploring, Compiled by DM Street Jnr chartering and charting the Eastern Caribbean on his 46’ engineless yawl Iolaire built in 1905. He is the author of many yachting books and articles, first of which was ‘Going South’, Yachting Sept 1964. His first guide Cruising Guide to the Lesser is regarded as ‘the book that opened the Caribbean to the cruising yachtsman and IMPORTANT made bareboat chartering possible’. It is worth reading for its nostalgic view of the For the latest chart Caribbean in the 50s and 60s. Through the years the guide has been expanded to cover all of the eastern Caribbean, from the western end of Puerto Rico east and corrections visit south through the islands to Trinidad, then westwards along the Venezuelan coast www.imray.com and the off shore islands to Aruba. Use Street’s Guides for interisland sailing directions, harbour piloting directions and interesting anecdotes of people, places and history. Street’s Guides are the only guides The information shown on charts is that cover all the anchorages in the Eastern Caribbean. Patience Wales, editor of Sail , liable to constant change; Imray once said, ‘Circle in red all the anchorages that Street describes that are not in the ensures that every chart is correct to other guides and you will have a quiet anchorage’. the printing date shown below. Shoresides information dates but pilotage information in Street’s Guide is timeless. Where harbours have changed or been dredged, the latest information is shown on Imray-Iolaire charts, which are constantly referred to in Street’s pilots. Corrections received after this date may be downloaded from Street has also been in the marine insurance business placing insurance for yachts of all sizes and ages sailing in all areas of the world with Lloyds since 1966. Visit www.imray.com as Correction www.street-iolaire.com. Email [email protected]. Notices. These are regularly updated The author and publishers believe that this chart is the most accurate and up to date and the website should be checked. available for the area it covers. It can, however, only remain so if mariners notify the publishers of any inaccuracy or need for correction of which they may be aware. Smartphone users The pilotage information on this chart is taken from Street’s to Trinidad can link directly to Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson Ltd www.imray.com the Corrections Internet sales for current and out of print editions iuniverse.com, alibris.co.uk and Notice for this chart Amazon.com using the QR code. Five popular sailing videos made in the late 80s early 90s featuring DM Street Jr are now available at www.thesailingchannel.tv. One of these concerns cruising the Grenadines. The most popular one is Transatlantic with Street , the story of Iolaire’s 1985 Transatlantic via Vigo, Madeira, Canaries, Cape Verdes . It was highly praised by Tom Cunliffe in his review in Sail, and Herb Mc Cormack in Crusing World . TheSailingChannel.TV offers all five videos in one digital package, The Complete Street, online at https://vimeo.com/ondemand/thecompletestreet

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Canouan Edition date: 2015

Union I. The Grenadines

Hillsborough Carriacou

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1 At one part of the year, the highest tide is Pilotage notes by during the day, at other times of the year the 1 highest tide is during the night. Schomberg, DM Street, Jnr Hr ZENITH the Danish naturalist, explained that during T EAST IDE the equinox, September and October, March and April, the evening tide is the highest, the 1 rest of the year the daytime tide is the B3 The Grenadines Hr highest. W In periods of spring tides especially if the E

E D

I S

T

GENERAL CAUTIONS T trades have not been blowing hard, the

T

T S

I flood tide will overcome the Equatorial D

E Yachtsmen navigating this area are E

W current and give an easterly set. In normal reminded that whilst most of the region has circumstances in the passages the tide runs been resurveyed in the last 50 years much of 1 Hr eight hours west, four east. However within the data is of 19th-century origin. Since then, the Virgin Islands in Pillsbury Sound and topography above and below the water may Drakes Passage which are largely sheltered well have been altered by natural causes EAST TIDE from the Equatorial current, the tide ebb such as volcanic eruptions, movement of NADIR 1 and flood is six hours each direction. sandbanks, the growth of coral etc. This Hr chart must therefore be used with caution. Warning Inshore navigation should only be undertaken in good light when the sun is The Caribbean is 0.4m to 0.6m lower in May, high. Navigational aids (buoys, beacons and flood tide. Taking advantage of a weather- June, July and early August than it is in lights) are notable for their absence and/or going current can change a passage from winter this was noted in the 1867 Norie and unreliability. being a real hard slog, to a glorious reach. Wilson Sailing Directions in these months It is important to read the sailing and pilot With tide and current setting you to shoal channels into various harbours should directions for the area concerned the night leeward, you will have to sail 010° to 015° be used with caution. Nanny Cay - Tortola, before, in order to plan the next day's run, above the rhumb line, but if it is setting you Manuel Reef marina, Wickhams Cay, Fat and to calculate your departure in time to to windward you will be able to sail a course Hog/East End Bay, Jolly Harbour Antigua guarantee arrival at the next anchorage 010° to 015° to leeward of the rhumb line. Rodney Bay Marina, Blue Lagoon - St while the sun is still high. This makes a difference of 020° to 030° often Vincent, do not have tide gauges and require It is also important on interisland passages changing a dead beat to an easy close reach. particular care. Yachts are increasing in size to allow for the set of the current. Stay to This often makes the difference between whilst shoal channels can be used safely in windward of the rhumb line. Take back slamming into it, or an eased sheet reach, winter, in summer, at low water springs; bearings until you can see the island ahead. really flying. This is particularly true from St there have been incidents when large yachts Take GPS readings every half hour and plot Vincent to St Lucia, Martinique to Dominica, have grounded completely blocking the them on the chart, make sure you stay to Deshaies (Guadeloupe) to English Harbour channel for others. The author has windward of the rhumb line between your (Antigua). campaigned for many years for gauges to be starting point and your anchorage. All If you plan your passages so that you have introduced to prevent these incidents. courses given in the text are rhumb lines. the flood tide helping you it can make a HIGH WATER FULL AND CHANGE Do not enter strange harbours at night. large difference to your sailing time. The Many lights are unreliable. difference from setting off on a lee-going The time of High Water at each location tide to a weather-going tide is generally during full and new moons (full & change) Buoyage in the Grenadines and particularly 020°, often as much as 030°. There is a brief occurs at a set time after the meridian on the south coast of Grenada must be rule of thumb method. The tide starts passage of the moon for each location. regarded as unreliable. running to the east soon after moonrise, The time of the meridian passage for each Norie and Wilson Sailing Directions to the continues to run east until about an hour day can be found in Nautical Almanac , and Caribbean (1817) state, ‘When passing to after the moon reaches its zenith (overhead) in Compass magazine. leeward of the high islands stay within two then it runs westward, reinforcing the pistol shots distance of shore or seven eg Location X – HW F & C 2h30m (from the westerly current. Then as the moon sets, the table on the chart) leagues (21 miles) off.’ Still as true today as tide starts running again to the east, turning Meridian passage at X for Y date is, say, it was in 1817. westwards again about an hour after the 0200hrs (from Nautical Almanac or Compass moon passes its nadir (directly underneath), TIDES AND CURRENTS magazine) see sketch. Thus HW on Y date will be at 0430hrs. HW (see als o Street’s Transatlantic Crossing In the Eastern Caribbean during the will be approximately 50mins later each Guide ) winter months, the wind will vary from east- southeast to east-northeast, occasionally following day. Heading north or south, the current is on the going all the way around to north. The WIND beam, setting you off your rhumb line course current sets generally west at a knot or more. an appreciable amount. When heading Thus the greatest problem encountered by In the eastern Caribbean during the winter north or south, the Equatorial current is the yachtsman new to the area is that of months, the wind will vary from east- setting you to the west. It is negated (and allowing his boat to sag below the rhumb southeast to east-northeast, occasionally occasionally, with spring tides, eliminated) by line course. At the end of the day, he going all the way around to north when a the tidal current. You must remember that suddenly realises that the anchorage is well big winter cold front from the states works the flood tide sets to the east, the ebb tide to windward – a hard slog against wind and its way eastwards to Puerto Rico. sets to the west. tide. To avoid this situation keep a hand- It generally blows 15 to 18kn, but at times Current (knots) bearing compass handy and take continual it will drop off to 8 to 12kn for days at a Boat Speed 1.5 1.2 1.0 0.8 bearings or GPS fixes; if you cannot see the time. It can also pipe up to a steady 20 to (knots) island ahead, take stern bearings or GPS 25kn with higher gust and stay this way for 2 37 º 31 º 27 º 22 º fixes. a week or ten days. Be prepared for heavy 3 27 º 22 º 18 º 15 º The tides trom Antigua south are semi- weather. 4 21 º 17 º 14 º 11 º diurnal, (twice a day) but from Antigua 5 17 º 13 º 11 º 9º north, the tides are diurnal, one tide a day. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION 6 14 º 11 º 9º 8º However, if you check very accurate tidal The National Oceanic and Atmospheric 7 12 º 10 º 8º 7º gauges you will discover two tides, one Administration’s National Data Buoy Center 8 11 º 9º 7º 6º major, a second one so small to be barely operate a variety of stations throughout the 9 9º 8º 6º 5º noticeable, thus the tide tables refer to it as world. Eight such stations exist in the Eastern 10 9º 7º 6º 5º diurnal. Caribbean recording a wide variety of Degrees of set leeway Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands area is meteorological information. Much of this further complicated by the fact that on the data is available to the yachtsman via the It is extremely important to allow for the south side of Puerto Rico and St Thomas, NOBC website. Go to set of the current which is made up of the there is one tide a day, while on the north www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/Caribbean and easterly wind blown Equatorial current, side of both islands there are two tides a day; click on the station you wish to access. reinforced by the ebb tide or partially (and east coast of Puerto Rico, Vieques and Wind velocities from shore stations in the occasionally completely) negated by the Culebra have two tides a day. 2 Eastern Caribbean give little indication of BOW AND STERN MOORING winds expected offshore. The weather buoys to the east of the islands will give a good indication of weather and sea conditions to be expected in the islands 24 hours later. Buoys to the north will give you indications of the approach of a ground swell condition but remember that the ground swell will approach at 25 to 30kn per hour, so lock on to buoys well north of the islands. Every year Caribbean Compass puts out an updated version of their list of radio stations that give weather information of interest to the sailor. GROUND SWELLS When ground swells are expected on the north coast of Puerto Rico, they are predicted quite accurately on El Oso San Juan, Virgin Island news. Add roughly twenty-four hours for the ground swell predicted to reach the southern end of the Caribbean. On any beach open to the northwest as far RIG FOR DOWNWIND the thimble will allow you to snug the preventer up to the gooseneck and tight south as Antigua, there is the danger of the Take a spare line (spare sheet or dock line) at under the boom when it’s not in use. ground swell, especially if the beach ashore least the length of the boat, secure it to the Lead two spinnaker-pole foreguys, one is quite steep and the sand really soft. I end of the main boom, pull it tight and each side of the boat, through blocks at the strongly advise either a Bahamian moor or secure the line to the goose neck, coil and stemhead or the end of the bowsprit. Clip moor bow-and-stern when anchoring off it. hang up the excess. Once underway and the snap shackles to lifeline stanchions If the ground swell comes in during the running downwind, broad off, free it from abreast of the mast and run the other ends night when on a single anchor it will pivot the goose neck, take it forward outside all aft to the cockpit. the boat around in the surf and within a few the rigging through a bow chock and secure To set up the preventer when you’re minutes the boat is driven on shore. it to mooring cleat or anchor windlass. It is sailing, all you have to do is untie the line Ground swells are completely then almost impossible to jibe. Rig the under the boom from the gooseneck and clip independent of the Caribbean weather headsail to a spinnaker pole of the opposite the snap shackle of the leeward foreguy into systems; they are generated by storms in the side, sail down wind wing and wing. If you the thimble eye. Make the lashing line long north Atlantic. The season is mid-October to do not have a spinnaker pole and the enough that you can tie it loosely to the the end of March though very occasionally preventer is rigged really tight, a good lifeline and use it as a retrieval line when it’s ground swells will appear in April. helmsman can sail slightly by the lee and time for a jibe. For cruising therefore, May is fine: no keep the headsail filled. A useful rig when Once the wind gets on the quarter and the hurricanes; no ground swell. June the same, heading westward in the Virgins, Puerto Rico boom is well eased, connect the preventer though there is a risk of hurricanes. July is westwards from Antigua. and set it up tight using a winch. If no winch good but watch out for hurricanes. The above is a jury rig that can be done is available, over-ease the mainsheet, take up with the material found on a bare boat. If BAHAMIAN MOOR on the foreguy, then re-trim the main to you own your own boat do a proper job as make the foreguy tight. A jibe is now all but Bahamian moor is useful if you are anchored described below. impossible. where there is a reversing tide that will If heading westwards from the eastern overcome the wind when the tide is running Caribbean to Columbia or Panama rig a eastwards, or anchored off a beach that is proper easily rigged and unrigged main exposed to the ground swell. If you are on a boom preventer. 1 Bahamian moor you will swing in a circle that is equal to the length of the boat. MAIN-BOOM PREVENTER/FOREGUY 3 Once anchored, back down with the 4 Every year, numerous sailors are injured, and 5 engine, slacking the anchor line or chain some are killed, as the result of inadvertant 2 until you have veered (eased) plenty of scope jibes. These accidents can be avoided with (line) then take a second anchor, carry it back the use of a preventer/foreguy on the main to the stern, drop it, shorten up on bow boom. Key to the diagram anchor until you have the correct amount of For downwind sailing, the first and most 1. Main boom scope, then take a strain on the anchor you essential piece of gear is a strong preventer 2. Mainsheet have dropped off the stern (but lead the on the main boom that can be easily rigged 3. Bail or strop rode through the bow chock), and secure. and unrigged. 4. Wire preventer Now that you have moored between two To set up an effective preventer, you need 5. Light line anchors there is no danger of swinging a strong bail on the end of the main boom, ashore when the wind dies out at night. preferably angled forward at about 45°. Downwind rig with jib and main If you don’t have a suitable bail, you can This rig is for normal downwind sailing with use a loop of line to make a strop. Make the the mainsail secured to leeward with a loop long enough that you can wrap it twice preventer on the boom and the jib poled out around the boom, tuck one end of the loop to windward. through the other, and work it tight. (The two wraps will ensure the strop doesn’t slip along the boom.) To make the loop, take a piece of line of the appropriate length, tie Arc of Swing 1 the ends together with a sheet bend, and mouse the tails of the knot with electrical

tape. 2 3 Secure a wire (or a length of high-tech line 2 BAHAMIAN MOOR like Spectra or Dyneema) to the bail or strop. This is the permanent part of the boom preventer. It should be about a foot shorter than the distance from the bail to the 7 5 gooseneck and have a thimble spliced into 4 its gooseneck end. A lashing line tied into 6

3 Key to the diagram ensure that the light conditions are good SOUTH AND WEST FROM PETITE ST 1. Main boom preventer when entering windward VINCENT 2. Lee spinaker pole foreguy anchorage. (See Charts B31 and B311) 3. Light line The usual route to Canouan is from 4. Headsail Mustique to the west coast of Canouan; to From Petite St Vincent to Watering Bay, 5. Lazy sheet for headsail WP10, course 239 º mag. At the end of 11M Carriacou, head west until Sail Rock is three 6. Working headsail sheet of sailing, the northwest corner of Canouan fingers off the northern end of Petite St 7. Foreguy is abeam, harden up and head south using Vincent. Continue heading 250º mag until The working sheet (#6) is run through the eyeball navigation. Fota is overlapped by the southwestern end of the spinnaker pole. If the wind goes corner of Petite Martinique. At this point you SOUTH (See charts B31 & B311) too far forward for the headsail to be poled will be inside the reef. From here on, sail to windward, this sheet is eased and the sail Leaving Admiralty Bay under sail is a good southward along the coast, inside the reef, trimmed to leeward with the lazy sheet (#5). test of seamanship, since you will be running using eyeball navigation. dead before the wind. Once past West Cay, A less taxing course from Petite St Vincent stand south leaving Canouan to either side. is to sail southwest until the westernmost hill Windward of Canouan, beware of the reefs on lines up with the western ST VINCENT TO BEQUIA that extend well offshore. These carry seven- lowland of Palm Island. Turn south along this (See Chart B30) tenths of a mile windward of Jim Hill. There range, which will carry you safely to the west Leaving St Vincent from Kingstown Harbour, is one danger to look out for between the of the 2·4m spot southwest of Petit Young Island anchorage, or Blue Lagoon southeast corner of the reefs off Canouan Dominique. Once past this danger, alter presents no difficulties. It is almost always a and Baleine Rock. The course leads directly course to clear the reef off the eastern point reach to Admiralty Bay. On the other hand, across the submerged Break Rock southwest of Carriacou, after which you can steer a if you want to go to windward and east of of Channel Rock. The best route is to pass course approximately southwest, passing to Bequia - ‘over the top’ as the locals say - you Channel Rock close aboard to the southeast either side of Ronde Island and Grenada. must hold high in the event of a lee-going and run to the west until Channel Rock The west coast of Carriacou is far less ebb tide. Once around, you can stand opens slightly from Jim Hill, Canouan. Turn formidable. From Petite St Vincent to Gun southeast to Baliceaux or south to Mustique. to the southwest and maintain this range, Point is a straightline course with no hazards. The only danger here is Montezuma Shoal. 239º mag, until close by Baleine Rock. Around Gun Point it is an easy reach down Passing to leeward of Canouan, there are the coast of Carriacou with no dangers until SOUTH FROM BLUE LAGOON no dangers between here and the Tobago Jack Adan I., at which time you should hook (See Chart B30) Cays. (Street’s Guide Martinique to Trinidad up with the next range, defined by the peak page 109-115.) Steer course 204º mag, on Frigate Island, which is in line with the Over the top , direct to Baliceaux (Street’s making allowance for the current and western radio tower on . This Guide Martinique to Trinidad page 99 ) from passing between Baleine Rock and the reef will carry you clear inside the shoal spot WP4 to WP8, 181 º mag. This course passes northwest of the Tobago Cays. Eyeball between Jack Adan I. and the mainland of through WP5. The next day it is just a short navigation will be required to get you clear Carriacou. 5M run to Mustique, course about 225 ºmag of the inner reef; then sail southeastward CARRIACOU TO GRENADA but strictly eyeball navigation. Or instead of until the middle hill of Palm Island lines up stopping at Baliceaux, once WP5 is reached, with High North, on Carriacou. This range (See Chart B32) bear off to course 199 º to Mustique WP9, will guide you south between the windward total distance from Blue Lagoon 15M. From Southwest Point to Diamond Island and leeward reefs of the Tobago Cays. If your (Kick ‘em Jenny) and Tanga Langua, Alternatively, from Blue Lagoon to Bequia plan is to pass to windward of Palm Island, (Street’s Guide Martinique to Trinidad page Grenada, it is 235º mag not taking account go east until the peak of Petite Martinique of current. This is normally a very broad 88-97) course 223 º mag, 7M to WP5A. It’s bears 190º mag. Sail that course until south then a short 1M beat up into the anchorage. reach or a dead run. If the wind is in the of Palm Island, then sail southwest mag until north, it may be a good idea to rig your main Wait until the next day to continue to you have the peak of Petite Martinique Mustique and head 3M due west dead boom foreguy to starboard and set your jib bearing 163º mag. If you maintain this range, on the pole to windward before you leave downwind (test of helmsmanship) to West you will come right between the two sand Cay, then dead to windward, short tack up the lee of Carriacou. This will save you a lot islands northwest of Petite St Vincent. But of rolling and latting on the way down. the Bequia shore to stay out of the current remember to follow the range rather than Warning Note the position on the chart of in smooth water. Pass between Petit Nevis the compass course, since the currents will be the semi-active underwater volcano and plot and Bequia (it’s probably best to motor sail tending to throw you off one way or the your course accordingly. Generally stay through this gap), then make a 6M fast reach other. 5000m west of Ronde Island. During a red to Mustique. (See sailing directions for B30 If you are proceeding from the southern alert the exclusion zone may be increased and Street’s Guide: Martinique to Trinidad entrance to the Tobago Cays to the west of from 1500m to 5000m radius centred on page 97-101.) The straight line distance is Palm Island, a course of 239º mag and an 12º18’N 61º38’W. 12M, but the actual sailling distance, because allowance for current will take you between of the beat to windward, is 15M or more. the reefs of Union and Palm Islands. A good Once round Tanga Langua, the wind tends Leave Admiralty Bay early in the morning. deal of precautionary eyeballing will be to hook around the island, often putting you dead before the wind most of the way to SOUTH FROM MUSTIQUE necessary. Also, keep a sharp lookout for Grand de Coi, which must be avoided. There Black Bay Pt, Grenada, where it will tend to (See Chart B31 & B311) is a west cardinal light beacon (VQ(9)10s) in come more abeam. If your destination is St If Mustique is departed by 0900 at the latest, 4m of water on the western side of Grand de George’s, the course from Molinière Point is experienced sailors can have a fantastic sail Coi. It can be passed to westward by staying 178º mag, hugging the shore. south to the anchorage on the windward west until Catholic Island aligns itself If you are bypassing St George’s and side of Canouan. Leave your Mustique between Union and Red Islands and heading directly to the south coast of anchorage, sail south using eyeball following this range on southward. (Red Grenada, a course of 214º mag from navigation and pass to leeward of Petit Island is now connected to the mainland by Molinière Point will clear Long Point Shoal. Mustique and between Savan Island and .) When rounding Point Salines, give it a Savan Rock. For this route, Chart B31 must be To pass eastward of Grand de Coi, once 200m berth so as to avoid the debris in the used. the reefs of Palm Island are cleared to port, sea here. This was created when they blew South of Savan Island, have a camera head up until Glossy Hill joins the eastern up the hill to build the airport. Much of the ready to photograph the hole in the rock on end of Mayreau Island. This range should be hill was carted off and used for infil but a the western island. Once clear, steer approx maintained, keeping clear of the shoal at the large amount fell into the sea and no survey course 335 º mag, 9M, to due east of southeast corner of Palm Island. If your has been done of the area since the hill was Friendship Point, then use eyeball navigation destination is Petite St Vincent, hold this removed. Upon rounding, unless you draw between the reefs and turn north to the range until the peak of Petite Martinique more than 3m, the best procedure is to stay anchorage (see the sailing directions with bears 163º mag. Follow 163º midway close inshore. This will keep you out of the B31 and Street’s Guide: Martinique to between Punaise and Mopion. Once you swell and current. Each time you make a long Trinidad page 100). have passed beyond the reefs, you may alter tack offshore, the current and sea will set This route via Savan Island and into the course to Petite St Vincent. you to leeward. windward side of Canouan should only be Between Point Salines and Prickly Point used by experienced reef navigators. It is there are few difficulties as long as a lookout imperative that Mustique be left by 0900 to is kept during starboard tacks inshore. If

4 beating to windward under sail, short-tack need the wind south of east or a weather- should be able to lay this course but if the along the shore as close as possible, as it will going tide. Instead, tack eastwards to Irvine tide turns against you as you approach keep you out of the swell and foul current, Bay, east of Sauteurs, WP24. The course to Kendance Point, the best course of action and will usually give you starboard-tack lifts the lee coast of Isle de Ronde is now 040° may be to ease sheets, head for Great but watch for shoals on starboard tack. From mag. This will give you a much better sailing Breteche Bay, anchor and spend the night. Prickly Point eastward, this coast has angle than the direct course from Tanga The next day, after a late breakfast and early numerous reefs and sandbanks. All are Langua. You may pass tight up under Isle de morning swim, set off at about 1100 when clearly visible as long as the sun is fairly high. Ronde. If the ground swell is not running, the sun is high and the light is good enough Work your way up the south coast of stop and spend a quiet night in Corn for the 1M beat to windward to Kendance Grenada, continually tacking inshore to stay Store Bay. Point and Grand Bay. Use eyeball navigation. out of the westward-flowing current and the If you do not lay Cistern Point, continue Since it is only 14M from Sandy Island to sea. Consult the chart (B32) and use watchful north until you pass Southwest Point and Carriacou, you can wait until you are able to eyeball navigation. reach the smooth water in the lee of pick up the weather-going tide. If you are When proceeding eastward along the Carriacou, then tack to the eastwards and sailing up the west coast of Grenada, south coast of Grenada under power, stay enter Tyrrel Bay. meanwhile, you cannot pick your time of close to shore and keep an eye out for the If you are motor sailing, you have two departure from the south coast or St various shoals. Eastward beyond Fort Jeudy options: either keep the headsail up, sail as George’s to pick up the weather-going tide; Point there are a number of shoal spots well close to the wind as possible, do not luff the you must just accept what god gives you 1 offshore: off Westerhall Point, Menere Point headsail, and keep the engine ticking over ⁄3 when you reach Tanga Langua for your 15M 1 and Marquis Island. or ⁄2 throttle, just enough so the sea does not beat to Carriacou. Consult the B31 chart for stop you; or, roll up the genoa, strap the information from 2014 on the south and east CARRIACOU TO GRENADA VIA THE mainsail dead flat with the traveller coasts of Carriacou provided by Kristian on 2 EAST COAST amidships, run the engine ⁄3 throttle, and Nomad . (See Charts B31 and B311) push your way northwards. If you have a boat that goes well to Opting to sail down the lee side of Grenada, Trying to power dead into the wind is a windward, you can take off from the south around Point Salines and eastward to Prickly waste of time as you will not go fast. Much coast of Grenada and beat the 6 –7M to Bay (Anse aux Epines), will leave you with a better to motor-sail. windward to clear Great Bacolet Point. North good hard slog to windward at the end of from there it is hard on the wind but if you your journey. For this reason, the smart sailor GRENADA TO CARRIACOU are lucky it may be slightly cracked sheets for headed for the south coast would rather pass - THE EASY WAY the 20M to Carriacou. This is obviously a to windward of Grenada and enjoy a much shorter course than the 45M going The above is the normal route to sail (or west. The strong south-going current found glorious beam reach along the eastern side motor-sail) from Grenada to Carriacou. of the island. Taking this route, ease sheets on the east coast of Grenada will be a lee However, there is a much easier way; sail bow current lifting you to windward. around the southeast corner and run dead eastabout to windward of Grenada. Do not downwind for half-an-hour, then jibe over Between the north coast of Grenada and try to do Grenada to Carriacou in one shot Carriacou, you may have a foul, neutral or and reach into Le Phare Bleu, Clarks from your anchorage in Prickly Bay, Mt Court/Woburn Harbour, Hog Island, Mt lifting current, do your tidal calculations and Hartman, Hog Island, Clarks Court or Le set your course accordingly. Hartman, or Prickly Bay. Clarks Court/Woburn Phare Bleu. Instead, start your cruise with a is the easiest to enter. If heading for Clarks leisurely shake down to the wonderful Warning Do not try to enter Requin Bay, Le Court, aim for WP23 and head into the uncrowded harbours on the south coast of Petit Trou or Lascar Cove unless you have harbour using eyeball navigation. Once Grenada.The bare boat companies will not Street’s Guide: Martinique to Trinidad pages again, keep a careful eye on the depth of the normally allow charter boats to sail east of 159-161 to hand. The scale of chart B32 is not water if the sea is running high. Breaking Egmont Harbour but will do if there is a local detailed enough to permit entry into these crests can demolish a boat in short order. pilot on board. harbours. When running along the south coast of Take off from one of the popular Grenada downwind, you should be careful ST GEORGE’S TO THE SOUTH AND anchorages on the south coast early in the EAST COASTS OF GRENADA of the reefs and isolated offshore coral heads morning, before it starts to blow, and head spreading south from Hog Island and Mount for Great Bacelot Bay. It is only 7 –8M, (See Chart B31) Hartman Bay. A good plan is to clear the depending on your take off point, to an When proceeding from St George’s to the south end of Calivigny Point by a half mile or excellent sheltered anchorage explored in south coast of Grenada, be careful of the more and continue on a course of west 270º November 2014. Consult Street’s Guide shoals extending offshore along this coast. mag until Prickly Point bears 300º. You must Martinique to Trinidad pages 159-161 for (Street’s Guide Martinique to Trinidad page then sail inside The Porpoises, which are information on possible stops in coves east 150.) exposed rocks southwest of Prickly Point of St David’s. It will be a beat to windward Long Point Shoal off Long Point (known with deep water all around except for a but a short sail so no problem. locally as Quarantine Point) is most small pinnacle of rock with only 1·8m over it, The next day start early with a short half dangerous. The northeast corner of the 40m north of The Porpoises. mile port tack followed by a starboard tack warehouse on the dock in line with GRENADA TO CARRIACOU to clear Great Bacolet Point. Then it is 2M to Government House will clear Long Point Grenville, checking B32 for pilotage - THE HARD WAY Shoal to the northwest. Government House directions into Grenville Harbour. Or you can is easy to identify as it is situated on the ridge (See Chart B32) continue for 6M on an easy reach to a northeast of town and is a large, dark- The normal route from Grenada to Carriacou sheltered anchorage off uninhabited Sandy coloured building with big verandas on both sets out from St George’s (or the south coast Island. Check the tidal section of this chart the first and second stories. It is the only rounding Point Salines), then heads up the carefully and take off for Carriacou on a house on the ridge with two flagpoles - one coast to Tanga Langua and on to Carriacou, weather-going tide. This should make the east and one west of the house. course 055° mag 14M, a dead beat all the 12M passage to SW Point Carriacou, The other route commonly used by yachts way. With the leeward-going current, often Kendance Point, Windward Bay or an is to head from St George’s Harbour to Long reinforced by the tidal current, the course anchorage on the south coast an eased sheet Point, leaving Long Point to port 100m off. cannot be laid. As a result the actual sailing reach. When Long Point Shoal comes abeam, head distance is 45M minimum, often as much as The course for the 14M from Sandy Island for Point Salines, course 062º-242º mag, to 55M. Look at the table Tides and Currents to White Island will lead you close to the clear Long Point Shoal to the southeast. and you will see how badly you are set by the islands of Le Tante, which are steep to. You There is deep water along this entire shore, current, at times minimised by the windward can pass them to both leeward and and you may sail 200m off with no danger rising flood running tide, at times reinforced windward or sail between them. As you and in smooth water. If it is blowing more by the leeward going tide falling ebb. approach Carriacou the course may lead you than 10 knots, tie in a reef before rounding If you are sailing up the lee coast of near Bonaparte rocks and Large Island. Care Point Salines. If you draw 1·8m or less there Grenada, stay within one or two hundred must be taken here as the tide is very strong; is a good anchorage in Morne Rouge. capable of producing overfalls in weather- yards of shore. If there is no wind, motor in CARRIACOU NORTHWARD the smooth waters of inshore and enjoy the going spring tides. A lee going tide can even beautiful scenery along Grenada’s west reach 4 knots! (See Chart B31) It is 17M from Sandy Island to Kendance coast. When you reach Tanga Langua do not The usual route passes along the west side of Point and the entrance to Grand Bay, course try to head directly to Carriacou as you can Carriacou, stopping at Tyrrel Bay. When 048° mag. With a weather-going tide you seldom lay the course. To do so you would leaving this bay, pass north of the middle

5 ground, hug the coast, and make allowance SOUTH AND EAST COASTS TOBAGO CAYS TO CANOUAN for the rocks, which extend about 200m OF CARRIACOU (See Chart B311) (See Chart B31 and B311) offshore from Jack Iron Point. Under power or sail, the best course from Cistern Point to To get off the beaten track, try the south and For up to date information on the Hillsborough Bay is on a bearing of 100º east coasts of Carriacou. There are anchorages on the windward side of mag, passing south of Maybouya and Sandy anchorages on the northwest coast of White Cannouan, check chart B31. Islands, being careful to avoid the reef on Island, along the north side of Saline Island It is an easy reach from Petit Tabac to the the southwestern tip of Sandy Island. Other and in Great Breteche Bay as long as the anchorages on the windward side of than that, there are no dangers in this area wind is east or north of east. Check B31 for Canouan but if leaving from the northern unless you have a vessel drawing 3·5m. up to date information on this area. entrance of the Tobago Cays, care must be Beating to windward through this gap is The entire east coast of Carriacou has an taken. If you are bound for the windward good fun, as there is no sea and usually offshore barrier reef, with entrances at the side of Canouan (Street’s Guide: Martinique plenty of wind. north end or, more easily, at the south end, to Trinidad page 104-105 ) and are tacking Between Cistern Point and Hillsborough, at Kendance Point. Wonderful, cool, below Channel Rock, I urge you to set out in deep-draught boats can easily run aground. anchorages, windswept but with a barrier slack water or a fair tide. Great care must be The old schooner range is still a safe one. Put reef that breaks the swell and no other taken to avoid Break Rock, the submerged Cistern Pt under the stern and the hospital boats. rock ½M southwest of Channel Rock. This rock is covered and breaks in a swell. Jim Hill, building at the top of the mountain on the APPROACHES TO THE TOBAGO CAYS bow and proceed straight to the anchorage. touching the northwest side of Channel Once past Sandy Island, you can shift course (See Chart B311) Rock, passes clear to the west of this rock slightly towards the Hillsborough jetty. North Approaching the Tobago Cays under power (course 060º mag). Channel Rock in line with of Hillsborough there is one danger, from the west, presents no problems - just Taffia Hill passes Break Rock clear to between Jack Adan I. and the mainland. This head northwest of Mayreau Baleine and pick windward (course 038º mag). is a 1·2m spot with quite a few dents in it. up the newly installed range (143º mag). This From the northern end of the Tobago Cays You can pass inside it by placing the hill on leads directly to the anchorage in the slot. If, to the western end of Canouan, there are no Frigate Island directly in line with the however, you are beating to windward dangers. Glossy Hill is easily laid from western radio mast on Union Island, which is under sail and cannot lay the range, be Mayreau Baleine. on the hill just west of the highest and careful of the 2·7m spot approximately 800m CANOUAN TO BEQUIA easternmost hill on Union (course 026º mag). southwest of Mayreau Baleine - very much a (See Chart B31) Be sure to stay on this range, as this shoal is case of eyeball navigation. particularly hard to spot. If you are coming from Petit St Vincent, This trip should be made at slack water or You must enter at Clifton, Union Island sail west until the peak of Petite Martinique when the tide is running to windward. The before stopping at any of the St Vincent bears 163º mag over the stern, come to distance is 15M, and should the tide be Grenadines. course 343º mag, eyeball your way between running its full limit of two knots to the To head north from Petite St Vincent, pass Punaise and Mopion, and once clear of these west, a vessel making five knots through the midway between Punaise and Mopion and two islands, come hard on the wind until the water would have to steer 045º mag, as continue on course until Fota and the east eastern peak of Petit St Vincent bears 192º opposed to the 028º rhumb line. Unless the side of Petite Dominique are one finger open mag. Stay east of this line of bearing until wind were southeast, this would put you (course 013º mag). This will take you east of Union Island Airport bears due west mag. very hard on the wind. During the winter, Grand de Coi and east of the detached reef Then bear off until the middle hill on Palm with the wind toward the north and a off Palm Island. Care must be exercised here, Island lines up with the High North on leeward-running tide, you stand very little as the current will be at a right angle to your Carriacou, course 044º mag. Stay hard on this chance of laying West Cay, leaving you a course and will tend to sweep you to range until you have passed between the tough beat into Admiralty Bay. Against a leeward. Thus, you must check continuously eastern and western reefs. The western one foul tide, be sure to hold high on the course, that you are still on range. If you do not keep may be spotted by a small sand island. passing close aboard to leeward of Pigeon a good lookout, you may come to a sudden However, remember that these sand islands Island. There are no dangers on the course to stop before you realise you are too close. are prone to disappear at irregular intervals. Bequia unless you draw over 4·2m. Deep Grand de Coi is now marked by a west Once through the gap, come hard on the draught boats must avoid La Felicidad Shoal, cardinal light beacon west of the reef. wind, eyeball navigate to clear the reef to a rock northwest of Jupiter Point with only An alternative route clear of Grand de Coi leeward, then bear off through Penguin 4·5m over it. is provided by putting Glossy Hill, on the Channel, or tack and sail between Jamesby If you depart during a weather tide, the western point of Canouan, in line with the and Petit Bateau and anchor behind Baradal. only difficulty will be a strong tide rip off the eastern end of Mayreau Island. Glossy Hill If you are coming from between Palm and northern end of Canouan. Once you reach will appear as a detached island west of Union Islands and heading for the southern Pigeon Island, Isle à Quatre and Petit Nevis Taffia Hill as it is connected to Canouan only entrance to the Tobago Cays, you must fight serve to break the swell, giving a glorious sail by a low sandspit. your way up to windward until, again, the the rest of the way in with plenty of wind Beating to windward from Gun Point to middle hill on Palm Island lines up with High and smooth water. the region of Union Island, you will want to North on Carriacou. Follow this bearing into Once you have rounded West Cay, you avoid Grand de Coi. Catholic Island, placed the Cays. may turn on the iron genoa and head for the between Union Island and Red Island, passes If the range to the south is obscured, a anchorage at Port Elizabeth with no dangers clear to the west of Grand de Coi (course second range on the northwest corner of in the way, or you can put the sport back into 022º-202º mag). North of Grand de Coi, you Petit Bateau just touching the southeast sailing and beat up into the harbour, but be will have to tack to the east to clear the reefs corner of Petit Rameau 071º-251º also leads very careful of the shoals on the south side. to windward of Union Island. (Red Island is in to the southern entrance of the Tobago now connected to Union by airport runway.) Cays. Use eyeball navigation into the BEQUIA TO ST VINCENT The area north of Palm and Union Islands anchorage. (See Chart B30) is arguably the most dangerous in the If you want to avoid the overcrowded, Bequia Channel has a well-deserved Grenadines. A reef at the north end of Saline overrated Tobago Cays, you can head for reputation for being exceedingly rough at Bay has damaged many yachts proceeding Petit Tabac. As a result of Kristian’s times. This brief 8M passage has done in any north along the lee coast of Mayreau. The W explorations on Nomad , a new anchorage number of small boats and dinghies over the cardinal light beacon marking this is has been found on this little island. See B31 years. The water is smoothest during a frequently missing. To clear the end of the for more detailed information. Petit Tabac is leeward tide. A windward tide will offset reef, put Fota one finger open from the east outside the main reefs forming the Tobago your leeway, but it will also manage to churn side of Petite Dominique (course 013º-193º Cays so you are likely to find an uncrowded up a nasty, steep sea. I have seen the waves mag). As you approach Grand Col Point at anchorage free from boat boys selling making up into almost boxlike shapes 2m the north end of Saline Bay, check to see if unwanted goods and park rangers collecting high with 2m between each crest - a great any of Petite St Vincent is showing east of fees. What’s more you will be within RIB place to lose a dinghy under tow. Palm I. If Petite St Vincent is at all visible, distance of the superb diving on Wold’s End From Admiralty Bay, leaving the west bear off to the west or you will come to a Reef. 2·1m can easily fit inside the end of the cardinal beacon (VQ(9)10s) off Wash Rock to sudden stop on the reef. With this reef reef, 1·8m with careful eyeball navigation starboard, play the wind shifts close to the behind you, there are no other dangers can fit into really sheltered water. Bequia shore and keep inshore, short tacking standing north from Mayreau to Canouan. up the coast until you feel you can comfortably lay Blue Lagoon. This may seem

6 illogical but let me note that the 14m gaff- become ever more crowded as a result. This (read instructions, this chart and Street’s rigged schooner Stella Maris twice beat is especially true in the Virgins and the Guide carefully) turn west and head for Iolaire - 14m marconi-rigged yawl - between Grenadines, but it is possible to find quiet Windward Bay, Mayreau. Bequia and Duvernette Island in just this anchorages in both areas. Day 4: Stay where you are and relax, or way, tacking northeast along the Bequia To get off the beaten track visit the visit one of the other anchorages mentioned shore before setting out. following anchorages: above. Continue northeastwards, tacking up the Anse Chemin, Bequia if wind is south of Day 5: Head to Petite Martinique. This is a Bequia shore until you are sure that you can east; Baliceaux, Savan Island if it is not daytime anchorage only but an excellent lay Blue Lagoon. Remember, the tide is very blowing hard and you are very adventurous; place to pick up fuel and water and to find strong in Bequia Channel, if it is ebbing the southwest coves of Isle à Quatre if you amongst the best priced alcoholic drinks in westwards it will be running a solid 2 knots are a good eyeball navigator and reef pilot. the Eastern Caribbean. which means you will be set on starboard Check both Street’s guide and B31 for details Petite Martinique is part of Grenada and tack a good 20º or more. Blue Lagoon is east and climb the hill to inspect the 80 year old officially you should clear customs and of Duvernette, and the current the last mile wooden house that has withstood dozens of immigration in Carriacou, Hillsborough before you reach Blue Lagoon is extremely hurricanes and the ravages of termites; before stopping in Petite Martinique, but as strong. It is advisable to continue up the Friendship Bay to see the whaleboats; the per stories in Street’s Guide pages 126-127 coast of Bequia until Anse de Chemin. Then Windward side of Canouan; Bloody Bay, the island is in fact independent of the head for Blue Lagoon. If this is done you are Union, if the wind is south of east; Frigate Grenada customs authority. guaranteed (unless very unlucky) to lay Blue Bay, Union, to see the birds; Chatham Bay, In the afternoon you have three choices Lagoon on one tack. Union; Morne Bay, Grenada, if you draw when setting out from Petite Martinique. 1 1.8m or less; Dragon Bay, Grenada for The first is to make a short ⁄2M sail to Petit St MUSTIQUE TO ADMIRALTY BAY solitude if the ground swell is not running; Vincent, anchoring south of the island in the BEQUIA Grand Mal, Grenada for the nice beach, local normal yacht anchorage or, if you want to be There are two possible routes for this rum shops, local Grenadian flavour and off by yourself, working your way around to journey; the first and most commonly used absence of tourists. the north side of the island to an excellent sets out northwest on a fast, broad reach to In the Grenadines, be sure you have chart wind swept anchorage, sheltered from the the end of Isle à Quatre, passing between Isle B311 (1: 32 500) and check B31 and Street’s sea by reefs to the north and east. This à Quatre and Pigeon Island. Thus follows a Guide: Martinique to Trinidad on board. anchorage should only be used by sailors fast 6M broad reach and a course of north to There follow suggested itineraries for that are experienced eyeball navigators. west end, and a fast, smooth water 3M reach seven day, ten day and two week cruises The second option is an anchorage east of ending in a long hard 3M beat to windward starting and ending in St Vincent. As well as PSV ( Street’s Guide page 126) but, again, it is up to the anchorage at the head of cruises starting in St Vincent and ending only for the experienced reef navigator. Admiralty Bay. in Grenada. The third option is to head northwest The alternative is to head to Admiralty Bay If at all possible, try to arrange a charter between Punaise and Mopion (See range 13 over the top of Bequia, course 19° mag north of at least ten days, as it is possible, at any chart B311) then westwards to the 10M to WP5, then bear off, clearing the time of year in the Eastern Caribbean, to run wonderful anchorage behind Frigate Island northeast end of Bequia. This is followed by into a spell of three, four and, if you are very or along the west coast of Union to Chatham 1 unlucky, five days of bad weather; wind, rain Bay. Although no longer deserted, this a fast 3 ⁄2M Nantucket sleigh ride down the northwest coast of Bequia to the entrance to and sometimes even cold spells. If you are anchorage remains uncrowded. If the wind Admiralty Bay and a short 1M beat up into only there for seven days and hit a patch of is in the southeast, Bloody Bay on the the anchorage. bad weather you won’t have much of a northwest corner of Union is magnificent tropical vacation. and quiet. MUSTIQUE TO BLUE LAGOON ST Day 6: From wherever you are in the Seven days starting and ending in St VINCENT central Grenadines, head north to Bequia; a Vincent distance of about 20M. If at all possible, try The rhumb line course is north 11M but Day 1: By the time you have finished your to do this with a weather-going tide as this allow for the set of the current. Head well will make the trip easier. above Blue Lagoon, ease sheets and bare off check-out, and had a quick lunch it is 1300 and you want to be on your way to an easily When heading north, work your way the last half mile. Duvernette Island is easily eastwards up behind Canouan, making sure identified by a high peak, which looks like a reached anchorage. Head south 10M, a fast reach (unless you are very unlucky and the that you are passing Jupiter Point very close vertical loaf of French bread. Kingstown will aboard. See sailing directions on the back of also be readily visible to leeward. wind has gone southeast), to the uninhabited island of Baliceaux. This is better chart B32. Deep draught boats must avoid La CANOUAN TO MUSTIQUE than going straight onto Mustique where Felicidad Shoal, a rock northwest of Jupiter Point with only 4·5m over it. (See chart B31) you would be unlikely to arrive before the late afternoon, at which point the moorings Day 7: From Bequia to Blue Lagoon, St Try to organise your passage so that you are will all be occupied and you would end up Vincent. Read sailing directions on this chart sailing on a windward going tide. Clear the anchoring in deep water. and follow them and it will make your trip northwest corner of Canouan but be Day 2: Depart for Mustique by mid- back to Blue Lagoon much easier than if you prepared for a couple of miles of rough morning, and make the short, easy 5M reach, stand directly across Bequia channel to St water. Stand north on starboard tack until passing to leeward of the Pillories. Since you Vincent. the Pillories bear due east, then tack to port will arrive about noon, some boats will have Ten days beginning and ending in St and short tack up to Mustique in smooth departed and a mooring will be free. water created by the lee of the Pillories and Day 3: Head south to the central Vincent Mustique. grenadines using chart B311. Sail due south, As above, but allowing time to visit a few passing leeward of Savan Island and more anchorages in the central Grenadines DIRECTIONS/CHARTERING & windward of Savan Rock. Have cameras and spend more than one day in Bequia on CRUISING GRENADA AND ready for a shot through the arch in Savan your return. In the central Grenadines visit Rock, and bear off. Chatham Bay on the west coast of Union. THE GRENADINES Numerous anchorages await you. If the wind is south of east there is an In the Pacific, the vast majority of yachtsmen Canouan has a number of anchorages; avoid excellent anchorage in the deserted Bloody follow what is described as ‘Hiscocks’ Corbec Bay as it is now the loading port for Bay. There is no habitation, but a beautiful Highway’; the route across the Pacific the massive development on the north end white sand beach. There is a sand bottom pioneered by the late Eric and Susan Hiscock. of the island, but there are many other and good holding, perfect as long as the The modern yachtsman that follows this anchorages on the lee side of Canouan. wind is south of east , otherwise forget it. route encounters crowded anchorages and Windward Bay is also a superb anchorage. Head north back to Bequia using Salt locals bored with yachts. In contrast, those See chart B31 for corrected depths. Whistle Bay, Mayreau, or an anchorage on who cross the pacific, specifically avoiding As an alternative to Canouan, head from the west side of Canouan as jump off points. ‘Hiscocks’ Highway’, find themselves in Mustique to the Tobago Cays. Read the If you take off from Salt Whistle Bay, head uncrowded anchorages where the arrival of sailing instruction on this chart carefully as northeast, passing Glossy Point, and tacking a yacht is still a rare and welcome event. there are two rocks on the course that are to the east in the lee of Canouan so that you The same is true in the Eastern Caribbean. hard to spot. depart form Canouan with Jupiter Point Yachtsmen exhibit the lemming instinct, If you decide the Cays are too crowded, close aboard before heading north to Bequia always going to the same anchorages which head through the south entrance to the Cays and on to St Vincent, as described previously.

7 Two weeks beginning and ending in space is available; the very upmarket Port St The next day it is on to the windward side St Vincent Louis Marina; or anchorage outside in St of Carriacou. Enjoy that area for a couple of Martin’s Bay and use of Grenada YC Marina days then return to Grenada. Continuing Head south to the central Grenadines, as as a dinghy . Grenada YC is most north to the Tobago Cays, with the troubles described in the shorter itineraries, but make welcoming to visiting sailors. It has showers, of stopping and entering at Clifton, Union the most of your two weeks of cruising time washing machines, free WiFi and a bar and Island, is simply not worth the time and by visiting Carriacou and availing yourself of restaurant. If staying for a long period of effort; enjoy the uncrowded windward coast the wonderful uncrowded anchorages on time, visiting sailors should take either short- of Carriacou instead. the south and east coasts. Anchor in Tyrell term membership or overseas membership. Bay and clear customs and immigration. Tell Two weeks beginning and ending in them you are only staying 2 days and fill out Seven days beginning and ending Grenada the entry and clearance papers once. in Grenada From Tyrrel Bay head south, round South There is plenty of time to really enjoy this. West Point and work your way eastwards to Forget about heading to the Tobago Cays or Read the shorter itineraries above and plan anchor off White or Saline Islands or Great Carriacou, simply circumnavigate the island accordingly. Spend three or four days Breteche Bay. of Grenada where you will find plenty of enjoying the uncrowded anchorages on the The next day it is a short 3M beat attractive, uncrowded anchorages, each only south and east coasts of Grenada and windward to Kendance Point. Head north a few miles apart. Carriacou rather than hurrying off to the inside the reef to Grand and Watering Bays. From wherever you charter the boat, head crowded Grenadines. Before heading to the When sailing past St Hilare Pt and entering eastwards along the south and southeast Grenadines study charts B32, B31, B311 and Watering Bay, read the sailing directions and coasts of Grenada but do not attempt to visit Street’s guide. descriptions of the ranges and transits on Lascar Cove, Petit Trou or Requin Bay unless chart B31 very carefully. Anchor anywhere you have Street’s Guide aboard (Pages 160- The information presented here is based on tight up behind the reef. Go swimming and 161). Instead, head north from any of these sixty years of cruising, chartering, charting diving directly from the boat; there is no three anchorages for 7M to reach the easily and racing in the Caribbean, and dozens of need to launch the dinghy if it is on deck. entered anchorage south of Great Bacolet trips up the east coast of Grenada, You are guaranteed solitude in this beautiful Point. From here it is just 2M to Grenville. sometimes in easy stages, other times with windswept anchorage with no bugs. Only a (Street’s Guide pages 162-164 and sailing one stop, and others with no stops at all. small chop as the reef to windward forms a directions with Chart B32 Grenada to natural breakwater. Carriacou - the easy way). St Vincent Allow yourself four days to get north to St In Grenville organise a trip to Belmont Kingstown Harbourmaster Plantation. This is a working plantation that Vincent to enjoy the full two days in Bequia +1 784 456 1083 VHF Ch 16, 06, 11 that the island merits. has been operated by the same family since St Vincent & Grenadines CG Base the late 1800s. They have an excellent Head north, as previously described, but +1 784 457 4568/4578/4554 VHF Ch 16 consider getting off the beaten track. Once restaurant but no wine or beer as the owners (H24) Isle à Quatre is abeam turn east and anchor are mormons. Take a tour of the plantation Bequia off either Petit Nevis or Isle à Quatre. (See on the River Antoine, reputedly the oldest Bequia Marina continuously operating distillery in the entire previous notes about entering the cove on +1 784 458 3272 VHF Ch 68 the southwest corner of Isle à Quatre.) The Caribbean - it dates back to 1791! It is also Mustique next day continue on to Bequia and St distinctive in that the cane crusher is driven The Mustique Company by a water wheel, both of which are almost Vincent, as previously described. +1 784 458 4621 VHF Ch 16, 68 as old as the distillery itself. Canouan Seven days: St Vincent to Grenada Next stop is a visit to the Grenada +1 784 458 8888 VHF Ch 16 Chocolate Company. It is a completely green  A bit of a rush. Many would advise missing Mayreau operation, run using power from water, the Mustique and heading directly to Bequia, Salt Whistle Bay wind and the sun. The chocolate is even then south to the central Grenadines. Read +1 784 458 8444 VHF Ch 16, 68 shipped to England on an engineless sailing  carefully what has already been said and pick Palm Island ship! Unlike most chocolate it does not melt your anchorages accordingly. Enter Beach Club in the tropical heat. Grenadian waters at Tyrell Bay, Carriacou +1 784 458 8824 VHF Ch 68 From Grenville sail on to Sandy Island, a  and spend the night at here to give yourself Union Island 6M reach. From Sandy Island it is a short 5M a good jumping off point to Grenada. Anchorage YC run to Corn Store Bay, Ronde Is., a nice If heading to the south coast of Grenada, +1 784 458 8221 VHF Ch 16, 68 anchorage if the ground swell is not running  sail down the island’s east coast. The distance Petit S Vincent in. Anchor for lunch, then make your to Clarks Court/Woburn and other harbours +1 784 458 8801 VHF Ch 16 decision; stay and explore the island or pick  on the south coast of Grenada is about 37M. Petit Martinique up the anchor and head south to Halifax Think about what time you have to return +1 473 443 9110 VHF Ch 16 Harbour, 15M. This is not a good harbour if  the boat to the charter company and Carriacou the ground swell is running in, otherwise it consider heading south from Tyrrel Bay the Yacht and Beach Club is fine. day before the charter ends. Stop at one of +1 473 443 6292 VHF Ch 16 The chart sketch in Street’s Guide is no  the many beautiful harbours on the south Grenada longer correct for Halifax harbour as the and southeast coast of Grenada and then Port Office, St Georges westerly surf caused by hurricane Lenny continue on the next day. +1 473 440 3439/3693 VHF Ch 16 completely transformed the area. Proceed Grenada YC with caution, dead slow, watching the Ten days: St Vincent to Grenada +1 473 440 3050 VHF Ch 09, 16 fathometer and the colour of the water. MRSC Grenada This gives you a much better chance to enjoy Anchor on the north side of the harbour as the Grenadines. Review carefully what has +1 473 444 1931/2 unfortunately the government of Grenada is Weather Bulletins VHF Ch 16, 87 (H24) been written, check the relevant pages in using the south corner as a dumping ground. Street’s guide then lay out your cruising If the swell is not running, you can anchor plans allowing time to sail form Carriacou to in one of the coves north of Halifax. Use bow Grenada and turn in the boat on time. As and stern anchors so that when the wind dies previously mentioned, visit the wonderful out you do not swing ashore. anchorages on the south and southeast coast Other anchorages on the lee coast of of Grenada. Grenada include Dragon Bay, Grand Mal, Two week: St Vincent to Grenada Grand Anse beach (many hotels) or if you draw 1·8m or less, Morne Rouge Bay. A really wonderful cruise. There are many harbours and coves to visit. Some providing Ten days beginning and ending nightlife, others peace and quiet. Check the in grenada guide and make your plans but keep them flexible. Head along the south coast and up the east If you have never been to Grenada, coast in easy stages as described above, but consider sailing from Carriacou to Grenada from Sandy Island head north 13M on a via the west coast and visit St George’s. There weather-going tide to White or Saline Islands are three choices here: Grenada YC Marina if or Great Breteche Bay and anchor.

8