Christmas & New Year Sailing in the Caribbean

Your Sailing Area

Grenada & the Windward Islands

Known as the Spice Island of the Caribbean, you really can smell nutmeg in the air as you arrive into Grenada for your skippered Caribbean sailing holiday. Traditional Caribbean buildings line the streets bursting with colourful decoration, shops and cafes dotting the narrow streets – a great place to explore on foot before you board.

The beauty of sailing a tall ship in these breathtaking islands is that we can take you to the unspoilt, authentic Caribbean, away from the busy resorts and beaches. Experience true Caribbean culture, from small fishing villages to lively, colourful carnivals. The crew will aim to give you time to explore the islands as you wish, finding small harbours to berth and secluded bays to anchor in.

Feel the sand between your toes, soak up the wonderfully colourful Caribbean culture, snorkel with the fantastic marine life or simply kick back and relax on the beach. Blue Clipper offers a combination of sailing, shore visits and activities on the water, including snorkelling, paddle boarding and kayaking.

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The Windward Islands

Remaining in the Windward Islands, your skippered sailing holiday on Blue Clipper will be spent exploring the islands of Grenada. Grenada is home to the underwater sculpture park and the beautiful Frigate island which are fascinating spots to snorkel.

St Vincent and the Grenadines is a southern Caribbean nation comprising of the main island of St. Vincent and a chain of smaller idyllic islands providing picturesque anchorages for Blue Clipper.

With azure blue harbours, chic private isles and volcanic landscapes, the Grenadines chain of islands are made up of reef-lined Bequia Island, the celebrity island of Mustique and the snorkelling paradise in the colourful underwater world of Tobago Cays. Seemingly untouched by tourist exploitation, these islands offer white sandy beaches on deserted islands, crystal clear waters gently rolling the shores, refreshing waterfalls to explore and great walking trails throughout.

Caribbean Wildlife

Wildlife in the Caribbean is a real treat. Spot graceful Green and Loggerhead Sea Turtles gliding effortlessly through the water and bottlenose dolphins swimming with the wake of the bow. Whales also frequent the Caribbean sea, with the warm water providing the perfect breeding grounds at this time of year for the humpback whale. Birdlife in the Caribbean is an incredibly beautiful sight.

Keep your binoculars at the ready to spot these colourful delights. With species only native to the Caribbean, these are once in a lifetime encounters! Pink Flamingoes are also a common bird across the Caribbean islands; these sociable creatures inhabit the blue lagoons, mudflats and lakes, living in colonies that can contain thousands of individuals.

All voyages for Blue Clipper

Blue Clipper

Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff Schooner

Built-in Sweden in 1991, tall ship Blue Clipper is an impressive three-masted gaff rig schooner. With a clipper bow, original teak deck and elegant stern, she mixes a traditional tall ship feel with a relatively modern build giving guests an authentic experience with all the mod cons.

She has spent many years sailing all over the world from the Caribbean to the Arctic and is a frequent participant in the European Tall Ship regattas. Originally owned by the Brandy company Hennessy and named ‘Spirit of Hennessey, she appeared in many TV programmes and commercials before being privately bought in the late 90’s.

On deck, she boasts ample space for her guests to become fully immersed in hands-on sailing; heaving the ropes, hoisting the sails, learning ropes skills and even taking the helm. She has 3 kayaks and 3 paddle-boards for guest use while on anchor so you can explore even further inshore.

A spacious saloon, wheelhouse and galley also sit at deck level while below decks has been well-considered with six ensuite cabins a family cabin that sleeps six. All cabins have a porthole for natural light and heating/air conditioning.

Read more about Life on Board Blue Clipper here.

In 2016 she started her new life with her current owner and now spends her summers sailing  Scotland and the Hebrides and her autumn months heading south to Spain and Portugal.

Deck plan

Life on board Blue Clipper

Sailing with tall ship Blue Clipper is certainly an enjoyable, hands-on experience and guests are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing this magnificent tall ship. Spending her summers exploring Scotland and the Hebrides and her winters sailing in the Caribbean, Blue Clipper is a luxury tall ship experience. Perfect for couples or solo travellers looking for that added touch of luxury with private en-suite cabins and top-notch all-inclusive food.

Getting involved

From hoisting the sails to taking the helm, the friendly and knowledgable crew are always on hand to show you the ropes. Part of the beauty of sailing with such a magnificent vessel is the opportunity to get involved in a safe and supported environment! The permanent crew are all professionally trained so as much as guest involvement is encouraged, if you just want to sit back and take in the view or are concerned about your physical ability to hoist ropes – there are plenty of other boat jobs such as coiling ropes, preparing lines and keeping watch!

Eating on board

Blue Clipper has a dedicated chef on board too so you don’t have to worry about cooking after a days sailing in the salty sea air. Think locally sourced produce, fresh fish and home-made bread with hearty home-cooked meals and plenty of tea, coffee and cake! Across all Blue Clipper’s Caribbean voyages, 2 meals per voyage will be eaten ashore at guests expense to experience the delicious Caribbean culture and cuisine. Your ticket price also includes one glass of wine with your evening meals too!

Sleeping and relaxation

Below decks, Blue Clipper has a large comfy saloon perfect for sharing sea-faring tales, hearty home-cooked meals or even a game of cards! Rest up after a day of adventure in your spacious private en-suite cabin. With twin bunks, sailing with Blue Clipper is certainly one of comfort and is the perfect choice for couples or solo travellers.

Blue Clipper has two kayaks and paddle boards on board which guests are welcome to use to explore the nooks and crannies of the coast! There is no extra charge for this and buoyancy vests are also provided. There is some limited snorkelling gear available but with limited sizing so please do bring your own if you wish.

Read more about what to expect from a typical day and life onboard Blue Clipper.

As with all Blue Clipper’s sailing holidays, your ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soft drinks and a glass of wine with your evening meal. There are six ensuite twin cabins with all bedding and towels provided per guest.

SAMPLE MENU FOR BLUE CLIPPER

All food is made on board and local, fresh produce is top of the shopping list. Please note that this is an example of what you may be served – food supplies in the Caribbean can be subject to availability at the time of the voyage.

BREAKFAST

• French toast, bacon, maple syrup
• Porridge, fruit selection
• Toast, preserves and cereal selection
• Tea, fresh coffee and fresh fruit juice

AFTERNOON CAKE

• Tea, coffee, home-made cakes, scones, jam and cream, shortbreads

LUNCH

• Spinach and ricotta tortellini, blue cheese sauce and cherry tomatoes
• Open sandwiches, salad, crisps
• Cous cous salad, goats cheese, roasted red pepper
• Wild mushroom risotto with rocket and herb oil
• Fish goujons, new potatoes, tartar and salad garnish

DINNER

• Starters; Tomato bruschetta, Ardennes pate, salt baked beetroot, curry aioli, gremolata sesame praline, hot smoked salmon crostini
• Pork belly, maple glazed celeriac, turmeric curr, rice and salsa, basil pesto
• Roast chicken thigh, saute new potatoes, squash puree, braised carrots, kale, red wine jus
• Spiced bean stew, rocket, herb oil
• Chicken breast, celeriac puree, mash, parma ham crisp, miso mayo

Dessert

• Coffee and cake
• Cheeseboard

What’s Included 

• All inclusive* (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Soft/hot drinks – * 2 evening meals to be eaten ashore)
• One glass of wine with your evening meal
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Use of boats kayaks and stand-up paddle-boards

What’s not included

• All other alcohol
• * 2 evening meals to be eaten ashore
• Waterproof coat or trousers
• Local snorkelling fees
• All flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and hot drinks)

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  6x Twin Ensuite, 1x six-berth family cabin

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  9 in total. All Cabins are Ensuite aside from the six-berth that shares a bathroom.

• Is there an age limit?

  Over 12's ideally but please check in the over for ages between 12-18 years.

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes - please bring EU adaptors.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure and a want to get actively involved.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

Travel Planning

From: St George's Bay, Grenada

To: St George's Bay, Grenada

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

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BY AIR:

Flights go to Grenada Airport from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Belfast City. Grenada Aiport requires taking an 11 minute taxi ride into St George’s, Grenada’s capital city. This will cost about £13

STAY IN SAINT GEORGE’S:

If you’d like to extend your stay in Saint George’s you could try The La Heliconia, The Relax Inn or Silver View Apartments.