Grayhound – Tobago – St Lucia caribbean

Your Sailing Area

Tobago to St lucia, Caribbean

A little slice of Caribbean paradise, Tobago is quintessentially Caribbean with its relaxed island charm. We suggest that you spend some time in Tobago before you board, explore this “off the beaten track” island with its amazing nature, friendly locals and pristine beaches.

Once we set sail it will take us about 12 hours, with the North East Trade Winds, to reach the island of Grenada. The home of nutmeg and tropical rainforests, we’ll spend a day or two on Grenada combining sunshine sailing and shore visits as we sail from anchorage to anchorage.

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Grenada

It is said that St Georges Bay on the island of Grenada is one the most picturesque bays in the Caribbean. Awake at sunrise in crystal clear waters with rolling green hillsides and dashes of bright colour where villages are nestled in the mountain side. The south of the island is home to crater lakes, swimming spots under waterfalls and sweet smelling cocoa and spice plantations. There are plenty of white soft-sand beaches, with palm trees swaying in the breeze and quirky beach bars serving up the very best spiced Caribbean rum!

Grenada is also home to the 14th natural wonder of the world – the underwater sculpture park. Created 20 years ago by a local artists to encourage coral growth and attract new marine life to the area. Grab your snorkel and fins and discover this underwater paradise – you might even be joined by a sea turtle or two. 

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

The Windward Islands in the Caribbean are made up of St Vincent and the Grenadines, a chain of tiny idyllic islands to the north of Grenada, providing a plethora of picturesque anchorages, underwater paradises’, walking trails and authentic Caribbean island charm.

TOBAGO CAYS

Tobago Cays is a true underwater paradise. Peer off the side of the boat into crystal clear waters and you’ll be rewarded with colourful shoals of fish and fascinating coral reefs. You could spend days here kayaking and exploring. There is a turtle sanctuary nearby so swimming alongside turtles and stingrays is almost guaranteed. Run a line off the boat to catch a Red Snapper or two and take it ashore for a beachside BBQ where star-gazing as the night draws in is a real treat for the eyes!

The island of Carriacou belongs to Grenada but lies within the Grenadines island chain. There are so many tiny uninhabited islands surrounding Carriacou with miles of sandy white beaches and coral reefs, you won’t be short of anchorages and places to relax away from the big cruise ships! Sit back with a fresh coconut drink as you enjoy the sun setting while watching pelicans dive bomb the water for their supper.

The volcanic spires that make the island of St Lucia are a spectacular landmark in the Windward Islands and provide a breath-taking end to your Caribbean sailing holiday. Once we drop anchor at our final destination in Rodney Bay in the “Land of the Iguanas” we will make sure that we do a market exploration with our cook and enjoy the local culture as we buy delicious fruit like papaya, passionfruit, bananas and mango.

The villages that dot the coastline of St Lucia are predominantly traditional Caribbean fishing towns, lined with volcanic beaches and some great snorkelling and diving opportunities. The interior of the island is home to dense rainforest with varying levels of hiking trails if you fancy extending your Caribbean holiday.

All voyages for Grayhound

Grayhound

Guest berths: 12 Rig: Lugger

Grayhound is a three-masted, wooden tall ship Lugger who was first launched in 2012. She is a a 5/6th scale replica of the original “Grayhound” who was built in Cornwall in 1776 and used as a Customs Lugger.

True to her original ancestors, Grayhound has been traditionally built with her rigging the same as you’d find it back in 1776. Her owners relish the opportunity to give guests a true and exhilarating sailing experience, taking them back in time for a truly fascinating sailing holiday adventure. Sailing with Grayhound is a hands-on experience and guests are invited to get involved with all aspects of sailing this unique 18th century style Lugger.

Below decks…

The traditional fit out and use of timber continues but with considered spaces and a few more mod-cons! A communal saloon area sleeps 5 guests centred around an impressive oak table with a further five berths in the shared fore cabin. Each bunk has a privacy curtain. There is an eco toilet onboard and a shower for emergencies but guest showers are taken ashore as much as possible. Life on board is predominantly vegetarian unless meat and fish is caught sustainably whilst sailing!

Read more about what to expect from Life on board here…

Sustainable Sailing

The owners and crew of Grayhound are passionate about sustainable sailing and their impact on the natural world. By harnessing the power of wind, Grayhound reduces engine time, minimising carbon emissions and pollution. Sailing encourages a slower pace, allowing guests to appreciate the journey and the destinations without rushing. Grayhound believes in a promoting a deeper connection with nature, as the rhythmic movement of the boat and the sound of the wind create a sense of serenity with the landscapes around us.

Deck plan

LIFE ON BOARD

One of traditional hands-on sailing and sustainable adventure travel. Sailing with Cornish Lugger Grayhound is perfect for those looking to get to grips with sailing a traditionally rigged, classic wooden vessel.

SUSTAINABLE SAILING

Grayhound is run and sailed as sustainably as possible, with a care for the environment and the natural marine world at the forefront of everything she does. From an adopted vegetarian menu (unless of course, it can be sustainably fished or hunted), to traditional tender gigs rowed by the crew, it’s clear to see that sustainable travel and adventure is an important part of sailing with Grayhound.

Sailed with a full time crew, Grayhound mixes her sailing season with sheltered coastal sailing, open water sailing and some aptly named “smugglers runs”. Although she has a permanent crew, guests are encouraged to get involved to hoist the sails by hand and to feel the power of the wind in the tiller. Learn basic rope and knot work or even learn to row in the gig tenders – another nod to the ship’s ancestral history!

SLEEPING AND RELAXATION

A pilot house at deck level gives a versatile space from chart navigation, daytime shelter if needed and the perfect place for a cosy night watch.

Below decks there is a collection of various berths tucked into the hull, with four bunks situated off the main saloon and a further six berth bunks in the fore. The spaces are generous and there are two toilets on board for guests. There is a shower for emergencies but guests are encouraged to use marina showers or even consider jumping in the sea – an invigorating, free bath!

There is a communal eating area with a wide hatch so guests can star-gaze while eating deliciously cooked food. In warmer climates, guests and crew can eat alfresco up on the generous deck.

EAT

The galley is at the heart of both Grayhound itself and her owners.

Designed to be an efficient and inspiring workspace for the chef making meals a highlight of the voyage. Grayhound has a great tradition of using fresh produce and of foraging, producing wholesome meals inspired by local cuisine and maritime traditions. She serves only healthy, organic, vegetarian food. For many good reasons the meals on the ship are mostly vegetarian (unless it is caught by line from the boat!). Everything is cooked onboard by our excellent chef using regional and organic produce wherever possible.

What’s included

• All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and soft/hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and a wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Waterproofs

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Wash and/or swim towel
• Any 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.

This voyage will be more than 12miles offshore.

Need help with flights? 

If you require some expert help with sourcing the right flights to meet the boat, please get in touch with Jenny at the Flight Centre via this form, she will be able to send you a quote within24 hours. 

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  We are primarily a vegetarian (not vegan) ship. Everything is cooked onboard by our excellent chef using regional and organic produce wherever possible. We have a well-equipped galley where we cook healthy, tasty and sustainable food.

• Are there any added extras?

  There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol or you can bring your own.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  10x single berths split between the saloon and fore cabin. Some bunks can be made into "doubles" and all berths are allocated communally once everyone is aboard. All bunks have a privacy curtain.

• Is there a porthole in my berth?

  Both the saloon and fore cabin have deck hatches for natural light.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  2 toilets. There is a shower on board but we use it as little as possible because we have a limited water supply. We tend to use the showers ashore in the marinas that we visit. There is plenty of seawater for bucket-showers on deck or for a nice morning swim around the ship.

• Are bedding and towels included?

  All bedding is provided but please bring towels.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Grayhound does not have laundry on board.

• Is there heating onboard?

  Yes, there is a multi fuel burner.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• Is there WIFI?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes. There are USB and 220v sockets in the Pilot house and galley.

• What is the currency on board?

  GBP - pounds sterling

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Grayhound is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up and over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  Yes - provided for all guests. IMAX - Explorer Ocean Equipment - coat & Trousers. This can be taken onshore as well.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  There are long boat tenders for rowing practice and coastal exploring!

• 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.

• Is there an age limit?

  Young children can join some voyages but this varies so please check with the office first. There is no maximum age limit as long as guests are mobile and fit.

Travel Planning

From: Castara Bay, Tobago

To: Rodney Bay, St Lucia

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

Getting There

Tobago 

The easiest route is to fly to Tobago via St Lucia from London Gatwick with British Airways.  You stay on the aircraft in St Lucia before it departs for Tobago (a 40 minute flight).

British Airways fly direct to Piarco International Airport in the Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago. This airport serves the island of Trinidad. From here it is a 25 minute flight to Tobago with Caribbean Airlines. There is also a ferry option which departs daily (3.5 hour journey).

Getting Home

St Lucia

BY AIR

Flights go from St Lucia Vigie to Manchester, London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Glasgow International, Belfast City and Belfast International.

You can also fly to/from St Lucia Hewanorra Airport. Flights go direct to St Lucia Hewanorra from London Gatwick with British Airways and Finnair.

Need help with flights?