Sailing in the Caribbean; Exploring the Grenadines

YOUR SAILING AREA

The Grenadines, Caribbean

Experience the unspoilt, authentic Caribbean, away from the busy resorts and beaches with a sailing holiday in the Grenadines. With ideal sailing conditions and fantastic weather, this is blue water Caribbean sailing at its best. St Vincent and the Grenadines are a southern Caribbean nation comprising the main island, St. Vincent and a chain of smaller idyllic islands. There are ample opportunities to explore a stunning collection of islands, go snorkelling amongst colourful reef fish with turtles, and enjoy fresh barbecued lobster on the beach at sundown. Anchor in secluded bays, dive from the bows of the boat and feel the powder white sand between your toes.

Starting and finishing in Rodney Bay St Lucia, this fully skippered Caribbean sailing holiday will make best use of the wind and will likely you see you sailing to explore the islands of St Vincent, Bequia, Tobago Cays and Union Island.

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Caribbean Island Hopping

Steeped in rich sailing history and pirate tales, the Grenadines are seemingly untouched by tourist exploitation with rolling green volcanic hills, sandy palm lined shores and crystal clear waters. With azure blue harbours, chic private isles and volcanic landscapes, the Grenadines are made of many islands both inhabited and un-inhabited.

The island of St Vincent is home to the largest and active volcano in the area, perfect for waterfall exploration and inland hiking. Dive and snorkel the reef-lined Bequia Island or wander palm lined shores with ancient fort ruins and discover the snorkelling paradise in the under water world of Tobago Cays.

Wildlife watching 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. Birdlife in the Caribbean is an incredibly beautiful sight so 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.

There are currently no voyages scheduled. Please get in touch with the VentureSail team to find out what’s available, or if other upcoming voyages might be suitable.
Call us in the Office on 01872 487288 or email [email protected], and we will be happy to help you find your next adventure!

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Skyelark

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Sloop

Skyelark is a luxury Oyster 62 sailing yacht, built for elegance and speed whilst maintaining the utmost comfort for her guests both below decks and while under sail.

Designed and built as a competitive pedigree to match her beautifully drawn lines and sumptuous interior she has had many successes in ocean races and regattas.

Her sloop rig and modern design mean sailing with her can be done with just two people and she is an excellent boat to learn the ropes during your sailing holiday.

Below decks, private cabins are beautifully appointed and a well thought out layout means she is suitable for a variety of travellers; single sailors, couples or private charters of family or friends. Skyelark has a spacious saloon and a generous galley where the crew will prepare healthy and home-cooked meals after a days sailing. with full air conditioning, Webasto heating and quiet flush heads, staying abord Skyelark is more akin to a hotel than a boat!

On deck there is a large, safe and family-friendly cockpit, a lounging deck and transom seats. There is always somewhere comfortable to be, either for socialising or some quiet reflection.

A  removable bimini over the cockpit keeps the sun or the rain out, and if the weather is inclement at anchor, then a full cockpit enclosure keeps everyone snuggly warm, whilst maintaining the alfresco views.

Oyster 62’s are known to circumnavigate with young families on board or sail to the Arctic reaching 80 degrees north. Oyster 62 ‘s offer the perfect package of speed, elegance, luxury and easy, safe comfortable cruising – Skyelark is certainly one of the finest examples. She spends her summer sailing the UK, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with voyages around Scotland and the Hebrides before sailing winters in the Caribbean.

Take a look inside!

Deck plan

More about Skyelark

Life on board 

Skyelark is part of our luxury fleet and as soon as you step onboard you will feel the high quality finish and standard throughout the boat. From the comfortable cockpit seating area on deck for al fresco dining under the stars to the well appointed stateroom ensuite cabin, Skyelark’s design has been well considered to ensure luxury and comfort are at the forefront of her sailing experience.

Smooth Sailing

Fitted with all the mod-cons, guests are welcomed to get involved with the sailing of Skyelark if they wish but the easy winch system and racing rig mean she is designed to be operated with a small crew. So if sitting back and enjoying the views is top of your list, you’ll be well looked after aboard. On her expedition sailing voyages, guests are encouraged to get involved to fully experience life at sea.

Sleeping, Eating and Relaxation

All* meals are cooked aboard so you can be sure to be very well fed, with both healthy and cooked choices for breakfast, delicious lunches and a varied menu of home-cooked food for dinner. With minimal light pollution, the Caribbean have some of the clearest skies you’ll have ever seen so make use of Skyelark’s generous seating area on deck and eat beneath the stars. Below decks, Skyelark has private twin cabins, a generous ensuite double cabin and VIP luxury double cabin for that added bit of comfort.

*During 10day Caribbean voyages, 4 meals (lunch or dinner) are to be eaten ashore at guests expense to ensure the full Caribbean experience.

Read more about life onboard Skyelark here.

What’s included

• All inclusive* (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and soft/hot drinks) *During 10day Caribbean voyages, 4 meals (lunch or dinner) are to be eaten ashore at guests expense to ensure the full Caribbean experience.
• Alcohol
• 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
• Use of the boat’s stand-up paddle-board

What’s not included

• 4 meals ashores
• Waterproofs
• 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.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all food and drink is included in your ticket price* *On 10 day Caribbean voyages, 4 meals (lunch or dinner) are to be eaten ashore to get the full Caribbean experience.

• Are there any added extra's?

  No, unless you go ashore. Excursions are not included.

• Are drinks included?

  Yes.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please ask at the time of booking.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  3x Twin, 1x Double and 1x VIP cabin if req.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  3 bathrooms, all with showers.

• Is there WIFI?

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

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• 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 bedding included?

  All bedding and wash towels are included. Please bring a swimming towel if you wish to swim ashore.

Travel Planning

From: Rodney Bay, St Lucia

To: Rodney Bay, St Lucia

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

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BY AIR:

St Lucia Vigie Airport to Rodney Bay is either a 30-minute bus journey or you can arrange an on-demand airport shuttle which takes 30 minutes. Flights go to St Lucia Vigie from 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.

STAY IN RODNEY BAY:

There are plenty of places to stay in Rodney Bay. Try Starfish St. Lucia, Harmony Marina Suites and Bay Gardens Hotel.