IWW Grenada Sailing Week - When, Where, How and Why

by Louay Habib on 11 Nov 2014 After a long hot summer, November has arrived with cold air bringing frosty weather to many well-known sailing grounds in the Northern Hemisphere. For many sailors it’s time to don the thermals or put away the sailing gear for another year but that doesn't have to be the case, the Caribbean sailing season is just about to begin and IWW Grenada Sailing Week is one of the first major regattas.

Taking part couldn't be easier, there are a myriad of opportunities from single berths to bareboat charter and there are direct flights to Grenada from Europe and the Americas. Grenada has a wealth of accommodation for visitors from luxury hotels, frequented by the rich and famous, to traditional guest houses. Grenada is one of the safest and most friendly islands in the region, with one of the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean and where the locals have welcomed visitors to their shores for generations.

Not just a sailing destination

If you haven't visited Grenada before, you have not experienced one of the Caribbean's truly fantastic destinations. IWW Grenada Sailing Week lasts for seven days but for those who can stay longer, Grenada and its surrounding islands have much to offer.

Grenada is not just a sailing destination; the tropical interior is mountainous with rivers and stunning waterfalls flowing into the sea. Known as the Spice Island, Grenada is one of the largest producers of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg in the world and the locally made chocolate is heaven to taste. Grenada is blessed with some of the most awe-inspiring beaches in the Caribbean; Grand Anse Beach, near the capital St.Georges, is one of the most popular and is famous throughout the Caribbean but there are many beautiful horseshoe bays with sandy beaches - just ask the locals!

The island of Grenada is the largest island in the Grenadines; smaller islands are Carriacou, Petit Martinique, Ronde Island, Caille Island, Diamond Island, Large Island, Saline Island, and Frigate Island. Most of the population lives in Grenada's capital, St.Georges, which leaves a beautiful unspoilt island paradise to explore.

With direct flights from the Americas, Europe and the Caribbean, IWW Grenada Sailing Week attracts sailors from all over the world and the variety doesn't stop there. Classic Yachts, full-on racers and fun classes, all expertly managed by a passionate race team, means there is organised racing in a style to suit everyone.

There are a number of ways for individuals or groups to enjoy the regatta and the islands. Here are just some of the Charter Opportunities available for IWW Grenada Sailing Week.

Charter Opportunities

Grenada Bluewater Sailing – The approved RYA Training centre based in Grenada competes at regattas all over the Caribbean. Only a few places are still available on the competitive Oceanis Beneteau 461, Chao Lay.

Coral of Cowes – A beautiful classic built in 1902, was the best performing gaff rigged yacht at Antigua Classic Week 2014. Coral takes 12 guests for racing, 80ft on deck, with a working rig of seven sails, means that all those on board have a role to play. 20% Coral of Cowes is offered at a 20% discount for IWW Grenada Sailing Week.

Global Yacht Racing's First 44.7, EH01 is a successful, well known race yacht in the Caribbean and Europe and is expertly maintained. EH01 is available for charter for IWW Grenada Sailing Week due to a late cancellation. Suitable for up to 12 crew plus the owner’s rep. EH01 will be one of the fastest yachts at the regatta.

GirlsforSail - are coming back and describe IWW Grenada Sailing Week as one of their most sought-after regattas for the Caribbean Season. Just one place is available on their First 40.7, Hot Stuff. However, another yacht is being made available for the regatta.

Britannia Events - First 40, Lancelot II calss winner for the RORC Caribbean 600, is under offer for charter for IWW Grenada Sailing Week but experienced skipper, Chris Jackson, has First 40.7, Profile fully available for up to 10 guests.

Performance Yacht Charter – First 40, Southern Child competed for the first time last year and had an absolutely fantastic time. 'Grenada Sailing Week is incredibly well organised, friendly and great racing.' Performance Yacht Charter has a selection of performance racing yacht available to charter for either whole boat or individual berths; Beneteau, J Boats and Swans.

Scarlet Oyster – The well-known Oyster 48 is fully available for charter for IWW Grenada Sailing Week. Scarlet has been the top charter boat at most of the well-known regattas in the Caribbean over the last three years and a two-time class winner of the RORC Caribbean 600 and Fastnet. Meticulously prepared and well sailed, Scarlet is one of the most competitive yachts on the Caribbean circuit.

Dream Yacht Charter – The worldwide yacht charter company is based in Grenada and support the regatta by way of providing the race committee boat. Dream Yacht Charter have an extensive fleet of modern catamarans and monohulls for charter.

The Moorings and Sunsail Tui Marine at Port Louis Marina, Grenada offers a wide selection of cruising yachts for charter.

Getting There:

UK - British Airways and Virgin Atlantic weekly from London Gatwick.
Germany - Condor weekly from Frankfurt.

Venezuela - Conviasa Airlines twice-weekly from Porlamar, Margarita.

USA - American Airlines, Delta Air and Caribbean Airlines direct from USA locations.

Canada – Caribbean Airlines twice-weekly from Toronto.

Caribbean – LIAT and Caribbean Airlines direct from many Caribbean islands.

For more details on charter opportunities, accommodation. Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions go to: Grenada Sailing Week.