From Caribbean Sailing Association

As Autumn falls across the Northern Hemisphere, an estimated 2000 yachts head for the spectacular sailing grounds of the Caribbean to start an adventure. There are a number of Caribbean regattas throughout the season and one of the growing regattas is Island Water World Grenada Sailing Week.

Yacht racing in Grenada dates back to the 1950s but Grenada Sailing Week was only established in 2012 and has been growing in popularity ever since. 36 yachts entered last year from France, Australia, Canada, Austria, Great Britain, Spain and the USA, as well as yachts from a number of Caribbean Islands.

The regatta committee have put great effort into organising well managed racing for a variety of sailors. The Fun Fleet is ideal for crews that don’t want to take racing too seriously. Cruising and racing class yachts can have several races per day and classic and traditional Carriacou Sloops make up an eclectic mix, giving the regatta a distinct flavour, as spicy as Grenada. Many of the local boats welcome sailors on board – it’s the way of Grenada.

The beautiful island of Grenada is absolutely stunning and marks the southern gateway to an arc of over 700 Caribbean islands. Grenada now offers some of the most comprehensive and modern marina facilities anywhere in the Caribbean and is well-known for its friendly people with one of the lowest crime rates in the region. Just 125 nm southwest of St. Lucia, sailing to Grenada provides classic Caribbean conditions, reaching in Trade Winds in pristine blue waters past the Windward Islands. The trip from St.Lucia can be done in a single day, but the beautiful islands on route are well worth exploring.

IWW Grenada Sailing Week is based at two venues. Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina and Prickly Bay Marina. For people staying ashore logistics are easy; the two marinas are just a few miles apart.

Recognised to be one of the world’s most prestigious yachting business names, C&N Marinas opened Port Louis in 2007 transforming Grenada’s yachting amenities. The heart of the luxury marina is 170 berths with 6 metre draught suitable for superyachts. Marine services from experienced companies are in plentiful supply and the capital of Grenada, St. George’s, is just a few minutes away. Yachts entered for Island Water World Grenada Sailing Week get 25% off docking fees for up to ten days at Port Louis Marina.

Prickly Bay Marina is party central for the regatta with a lively bar and daily prize givings. There is top quality live music every night with a fantastic last night dinner and prize giving. Traditional Grenadian entertainment, including the Tivoli Drummers and a 40 piece steel band, literally play their hearts out.

IWW Grenada Sailing Week is not the biggest regatta in the Caribbean but the organising committee is passionate about attracting more sailors to the event and making sure they have a memorable visit.

“Friendship is a deep part of our culture and we take immense pride in welcoming visitors to Grenada but this is not enough; race management is very important. If our guests come ashore happy then that is a great way to get the party started. Everybody is welcome to the regatta and where practical we can provide courses that suit groups of boats. Last year we ran 12 different race courses, suitable for out-and-out racers to coastal courses for beginners. If you are thinking of coming to Grenada for the first time, we assure you that you will not be disappointed and for those of you returning to Grenada; we will be delighted to see you again.” Marc DeCaul – Board Chairman Island Water World Grenada Sailing Week.

For more on this story go to: http://caribbean-sailing.com/autumn-leaves/