Sailing in the Grenadines

The Grenadine islands in the Caribbean is the place to be to enjoy stress-free sailing for short distances in gentle trade winds. It's equally nice to capture a spot on one of our tiny pieces of paradise and sit back and just watch the yachts as they meander from island to island. Some decide to do both and either split their time between land accommodation and yacht or indulge themselves with both - using their private yacht as a limo enjoying on a whim each island's special charm and possibilities.

In the Windward Islands, about 90 miles west of Barbados with air service to next-door Union Island Airport, or, via Grenada with connections to Carriacou, The Grenadines number some 32 islands and cays (pronounced 'keys', it means little islands) stretching south from St. Vincent to Grenada (Gren-ey-da). Only 9 of these are populated and 6 have small Airports: St Vincent, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Union, and Carriacou. The rest are bird sanctuaries and havens for those who like peace and quiet - mixed with the occasional 'jump-up'. If you don't know what that is, you soon will!

All the islands are volcanic, with deep bays and inlets where clear aquamarine waters lap on fine white-sand beaches. The uninhabited islets and rocks include the famous, breathtaking, Tobago Cays, Mopion, Carriacou's Sandy Island, Mabouya and White Island. All have wonderful, soft, white coral sand beaches and clear water, ideal for snorkeling, diving and, of course, are great places to drop anchor after a day's sailing. A visit to these islands is like stepping into the past, where one's measure of time has little to do with clocks. The people of The Grenadines are sailors, almost to a man. You will be in good company here.

A short distance away is Mustique, only 3 miles long by 1 1/2 miles wide and about a 1 1/2 to 2-hour sail from St. Vincent (12 miles). Some twenty five years ago, the island was completely unspoiled, then it was bought and gradually developed. Since then, some of the world's most sophisticated beachcombers of society and fame, were lured to this island gem by safe, warm waters, varied terrain and astonishing views. Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Raquel Welch, Princess Margaret are just a few of the fortunate few who live there - sometimes.

source: http://www.grenadines.net