RYA Day Skipper Success
Congratulations to Will and Ed, from the UK, on attaining their RYA Day Skipper rating this week with Grenada Bluewater Sailing. We enjoyed a superb week sailing along the west coast of Grenada and throughout the Grenadines on Chao Lay.
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- Simply paradise.
Weather and Sailing Conditions
Excellent passage planning and tidal calculations allowed for pleasant sailing, and we made the most of the November winds and the calm seas. The weather this week was glorious with blue skies and the sun shining down on us throughout the trip. An average wind speed of 15 knots kept Chao Lay cruising through the seas.
RYA Day Skipper Highlights
A very competent pair of sailors, Will and Ed excelled on their RYA Day Skipper course. They both showed great night navigation skills during our night passage into Grand Anse, Grenada. Will and Ed successfully ran the boat with good wind awareness, and proved to be adept at passage planning.
Sailing Passage
Based on the conditions our enjoyable sailing passage this week was: Grenada – Carriacou – Union Island – Tobago Cays – Petite Martinique – Sandy Island – Carriacou – Grenada.
Caribbean Island Highlights
The Tobago Cays was teeming with turtles this week, and we all enjoyed snorkeling in the crystal clear water around the island of Baradel. The Marine Protected Area of the Tobago Cays is a safe haven for endangered green and hawksbill turtles. It is always a delight to watch these soulful creatures in their natural habitat. For more information about the Tobago Cays Marine Park visit: www.tobagocays.org
We were able to take some amazing aerial shots of the Tobago Cays from the mast of Chao Lay – a breath-taking sight and one not to forget for a long time. One of the challenges Will and Ed came up against this trip was how to get a fresh coconut down from a high tree. After spending a while trying to find the best method to dislodge a coconut (not by throwing rocks!), a kind Vincentian lady showed the guys an easier way: quite simply a long stick! Fresh coconuts were then enjoyed by all – nothing quite like the taste of success!
Will and Ed also had the opportunity to learn island-style dominoes at “Swampy Joe’s” on Carriacou. The friendly residents invited us to join in with their game, and then taught us a thing or two about tough competition. Check the gallery above for a great photo of the competition heating up!
We have 3 berths available on Chao Lay for the RYA Day Skipper course starting on the 16th December 2013. Please see our Course Schedule for details or for more information please contact Grenada Bluewater Sailing.