Grenada RYA Sailing Blog


Sailing Theory Courses in the Caribbean
Can’t decide whether to take your sailing theory courses online or in the classroom? We list the benefits to each method so you can decide which learning style is right for you. […]

Sailing Theory Courses: Online or Classroom?


Use your holding tank in swimming areas when sailing.
If you are going on a sailing vacation at home or abroad, there is important legislation regarding the waste water you produce and how to dispose of it correctly. We will discuss holding […]

Holding Tanks Legislation


Ship Paperwork For Sailing Abroad
If you decide to up anchor from the UK and head abroad with your sailing boat, there is important paperwork that you must have prepared and on board with you. If […]

Required Paperwork For Sailing Abroad


Customs Formalities - Sailing Outside of the UK
Customs formalities around the world differ based on which country you are in and where your sailing vessel is registered.   If customs and/or immigration clearance are required, the crew […]

Customs Formalities – Sailing Abroad



Marine flares visual field chart for pyrotechnic signalling devices.
Pyrotechnic signal aids, such as marine flares, help pinpoint your boats exact location in an emergency. A boat can be difficult to see, even in good conditions. Marine flares alongside […]

A Guide To Marine Flares


Sailing terminology can be daunting for beginners starting out, especially if English is not your first language. We’ve put together a glossary list of the main sailing terms you may […]

Sailing Terminology – List For Beginners


Lines have specific names on a sailing yacht.
If you are getting ready to head out on your first RYA course or sailing trip then it is handy to know some basic sailing terminology. One thing that beginners should learn […]

Sailing Lines – Think You Know The Ropes?


Sailing trip pre-departure checklist. - learn to sail
Before you head out on your fun adventure, take a moment to run through this sailing pre-departure checklist to ensure a safe and fun time at sea. Download our printable sailing pre-departure […]

Sailing Pre-departure Checklist



Day Skipper course on multihulls| Grenada and the Grenadines
Multihulls, especially catamarans, are becoming increasingly popular with bluewater cruisers. Originally made popular by families and groups chartering on vacation, more and more cruising sailors are now setting their sights on multihulls as viable vessels.   Skippers […]

Multihulls – A Changing Tide?


Deck shoes are a great addition to your yachting clothing wardrobe.
You might be wondering what you should wear on board if you have never been on a Caribbean sailing vacation before. We get asked this question by many new students enrolling […]

What to Wear on a Caribbean Sailing Vacation?


Chao Lay being hauled out in Grenada
Many of you sailors will have been sunburnt at least once while out on the water. You will agree that it is much easier and safer to apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn, […]

Avoid That Sinking Feeling!


Helming the boat can stop seasickness.
Seasickness. Unfortunately, it’s a sure bet that you will experience this at one point in your sailing life. When it occurs, what should you do to prevent or treat it? […]

How To Ease Seasickness



Family Sailing Vacation in Grenada, Caribbean
Our top priority is to ensure you have a safe, yet action-packed family sailing vacation.  The picturesque islands of Grenada and St. Vincent & the Grenadines offer the perfect tropical location for […]

Family Sailing Vacation in The Caribbean



Chao Lay's tender with outboard engine.
There are many things to consider when buying an outboard for a tender or dinghy. Factors such as hull weight, load, number of people, design/shape/material, boating conditions, and application will affect the […]

Tips For Buying An Outboard Engine


Environmental Protection advice from the Green Blue.
The Green Blue’s objective is to help boaters and boating businesses to minimise their impact on the environment by raising awareness amongst industry and users; reducing harmful discharges; reducing environmental disturbance; and […]

The Green Blue & You!



A sailing yacht run aground
At some point in your sea-going adventures, you may run aground. Fear not… many skippers have done it before, and many skippers will do it in the future. The most famous […]

What To Do If You Run Aground


Lisa on Mimpi - a Beneteau Oceanis 45
Marina étiquette involves using your common sense and good manners towards those docked next to you. Remember that your neighbours can see and hear everything much more clearly than if you were […]

An Introduction To Marina Étiquette


Boats line Grand Anse beach for Grenada Sailing Festival 2016
Grand Mal Take Championship Title at For First Time at Westerhall White Jack Workboat Regatta 2016   Skipper Christopher Jaheir with his talented crew sailing in Tomorrow’s Worry, one of […]

Grenada Sailing Festival Workboat Regatta 2016


AIS signal shown on a ships screen
What is AIS?   Marine vessels and vessel traffic services use AIS (Automatic Identification System) to identify and locate other vessels by exchanging electronic data through an automatic tracking system. Nearby […]

AIS: Useful Marine Navigation Tool



Signalling with a smoke flare from a boat capsize
Boat capsizes are actually more common than you realise. If you are a small vessel operator, whether power or sail, then it is a good idea to be prepared for […]

What To Do If Your Boat Capsizes


Snorkel gear is a great thing to bring on your sailing trip.
Calling All Water Sports Babies!   Have you got a few days left after your learn to sail course with us in Grenada? Continue to quench your thirst for all things […]

Water Sports in Grenada


How to Prepare For A Helicopter Hoist
A helicopter hoist may be necessary in an emergency situation at sea. It is important to know what to do to prepare for the helicopter hoist, and how to minimise any […]

How To Prepare For A Helicopter Hoist


Christmas Gift Ideas For Your Sailor!
Need some great gift ideas for your sailor this Christmas? Look no further as our team have compiled their sailing gift ideas for the festive season. What To Buy A […]

Gift Ideas For Your Sailor



A scuba diver untangling a fouled prop.
A fouled prop happens to most boaters eventually. Lobster traps, fishing pots, or even just a stray line can become entangled, causing your engine to abruptly stop and refuse to start […]

How To Untangle A Fouled Prop


A family learning to sail wearing their lifejackets.
From the start, it is important to teach children that sailing is a fun activity. To keep their interest levels up whilst teaching safe sailing for children you need to […]

Fun & Safe Sailing For Children


The RYA developed SafeTrx as an app for online float plans.
Why make a float plan?   In an emergency situation there is a lot of crucial information that needs to be communicated with the emergency services. It can be hard to remember everything, […]

Float Plans Aren’t Just For Boaters!


Practicing docking on a Day Skipper course.
Approaching the dock can be one of the most nerve-racking experiences – especially if you are in a busy marina with tight spaces!   There’s no reason to break out in a […]

Do You Dread Docking? Simple Tips To Help!




An approved jerry can for transporting boat fuel.
All boaters using petrol, and especially anyone new to boating, should appreciate the nature of petrol vapour especially in the context of the bucket-like quality of a boat cabin and […]

10 Essential Petrol Safety Tips For Boats


A longsnout seahorse in Grenadines.
Caribbean marine life behaviour is enthralling, and you can quite happily float along watching the mesmerising performances. From mating displays to territorial disputes, the underwater world is a bustling hive of activity. […]

Caribbean Marine Life You Must See!


Rivers Rum made at River Antoine Royal Rum Distillery
Grenada, the isle of spices and of course… great rum! Grenada has a number of rum distilleries spread across the island. The rum produced is both for export and island consumption. […]

Great Rum in Grenada!