In support to the newly formed Caribbean Marine Association with its theme of “Many Islands, One Sea”, this, the Caribbean Cruising Destinations chapter focus is to entice cruisers (yachties) to fully explore the Caribbean with its many cultures, white sands/blue waters, reefs and rain forests. We would like these sailors to enjoy an unforgettable Caribbean experience before they ultimate move on to explore the rest of the world!

Like the sailors and explorers of centuries ago, today’s cruisers are attracted to the Caribbean for its riches albeit a bit different. Treasures which can be found here are the many tropical islands, each with its unique characteristics.

At some islands one finds visitors basking in the sun at a remote beach sipping a cool rum drink, enjoying the refreshing breeze and with not a care in the world. Others are exploring the unique island environment, by diving in perfectly clear blue waters with fish curious about the intruders with facemasks. Some of the most fascinating underwater diving in the world are found in the Caribbean. For nature lovers there are fantastic photo opportunities like the capturing of exotic tropical animals, birds, fishes and if you look closely you might get a shot of a Seahorse clinging to a seaweed, an 800 pound Leatherback turtle nesting on a remote moonlit beach, or just enjoying a nature hike through a rain forests. Sailors want to experience a bit of the Caribbean Culture, be it the sound of an interesting dialect of English, French, Creole by listening to indigenous natives; or enjoying a unique Caribbean style of music such as calypso and steelpan; or East Indian dance; or massive Carnival celebrations throughout the Caribbean Islands. Each island in its own way offers a fantastic awareness to a very different style of life!

Of course sailors are also keenly concerned about life sustaining activities such as provisioning for long journeys, for necessary maintenance to keep a boat “ship-shape, a place to store the vessel safely in a storm. And this is the Trinidad and Tobago focus providing repairs, maintenance, boating supplies, storage and shelter.

The Boaters’ Directory of Trinidad & Tobago recognizes and respects those sailors and cruisers who believe in an “Active Anchor” and a “Where to Next” attitude. The editor wishes to enlighten sailors, to show that the Caribbean Sea and the Caribbean countries have so much to offer. Trinidad and Tobago offer just one part of all whole fantastic and beautiful Caribbean.

GUYANA

Refreshing with the North-eastern trade winds and the dark brown waters of the mighty Essequibo River of Guyana, this once British Colony is now the hub of activities attracting hundreds of visitors to Guyana: “the Safe Haven” for the Yachters across the world.

Yachting, adventurous yet served within an environment of tranquillity, transcends our thoughts into myriads of sparkling and effervescing gems, so much so that these memories will forever be recorded of Sir Walter Raleigh’s ,El Dorado- Guyana; this sprawling 83,000sq. miles (216,000sq.km) of land bedecked with the evergreen tropical equatorial forests and descendants of slavery and indentureship. The majestic Essequibo River is a magnetic field which constantly attracts visitors.

Although Yachting is in its embryonic stage, it has become a magnificent spectacle for all visitors travelling into Guyana and up the Essequibo River. Facilities for travellers in need of goods and services can be acquired at the Bartica Township. Dealers in Yamaha and other spare parts may be acquired at Bartica or at Parika before travelling up river to Bartica. Processing facilities have been put in place to accommodate tired travellers upon arrival.

So reflect on the history of Guyana, as your yacht gracefully sails past the Old Dutch Fort; Fort Zeelandia and acknowledge the waving hands of the first peoples as they traditionally paddle their canoes down the Essequibo River.

Capture the scenic beauty of the 300 islands which dot the River, stop at Saxacalli Village and autograph one of the trees in the rainforest. Drop anchor at Baganara Island Resort, cast your lead lines, be amazed at your catch and relax in wonder at the variety of birds as they flash by in the afternoon’s setting sun.

So come with your yacht, drop anchor and be enthralled!! A moment to remember- forever memories... Welcome!!

Curacao

HISTORY

Curacao offers visitors a taste of Europe in a setting that is familiar and tropical. While typical of most Caribbean islands in many ways, Curaçao is very unique with its Dutch influences of quaint designs of Amsterdam with exquisite 17th and 18th century Dutch colonial buildings not to be found anywhere else outside of the Netherlands.

And just as the English-speaking Caribbean can boast of a unique and vibrant culture and lifestyle, so too can Curacao and the rest of the Dutch Caribbean.Visitors are often amazed at the quality and preservation of the island’s unique architecture. Wide, well-kept and very clean roadways complement Curacao’s historic buildings, as well as a long list of other attractions that cater for families, vacationers, “yachties”, business travelers, weekenders, entertainment buffs and more.

CLIMATE

Curaçao has a warm, sunny climate year round. Cooling trade winds blow constantly from the east, picking up in the spring months. The rainy season, which is between October and February, is usually marked by short, occasional showers, mostly at night, and continued sunny weather by day. Total annual rainfall averages only 570 mm (22 inches).

Importantly to the cruisers that visit, Curaçao is located on the outer fringes of the hurricane belt consequently the frequency of hits by tropical storms is much lower than for other parts of the Caribbean.

In recent years, the number of marinas has increased providing comfortable facilities for the ever increasing number of cruisers that come to Curaçao to explore and to sample its unique history and culture. Seru Boca Marina has facilities for 68 yachts, and Kima Kalki Marine with space for 60 boats are located at Spaanse Water. At Willemstad & Schottegat Bay, Curaçao Maine has a wide slipway and storage for both monohulls and multihull vessels with lifting by hydraulic lift.

ATTRACTIONS

A wonderland of diving possibilities. Divers and snorkelers continue to be amazed by the beauty of Curaçao’s underwater world. Curaçao has some of the finest dive operators in the world offering the full range of experiences ranging from shore and reef diving to extreme extended depth and duration dives.

However, Curaçao offers so much more than just diving. There are dozens of undiscovered adventures to be enjoyed , satisfying a varied range of interests - from water sports; to visiting 17th century architecture sites; to sporting activities such as tennis or golf; exotic flora and fauna; world-class cuisine, cultural events such as Salsa and Jazz festivals; world class shopping and more.

Curacao and her cosmopolitan people await you. Come explore our culture, enjoy our islands, taste our cuisine, learn some “papiamentu” or just make some new friends. Curacao…you’ll love every minute.

Grenada

Grenada Poised to become one of the premiere Yachting Destinations in the Caribbean

The collaboration between public and private sector yachting interests in Grenada have taken on a level of focused determination that augurs well for ensuring that the general vision to transform Grenada into a top Caribbean yachting destination remains a top priority. Evidence prevails of product enhancement initiatives and a widening of the framework within which Grenada plans to achieve its goals and objectives as a member of the yachting fraternity.

Currently, this “Spice of the Caribbean” is endowed with three marinas and the same number of boat yards. Over the years, these establishments were successful in providing a top quality service to visiting yachters. In recent times, given the lessons learnt from the natural interferences that compromised the industry, there have been concerted efforts to beef up the level of hurricane preparedness by offering cradles and tie downs.

The three boatyards that serve Grenada at this time include The Grenada Marine www.grenadamarine.com Spice Isle Marine www.spiceislandmarine.com and Tyrell Bay Marine tbyh@usa.net

In keeping with the primary objectives for the yachting sub-sector, Grenada is at present increasing its marina stock by way of seven new marina developments that are destined to come into existence over the next couple of years. These developments include Le Phare Bleu in Woburn, Prickly Bay Waterside (previously the Boat Yard) in Prickly Bay, the Port George Development (previously the Grenada Yacht Club) in the lagoon area close to the Carenage, Virgin Beach Development situated in True Blue Bay, Calivigny Cove located in Calivigny, Tyrell Bay Marina in Carriacou and Whisper Cove Marina in Woburn.

The Public Sector has also made worthwhile efforts to help ease the process involved in clearing into and out of Grenada. A one page customs clearance form was introduced in February 2006. This can now be down loaded at http://www.grenadagrenadines.com/grenada_clearance_online_form.pdf Captains are now able to fill in their details and print 5 copies when going to the Customs Office. This procedure saves considerable time in that forms can be saved on the computer so that it is no longer necessary to complete them every time one enters or leaves Grenada.

Endowed with its protected anchorages, increasing facilities, beautiful sailing waters, improved clearing in procedures, colourful history, natural beauty, friendly people, festivals and food, Grenada is definitely positioning itself to become the premiere yachting destination of the Caribbean.

For more information, visit the GBT’s website at www.grenadagrenadines.com