Caribbean Racing: Grenada Sailing Week

Grenada Sailing Week, formerly the Grenada Sailing Festival, takes place over five days. To ensure you have the best time, we include two days of pre-regatta training and a couple of days of recreational cruising afterwards, giving you some more relaxed time to enjoy this astonishingly beautiful island.

Days 1-2: Training and preparation

Having flown into Maurice Bishop International Airport, you’ll meet the crew in Port Louis marina and have two days for the pre-regatta preparation. Day one focuses on individual skills and getting used to being on a sailing yacht again. We also work on building the crew as a team and refining any rusty sailing techniques. To ensure full involvement, every crew member practises manoeuvres, sail trim, and boat handling. In the evening, over a cold beer, we will discuss race strategies, analyze wind patterns and look at the course layouts. Day two is dedicated to final equipment checks and safety drills. We’ll inspect the yacht for last-minute maintenance tasks and ensure all the safety gear is in order. We’ll then head out onto the water again and conduct mock emergency scenarios to reinforce quick and efficient response skills. This meticulous preparation is crucial for optimal performance, fun and safety during the regatta.

Day 3 – Race Day 1

The competition begins! We’ll participate in the first day’s racing from Tyrell Bay, trying our strategies and skills and seeing how we perform in relation to the other boats. The usual first race is around the stunning island of Carriacou. Post-race, enjoy the lively atmosphere onshore with entertainment, local cuisine and a beach party.

Day 4 – Race Day 2

The main fleet will start racing again, and we’ll continue challenging ourselves and improving our standings. Each race is a chance to learn and grow as a team. The second day is often a race from Carriacou back to Grenada, and we’ll stay that night in the lovely La Phare Bleu marina. That night, there’s often an enjoyable fancy-dress party on the beach.

Day 5 – Lay Day

This is a day for relaxation and exploration. Enjoy Grenada’s beautiful beaches, explore the island, or join in local activities. It’s a well-deserved break.

Day 6 – Race Day 3

Today, we’re back to yacht racing! We’ll tackle different courses, which require adapting our tactics. This is usually a day of three to four shorter races, which ramps up the activity levels and fun.

Day 7 – Final Race Day and Awards Ceremony

Today is our last chance to shine on the water, with another day of shorter races on the west coast of Grenada. After the final race, we’ll join the closing ceremony for the final prize giving and where awards are given. It’s a fun end to an exhilarating week full of camaraderie and celebration.

Throughout the race week, expect morning briefings, debriefs after each race, and plenty of team discussions. It’s a blend of competition, skill development, and fun – a memorable experience in the stunning setting of Grenada.

Days 8-9: Relaxed cruising

During the racing, you’ll see why Grenada is rated one of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world. After all the drama of the racing, it’s lovely to kick back and indulge in 48 hours of gentle sailing, anchoring in paradise bays, and wandering through the spectacular beaches and rainforests ashore. We finish with a crew meal ashore, then it’s off home, and we can all start dreaming of future adventures.

The difference between Rubicon 3 and a yacht charter

This is not a luxury yacht charter vacation on a private yacht but a proper sailing adventure. 

1. Tailored Experience: Unlike many yacht charters, the Rubicon 3 team works daily to tailor the experience to your interests and skill level. Whether you’re interested in learning advanced sailing techniques, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, or focusing on particular activities like snorkeling or fishing, we look to help you achieve it.
2. Expert Knowledge: Yacht charter companies will send you off with minimal instruction. Rubicon 3 has extensive local knowledge and expertise. We can find hidden gems, secluded anchorages, and the best spots that might be off the radar of the charter companies. This insider knowledge significantly enhances the sailing adventure. 
3. Learning Opportunities: Racing with Rubicon 3, you don’t need any previous sailing experience. If you’re interested in learning about sailing, navigation, or seamanship, the expert Rubicon 3 instructors ensure a hands-on, educational experience. This is ideal if you see your sailing trip as a vacation and a learning opportunity.