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The islands are situated relative to the prevailing wind in such manner that you will sail close-hauled to abeam with a strong wind (5 Beaufort). A symetrical spinnaker is of little use. The ideal foresail is a genua or an asymetrical spinnaker.
Harbours and marinas are rare and most boats will prefer to anchor of pick up a mooring. Natural shelters are numerous, generally on western coasts. Some are protected by a coral reef and situated on the eastern shores, as in Martinique, Tobago Cays and Non Such Bay.
However, in many cases you will have to take care to reach the moorings in good visibility with the sun high in the sky and in your back (i.e. before 4 p.m.)
Most anchorages are deep and will require paying out quite a length of chain (3 to 5 times the depth). In some bays you will have to anchor bermudian style, that is with the anchor down and a long rope holding the other end of the boat to a tree of rock on land, as is the case for example in Wallilabu, Saint Vincent.
Tides are insignificant, much as in the mediteranean. You should however beware of tides and currents in the southern Grenadines. Currents generally bear to the west and can reach 2.5 knots in the channels beween islands.
Within the tradewind area the wind blows ENE to ESE 4 to 6 Beaufort all year round. It will tend to be irregular from June to November, which is also the hurricane and tropical storm period. The sea is smooth or slight on the lee side of the islands and moderate to rough to windward and in the channels.
Swell from the East is frequent but weak during the good season. When the swell comes from the North it can be quite strong and make many anchorages uncomfortable or even dangerous. Make sure to check out the weather forecast and also beware of changing winds, which are always possible, even during the trade wind season.
The hurricane season is from June to November, August to October being the most dangerous months. On average there are 7 hurricanes of various intensity a year. Check out the many web sites that indicate their routes and strength.
Charts are: Admiralty, Imray, US charts and French Shom. We recommend the more detailled Shom charts.
Nautical guides:
- "Lesser Antilles", Imray
- "Cruising Guide Publication" (Windward et Leeward Island) by Chris Doyle
- "Guide des Antilles", J. Patuelli - in French
Some advice:
- Personal safety: avoid walking alone at night, particularly as a woman;
- Health: No vaccination is required, non endemic illness is reported. However, beware of tap water and raw vegetable. |
