Having nature in mind as you sail through the Grenadines is a pretty easy task for most.

To sail, enjoy and not leave an eco footprint may feel a little more challenging. However, there are many simple things you can do that actually make a huge difference to our waters and their ecosystems, all while having a vacation of a lifetime!

As world ocean day is upon us, it’s a perfect time to band together and find new ways to help the nature playground that we all love and enjoy.

Saying Yes to Less Plastic. Not NO to all Plastic.

Using no plastic at all may seem like a wish that can never be fulfilled. After all, it has become part of how we live, consume and dispose. It’s so easy to purchase and to use. It may feel like it will take too much effort to stop it altogether. Because of these factors, it may just not be that simple to stop using it cold turkey. Starting by just becoming aware of it’s use and how it breaks down (or doesn’t) in the sea and how you can minimize usage may just be enough to create some of the change we need to see in our ocean environments.

Let’s look at a few ways you can sail with sustainability in mind!

How to Sail with Sustainability in mind?

Ready to become more environmentally friendly while saving money and having the vacation of your dreams? Now that sounds desirable.

Sailing and sustainability already go hand in hand. It is already one of the most eco-friendly vacations to take. Sailing boats are powered by the wind and if the weather shows up in your favour, you may be able to go most of your trip without using your engine.

As we are working at our end to make your experience even better whilst looking after our environment, here are some simple things you can do to make your trip even greener:

Reducing plastic
You can minimize your plastic use by bringing your own water bottle with you. There are many options are that stainless steel or glass with outer protective covering. You could also bring along a fun, bright coloured cloth bag for all of your shopping experiences. Paper plates and cups may be an option for you if you are having beach picnics etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go with the wind
You have likely put so much time and thought into your vacation so you can relax, unwind and enjoy some well deserved down time. So, if you find yourself on a light wind day in a calm anchorage, instead of rushing off to the next spot, you could use the day for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, enjoying the sunshine and beach picnicking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Choose natural sea washes, gentle gels, sunscreens and cleaning products
There are natural products available that have been made with the environment and the sea specifically in mind. Some are natural shampoos and body washes, others are sunscreens and sea scrubs and gels that are made for use in the ocean. Whatever you choose, bring along products for your sailing trip so you don’t harm the beautiful marine life. Also if you are cleaning on board, our team has some great suggestions for you!

Wherever you can, choose paperless options
When arriving at Barefoot, you will always be given the option to choose paperless invoices via email rather than printing them out. Go on, opt for it!

Recycle
If you have plastic bottles on board, bring them back to the base and give them to us, so all the waste doesn’t end up in the water down islands. We may be able to pass them on for recycling or up cycling on the island. You may also like to get involved in beach clean ups as you pass through the islands and do your part to help us keep the islands clean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Choose to eat locally
We have fresh food markets in St Vincent that are worth seeing if they coincide with your trip. You can also purchase locally grown food at some of our supermarkets and also small farmers selling their own home grown produce on the roadside. Many islands also have their own versions of these. Also, there are some local restaurants that boast locally grown and sourced produce. When eating out speak to the restaurant owners and choose where you spend your dollars carefully to reduce your eco footprint and support more sustainability in the islands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember, every little bit counts. Have a fantastic sail and smile wider knowing you are saving the environment for our generations to come!

The last couple years have been challenging and traveling to the islands for a yacht charter has been a dream for many of you.

Now that you are able to reach the beautiful Grenadines islands again, nothing would make us happier than knowing your time here is a dream come true and that travel to and from the islands is becoming easier and more stress free.

Whilst flights and testing may not have all looked picture perfect in the past, we are so happy to share these new updated covid protocols for entry to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

It is our hope with each step we take forward, we are able to share ways of making your vacation the best possible. We are so looking forward to seeing you back in the islands sailing soon.

Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau

New Protocol for Fully Vaccinated Travellers to St Vincent and the Grenadines

  • Fully vaccinated travelers are now able to enter St Vincent as long as visitors arrive with a negative Covid 19 or negative SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test. In this case, new protocol states travelers will not be re-tested on arrival or need to undergo the previous 48 hour quarantine time.
  • Prior to travel, visitors to St Vincent and the Grenadines will need to complete the Pre-Arrival Form at www.health.gov.vc
  • Travelers who have recently had Covid 19 (between 10 days and 2 months) can apply for an exemption to enter St Vincent and the Grenadines with a positive result, as long as proof of the original positive test is provided and proof of full vaccination is shown.
  • In some instances, it may still be necessary for travellers to undergo testing on arrival which is outlined in the full document below.

There are other processes that may also need to be followed. All processes are outlined in the full Protocol for fully vaccinated Travellers 3rd March 2022 document, which can be downloaded below.

Protocol St Vincent and the Grenadines Travellers

St Vincent aims to provide a safe entry of travellers to the islands in a manner that reduces risk of the importation and transmission of COVID-19 in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

We are all excited to see you back here enjoying the best of the islands.

St Vincent and the Grenadines Yacht Charter

 

 

Virgin Atlantic has announced that it will launch direct flights from London Heathrow to St Vincent from October 2021.

The twice-weekly service marks the first direct flight from Europe to the Caribbean island, and will be operated by an A330-300 aircraft with 31 Upper Class, 48 Premium and 185 Economy seats.

Tickets on sale from October 13, 2020

The airline describes the Caribbean nation as fitting for those looking for a luxury break, eco adventure, scuba diving or sailing voyage thanks to its ‘yacht-filled harbours, chic private isles, coral reefs and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Explore and discover St Vincent and the 32 islands that make up the breath-taking Grenadines.

Covid-19 regulations per Nov 20’th 2020:

St Vincent and the Grenadines is currently exempt from the FCO’s advice against all non-essential international travel, meaning that travellers are not required to quarantine upon return to the UK.

Those travelling from the UK to St Vincent and the Grenadines must, however, present a negative PCR test taken by a certified or accredited laboratory within five days of arrival. They will also be retested on arrival and must quarantine for five days in a tourism authority approved hotel*

Note; *You can apply for doing this 5 day quarantine onboard a yacht prior your charter (if you are familiar with yachts/Yacht equipment)- and it must be done in a secure quarantine area approved by the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines. The yacht will then have to be ready before arrival with provisioning and supplies, so there will be no contact with other people than your travel friends/companions until you are released from quarantine.

As air travel begins to open up and people are looking for a stress-free, safe, vacation experience, sailing the beautiful Caribbean is on the top of many lists. The Grenadines in particular, are some of the most idyllic and secluded islands in the world.

The Grenadines are a perfect spot to drop anchor with confidence and enjoy a safe family vacation out on the water.

St Vincent and the Grenadines are currently classed as Covid-free, a boost of confidence for sailing travelers. We we are working hard to roll out our new safety protocols and ensure that a socially distanced, private and safe vacation is available for all of our charterers.

We take you and your health very seriously and have taken every precaution to help keep you and your family safe whilst sailing with us and to give you peace of mind so you can enjoy your time out on the water to it’s fullest.

We are currently completing renovations to our front office, adjusting our systems and have updated our safety procedures with the health of our staff and charter guests at the forefront of our minds.

We are taking bookings, ensuring paperwork is done prior to arrival and have many other regulations at the base to make sure we are doing all that is possible to ensure the safety of our guests.

We have aligned our safety procedures with the current guidance of the relevant authorities including the WHO, CDC and local operating governments.

Here is the full outline of what you can expect from Barefoot Yacht Charters when you book a charter with us, including at the base on the yachts, our government protocol and what you can do to help make your sailing vacation as safe and as enjoyable as possible.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR UPDATED SAFETY MEASURES

So follow the travel protocols, ensure you and your family and friends are Covid free and come sailing in a Covid free environment.

We look forward to seeing you enjoying yourself out on the water again and indulging in all these beautiful islands have to offer.

Our brand new 2020 Bali 4.1 “Viewfinder” is on her way to her new home in blue Lagoon, St Vincent with the famous ARC race!

 

As we wish Jonathon Davis and his crew all the very best in this Trans Atlantic race from Las Palmas to the beautiful Caribbean waters, we share a little of their adventure along the way.

Meet the Crew!

Francis, Alex, Kelcie and Jonathon

Francis joins us from Montreal.  He’s the most enthusiastic of the bunch and brings joy to the trip.  Without his curiosity and tech savvy we’d be sunk and you’ld have to find something else to read.

Alex is a captain in his own right.  Joining us from Mallorca, he’s been onboard since day 1.  The differences in culture and cuisine have been invaluable to the trip and much of these influences stem from Alex.

Kelcie is our caretaker and amazing in every way.  In addition to holding a captains license and all of the delivery duties, she’s keeping ya’ll informed and feeding us better than anyone deserves.

There are too many food ics on the internet but not enough from the middle of The Atlantic…stay tuned.

Dave and Jonathon are friends of 30 years.  He’s spent more time on the water as a paraplegic than most captains ever will.  As Executive Director of Turning Point Gulf Coast Dave has helped countless others over the years and I would attribute his extreme contentment to that.

Jonathon’s sailed a lot of miles and learned a lot of things over the years.  Opinions vary, but most have one….

Day 1: The Start

The start. A mad rush to the start. With the impending race and the rush to find a drill to complete our final tasks… We are happy to admit we were only 5 minutes late to the start and we still found a drill and were ale to complete our outstanding tasks.

Early morning was met with processional check outs and emotional check ins. With a final boat rub down and clean up we had a fiasco we’re calling a rescue for emergency rescue, between a dock and a hard place. The cap covering for our emergency steering location was off to show off our newly fabricated and yet another completely mcgiver-ed success, our emergency tiller. During our crazed dash for a quick an complete clean up the cap was inadvertantly kicked off the boat. Continuing with the theme of crazed dashes, our much needed cap followed suit and promptly, no immediately sank 8 meters into a deep dark abysmal fecal and urine filled waterway that lie below our beloved vessel. With much shock and dismay and not least of which disappointment, Alex stood there realizing the fact of what was unfolding next. Not just a casual dip into the sea green with inky undertones water but a dive 8 meters down into a water wasteland.

Francis, an innocent bystander could not only see the overwhelming devastation of what had just occurred rose up to help his comrade in need. He immediately sprang into action, grabbed his mask snorkel and flippers changed into his swim trunks and dove in before the reality of what he was about to do sank in after our cap sank down. A few explicative provided a colorful commentary on water temperature, filthy salt water, and an impressive depth filed with treasure. After a few dives it was a raging success. As crew we cheered in unison celebrating this epic feat and victory before our Captain was any of the wiser.

Our drill had died so our captain borrowed one from a neighboring boat, “The second blue one”, he said when we asked where we needed to return it. We received this borrowed drill in hand and got immediately to work.

With about 30 percent finished, not even half an hour worth of work and BLAM….our the borrowed drill died. Cue our captain in yet another pursuit of another drill, this time not a borrowed one. He sought a drill of his own. On a Sunday in Las Palmas it’s almost a sure bet what you need to be open won’t be. Alas he never did find his own drill but with more creative thinking he quickly called his friend who was supposed to be in the arc but his trip was cancelled due to his captain taking a punch to the face knocking out two teeth.

So after that guy’s trip to the dentist and some ill will against the crew member who hit him the trip was called off. So luckily for us we now had access to a drill! With stars in his eyes, our captains that is we waited with building anticipation for a new borrowed drill. Some time passed and we cheered as he came down the dock hand delivering this drill. Our captain was more than quick to his feet and was like a mad man drilling holes everywhere he could think we would potentially need them since we no longer have a drill of our own.

Some backstory…. Our drill died after a drilling accident that had something to do with drilling holes in our beloved vessel at the waterline. You have probably guessed how it died… it met its maker….water. It got wet and died. With our captains crazed drilling session he was successful and we were able to continue our final tasks right up until the start and a little afterwards.

Spinning on our second rotation in route to our third and it is safe to say we are beyond a jibe. Onto our 4th rotation and all of the warm fuzzy feelings are gone. I am no seasoned sailor but this is strange. Rotating still with our spot tracker flashing gives off an ominous vibe and with distant yells from our captain… I don’t know what is happening.

Things are falling all around us and the rotations are still in constant supply. Another jibe. At this point I have lost track of rotations. The slamming on the boat is intense. David and I are in the main salon while the rest of the crew are up on deck. The motor has come down some and the rotations have subsided. Joe complete and another assumed success. Success is a loaded term and come to find out no success at all. Reason of which the captain came in arms up tossed off his life vest, tore off his jacket threw it down and exclaimed this is going to be a long three weeks. Christmas in Cape Verdes.

What is next is unknown, truth be known I am terrified to ask and for the time being I will remain out of the way and ready for instruction if such arises. Moments later…. “The spinnaker is being put in its bag…without being in it’s convenient sock. Not a good sign”, David mentions. Francis comes down looking a bit defeated and says “The spinnaker has been ripped to shreds. Its no longer in working order.” RIP WINGGAKER. A cup of coffee, a cigarette, and a complete surrender, the Captain exclaims, “Head us for the Cape Verdes”. A minor victory, the fishing pole survived the chaos, our captain looks up with a grin and a touch of sarcasm and says “Oh now there’s something for us to do.’

 

 

This Black Friday, we are taking off more than just our shoes!

This offer is too good to keep a secret until Friday so we just had to let you in on what we are offering.

We want you to be able to get in now while there is availability. Indulge in the tropical trade winds, turquoise water and pristine sandy beaches in the stunning St Vincent and the Grenadines and receive PREMIUM season charters at the high season rate for all charters between December 22nd 2019 to January 3rd 2020.

In addition to this, we areoffering 10 DAYS sailing for the price of 7, at this reduced rate!

  • Check out our new Barefoot Black Friday Special
  • Receive high season rates during PREMIUM season when you book during the below dates
  • Valid for all Barefoot charters between December 22nd 2019 and January 3rd 2020
  • In addition, receive 10 DAYS sailing for the price of 7, for bookings made by November 24th

But hurry, this amazing offer is only valid on bookings made between Sunday December 22nd 2019 and Friday January 3rd 2020.

Spend your holidays immersed in sunshine and seas at the best possible price!

CLICK HERE TO ENQUIRE

 

 

While there are many beautiful spots throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines that will take your breath away, life below the keel is a huge reason to visit the islands all by itself.

Swimming and snorkeling with the turtles, eagle rays, octopus, nurse sharks. Magical coral reef and colourful reef fish are among some of our charterers top things to do while sailing.

We have special secret spots we will be sharing with you in our video blog this year. This month, we have given you a glimpse into what your trip could look like below sea level.

Download our FREE PDF on 7 BEST Snorkel Spots in the Grenadines HERE!

We enjoy all our underwater adventures in the islands but we have to tell you. Some spots are still our ultimate favourites. Even after 4 generations sailing these waters.

No. 7 on our list and by far not our least favourite in the islands, is Bequia. This tiny island is home to large eagle rays, turtles, seahorses, lobsters, crabs, octopus and a diverse range of reef fish and all within a short dinghy ride from your anchorage!

No. 6 is Canouan, a special little spot named L’isalot. It’s just a short dingy ride from the new marina in Canouan. A beautiful snorkel area with an abundance of sea life including some resident nurse sharks.

No. 5. is Union Island. The northern end of Union Island is home to Chatham Bay, a picturesque bay with great snorkeling! Spot large sea stars and turtles living in the reef. You may even hear the call of a whale or 2 in season.

Check out our favourite secret spot and all the details of our Top 7 Snorkel Spots in the free PDF. We give you our top tips for each spot and an idea of exactly what you will experience. Read through from no. 7 all the way up to the priceless no. 1 !

Look forward to seeing you beneath the sea.

The Barefoot Family

Barefoot yachts has a new fleet for sailing the grenadines on yacht charter in the caribbean.