Hurricane Recovery Information
We wanted to provide an update on Hurricane Beryl, Barefoot Yacht Charters, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Most importantly, all our staff are entirely safe.
Our hurricane plans for the yachts were successful. No other boats impacted ours, nor did ours move and impact anyone else. Within a week of the hurricane passing through we had all our boats back in St. Vincent, and our first charterers back out on the water.
The Barefoot marina, rooms and restaurant are all intact. The dock was badly damaged, but we are already underway with repairs and improvements. Due to the accompanying rain the trees have already got new leaves and flowers, giving that beautiful island colour.
While our boats and houses have survived, and the northern Grenadines are just about back to business as usual, the southern islands, particularly Union and Carriacou, are devastated. Docks were ripped apart and dragged away. Roofs were blown off, concrete walls collapsed. Utilities are severely impacted. It is requested that we do not go to Union Island at this time, to avoid adding to their workload.
The government has requested that any donations/offers of assistance are made through NEMO as they will be most aware of what is needed most to provide equitably for all. If you want to personally get involved, generators are the most wanted bigger ticket item, but if you have space in your luggage for a portable solar charger, for charging lights/phones this would be appreciated by the islanders of Union and Mayreau, and once they are up and running again these chargers are great tools for the school kids.
How does this impact charters?
St Vincent is running as usual. The airport is open, grocery stores are stocked. Mustique, Bequia, and Canouan have bars, restaurants, beaches and anchorages widely available. Tobago Cays is as beautiful as ever – clear waters, clean beaches. We will have suggested additions/changes to itineraries to take advantage of these areas, and to add new ideas. Have you toured Mustique, visiting Macaroni Beach and Basil’s Bar? What about St. Vincent? Often our guests shoot off, without exploring the beautiful bays and outcroppings we have on the main island.
If you have concerns about safety, navigating the area, or how to avoid any new hazards, we have an amazing team of experienced captains, who are all local to the area. Chose a yacht that has enough capacity for this extra crew, then you can do as much of the sailing as you wish, while they are responsible for the overall management of the boat. They can also provide local insight, take you to their favorite spots, and be as involved as you wish with activities, while being the responsible party for the yacht.
Message from Philip Barnard:
Following the effects of hurricane Beryl, we count ourselves extremely lucky to have had all our yachts survive unscathed having weathered hurricane Beryl on the south coast of Grenada. They have all arrived back home to Blue Lagoon now and the waters are clear of debris.
At Barefoot we are open, and have guests arriving weekly to enjoy the many beautiful beaches and anchorages which are still as perfect as ever.
As Caribbean people we will rebuild with a smile, sometimes using what we can salvage from the wreckage of what once was. Islanders don’t wait for hand outs. What we all want is the chance to work, so PLEASE COME and help us rebuild our lives by letting us do what we do best, which is welcome you to our islands with a smile.
