The Barefoot Offshore Sailing School is really excited about being able to offer this exclusive, no-tech/low-tech, barefoot navigation course.
We are the very first sailing school to offer this course and it we are launching the early bird price once this year! You can be one of the first to become a Barefoot Navigator! Be warned, places are limited to ensure you get the highest quality, learning experience. We’ve got you intrigued? Do you want to know more?
The Barefoot Navigator
Before we tell you about the course, we need to introduce you to Jack Lagan. Jack is the author of The Barefoot Navigator. Navigating with the skills of the Ancients, A, B, C – as well as a very experienced sailor and a film maker. In 2006 The Barefoot Navigator was nominated for the Mountbatten Maritime Prize,
Jack Lagan, award winning author
awarded annually “to the author of a distinguished publication that has made a significant contribution to maritime history”.
In his book The Barefoot Navigator, which is the cornerstone of the Barefoot Navigation Course, Jack first looks at how the ancients were able to navigate without the technology we take for granted today.
For example, how did the Polynesians manage to populate such a large area of the ocean by using clouds, stars, the sun, wind direction and sea birds? The second half of the book takes this ancient knowledge and applies it to modern day use.
The Objective
To support modern sailors to become not only better navigators but Barefoot pioneers!
We’ll let Jack explain the objective of the course in his own words;
“After the course you’ll be a much better navigator than you were when you first stepped onto the boat. You’ll boast new practical skills inherited from the seafarers of ancient times. With practice, you will become confident enough to stand on deck, look at the sky, look at the sea around you and just kind of know where you are. You will be a shaman of the sea. You will be a Barefoot Navigator.”
The Course
Pre-Study
The course is divided into 2 parts. The first part is the pre-study, or the theory. As well as Jack’s book, which will become your bible, you will have access to online eLearning material, specifically tailored for St Vincent and The Grenadines. Its user friendly with lots of graphics.
It’s interesting and not too heavy, plus you have the bonus of being able to work through it at your own pace. There are no exams!
The Practical
This is where it gets really exciting! The second stage of the course takes part on-board a yacht in The Grenadines. You get one week sailing around this beautiful part of the world whilst putting all you have learnt into practise.
And it gets better! Your instructor for the week is the Jack Lagan. Who better to help you than the author “The Barefoot Navigator”? And make sure you have your book for him to autograph.
Tobago Cays Marine Park – (Photo: Mark Pratley, Barefoot Yacht Charters)
The 3 Key Questions
The basis of the course is to help you to answer the 3 key questions:
-
Where are we?
-
How do we get to the next place?
-
Why has the ocean become a zone of uncertainty?
To answer these questions, you will learn to use the indigenous birds in the area, persistent swell directions and the stars, plus other tips from our ancestors.
Wait! No Technology?
All our yachts come fully equipped with up to date navigational equipment. This course is not meant to usurp what we are fortunate to have, however, reliance on such aids can dumb down our instincts.
This course is meant as a supplement. Say, for example, and in the worst case scenario, you end up out at sea with an electronics failure. After completing this course you will have the confidence, the knowledge, and the skills to be able to reduce the zone of uncertainty regarding where you are and where you should be heading.
Plus, it is fun, it’s getting in touch with our ancestors, it’s going back to basics. It’s living a barefoot lifestyle!
The Details
This great opportunity to open to everyone from beginners to qualified sailors who want to enhance their sailing skills.
Places are limited so find more HERE or email info@barefootoffshore.com for more info on how you can secure your place using the early bird special for the January course! (early bird price available until 10 November 2016)
BAREFOOT NAVIGATION. Remember, this is the first course of its kind, so not only will you be a barefoot navigator, you will also be a barefoot pioneer!
Email: info@barefootoffshore.com for more information and to book your place!
Hurricane Irma
/in General, Health and Wellness, NewsWe would like to provide you with an update following hurricane Irma.
We thank you all for your concerns and kind messages and thankfully report that St Vincent was further south and out of the hurricane force winds and the surges that affected our brothers and sisters in the northern islands.
In St Vincent and the Grenadines, we experienced a small rise in water level and some wind and rain. However our hearts are with our friends up islands who took the brunt of this storm. We are now also reaching out to our friends in the neighbouring islands, who have been severely affected by hurricane Maria. We will provide updates on this as we have more news.
Managing Director of the Barefoot Companies, Philip Barnard says:
“Our thoughts extend to all those affected by the hurricanes, the people of the northern Caribbean as they come to terms with the after-effects of Hurricane Irma. The Caribbean is highly dependent on tourism and these beautiful islands need our support during these times”.
We are relieved to report that St Vincent and the Grenadines will continue to operate as normal following the hurricanes, as we were just south of the line of impact.
At this time, we are pleased to be able to offer assistance to yacht charter companies affected, provide boats in St Vincent and the Grenadines for upcoming charters and also to assist those who’s vacations have been compromised by the storms.
Our hearts remain with all those who have much rebuilding to do and we will continue to provide assistance wherever we can.
If you would like to assist the people of these islands, you can do so through donation at a number of sites, a couple we have listed below:
Global Giving
https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/hurricane-irma-relief-fund/
Virgin Unite
https://www.virgin.com/unite/bvi-community-support-appeal
We are saddened by the devastating effects of Irma and Maria and encourage all to continue traveling to and supporting the islands of the Caribbean.
The Barefoot Family
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Meet Our Guests, Mark and Olivia!
/in News, Sailing the GrenadinesThe Following is the travel log of 2 of our Barefoot friends and regular charterers, Mark Pratley and Olivia.
They sailed for 2 weeks through the islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines this year and documented their experience!
Thank you Mark and Olivia for sharing your island adventure with us.
5 Travel Tips for your Caribbean Vacation
/in General, Health and Wellness, News, Sailing the GrenadinesPlanning, packing and traveling to your favourite travel destination may be inevitable, but feeling stressed in the process isn’t. Today we share our top tips on how to plan, create and enjoy a memorable Caribbean holiday.
Just like life itself, sailing often comes with many different experiences. Some planned and others unexpected. As much as we strive to deliver the very best charter experience for you, how much you enjoy the ride is really up to you! Look at each encounter as an opportunity and let your island journey take you on an adventure of a lifetime. Relax, learn, play and enjoy every moment! Feel happy knowing that you’ve done your research and are making the best decisions for you and your family. You’ve put the work into creating this trip and it’s time to reap the rewards.
It’s time to relax and enjoy your holiday!
From the Barefoot Family
SVG International Airport Opening Soon!
/in General, News, Ownership, Sailing the GrenadinesBeen waiting patiently to fly directly into St Vincent for your bareboat charter? The time for your fast travel to the islands may be arriving sooner than you think with the new airport.
St Vincent officials have publicly announced an opening date for the new Argyle International Airport.
According to Prime Minister, Ralph Gonzalves, on February 14, 2017 Argyle’s international airport will be ‘open for business’.
In planning and development since Aug 2008, St Vincent’s Argyle airport is intended to offer a nonstop service from North America, Central and South America and Europe to St. Vincent.
The Argyle passenger terminal will be comprised of three floors covering 129,870 square feet in total. The building will have a departure lounge, a rooftop restaurant, full flight facilities, a rooftop garden, a parking area and a large runway designed to accommodate large commercial aircraft.
The airport will also have a terminal building designed to specifically accommodate domestic flights in and out of St Vincent.
The Argyle airport is said to accommodate around 800 passengers at a time and up to 1.5 million passengers per year which will make it possible for many of us to travel less and spend more time doing all the things we love to do on vacation!
Photo by Mark Pratley, Barefoot Yacht Charters
A beautiful 32 islands and cays to discover. From the largest St. Vincent to the tiniest of all, Mopion. This tropical paradise will now be more accessible to those wanting to travel and explore all the beauty of the islands.
It may be time to sail more and fly less.
In planning your next sailing adventure or vacation, be sure to check in with the staff at Barefoot Yacht Charters to learn more about which airlines will be flying directly into St Vincent.
You never know. You may just be able to give yourself an extra day in paradise!
The Barefoot Family
See some local news on Argyle International Airport here
Learn the Art of Barefoot Navigation
/in General, News, Sailing School, Sailing the Grenadines, SpecialsThe Barefoot Offshore Sailing School is really excited about being able to offer this exclusive, no-tech/low-tech, barefoot navigation course.
We are the very first sailing school to offer this course and it we are launching the early bird price once this year! You can be one of the first to become a Barefoot Navigator! Be warned, places are limited to ensure you get the highest quality, learning experience. We’ve got you intrigued? Do you want to know more?
The Barefoot Navigator
Before we tell you about the course, we need to introduce you to Jack Lagan. Jack is the author of The Barefoot Navigator. Navigating with the skills of the Ancients, A, B, C – as well as a very experienced sailor and a film maker. In 2006 The Barefoot Navigator was nominated for the Mountbatten Maritime Prize,
Jack Lagan, award winning author
awarded annually “to the author of a distinguished publication that has made a significant contribution to maritime history”.
In his book The Barefoot Navigator, which is the cornerstone of the Barefoot Navigation Course, Jack first looks at how the ancients were able to navigate without the technology we take for granted today.
For example, how did the Polynesians manage to populate such a large area of the ocean by using clouds, stars, the sun, wind direction and sea birds? The second half of the book takes this ancient knowledge and applies it to modern day use.
The Objective
To support modern sailors to become not only better navigators but Barefoot pioneers!
We’ll let Jack explain the objective of the course in his own words;
The Course
Pre-Study
The course is divided into 2 parts. The first part is the pre-study, or the theory. As well as Jack’s book, which will become your bible, you will have access to online eLearning material, specifically tailored for St Vincent and The Grenadines. Its user friendly with lots of graphics.
It’s interesting and not too heavy, plus you have the bonus of being able to work through it at your own pace. There are no exams!
The Practical
This is where it gets really exciting! The second stage of the course takes part on-board a yacht in The Grenadines. You get one week sailing around this beautiful part of the world whilst putting all you have learnt into practise.
And it gets better! Your instructor for the week is the Jack Lagan. Who better to help you than the author “The Barefoot Navigator”? And make sure you have your book for him to autograph.
Tobago Cays Marine Park – (Photo: Mark Pratley, Barefoot Yacht Charters)
The 3 Key Questions
The basis of the course is to help you to answer the 3 key questions:
Where are we?
How do we get to the next place?
Why has the ocean become a zone of uncertainty?
To answer these questions, you will learn to use the indigenous birds in the area, persistent swell directions and the stars, plus other tips from our ancestors.
Wait! No Technology?
All our yachts come fully equipped with up to date navigational equipment. This course is not meant to usurp what we are fortunate to have, however, reliance on such aids can dumb down our instincts.
This course is meant as a supplement. Say, for example, and in the worst case scenario, you end up out at sea with an electronics failure. After completing this course you will have the confidence, the knowledge, and the skills to be able to reduce the zone of uncertainty regarding where you are and where you should be heading.
Plus, it is fun, it’s getting in touch with our ancestors, it’s going back to basics. It’s living a barefoot lifestyle!
The Details
This great opportunity to open to everyone from beginners to qualified sailors who want to enhance their sailing skills.
Places are limited so find more HERE or email info@barefootoffshore.com for more info on how you can secure your place using the early bird special for the January course! (early bird price available until 10 November 2016)
BAREFOOT NAVIGATION. Remember, this is the first course of its kind, so not only will you be a barefoot navigator, you will also be a barefoot pioneer!
Email: info@barefootoffshore.com for more information and to book your place!
7 Reasons to Sail in Summer!
/in General, News, Sailing School, Sailing the Grenadines, SpecialsThere are so many great reasons to sail in summer and it’s not just for the amazing deals available in off-season.
La Mouette, in the Tobago Cays – (Photo: Mark Pratley, Barefoot Yacht Charters)
The Caribbean in the summer gets a lot of bad press…it’s too hot, it rains a lot, there’s a risk of tropical storms…but for some, including us, cruising in The Grenadines is better in the summer and here’s why.
First let’s address the hurricane risk. The Atlantic hurricane season is officially from 1 June to 30 November. Statistically tropical storms are more likely to form in the north and The Bahamas and Bermuda have more to worry about than St Vincent and The Grenadines, which is considered to be at the southern edge of the hurricane belt.
With sophisticated weather forecasting, you can get at least 3 days’ notice of any potential problems. Barefoot Yachting check almost obsessively the weather patterns and if there is any cause for concern they can get you and your yacht to safety. Quickly.
And yes. it is hot and it does rain in the summer, but it doesn’t rain every day and it never rains for long. Everything gets dried out quickly. It’s hot here all year long and whilst it may be a little hotter in the summer, on your yacht you will always get the sea breeze to cool you down. Still hot? Just jump in and go for a swim.
Petit Tabac, Tobago Cays – (Photo: Mark Pratley, Barefoot Yacht Charters)
So now there is no reason not to sail in the off season but what are the benefits?
A brand new course to celebrate BOSS’s 20th Anniversary!
/in Sailing School, Sailing the Grenadines, SpecialsThis year B.O.S.S celebrates our 20th Year anniversary of sharing our Barefoot Offshore Sailing School with a brand new course! What an amazing journey it has been!
Over these years, thousands of sailors have passed through our Basic Learn and Cruise to Bareboat Skippers License courses.
Many of these students have gone on to complete their Advanced Offshore Courses on our exciting St. Lucia – St Maarten 9-day course and further their knowledge with our in-house add-on courses such as our Yachtsman’s Rigging and Diesel Engine Courses.
We are proud to welcome our graduates back to the waters of St Vincent and the Grenadines, to go on charter and partake in our very own homegrown courses.
A brand new course we are most excited and pleased to offer is The Barefoot Navigator alongside well-known author Jack Lagan.
The Barefoot Navigator course has been developed to provide hands on ancient navigation skills. We use everything around us, from the indigenous birds of the area, wave and wind directions and the stars above to fix our position.
“Come join us as we rekindle the ancient navigation arts through the Barefoot Navigator”. Designed to help all sailors reduce their “Zone of Uncertainty” while out on the water. You may ask “how can we possibly do this?” The answer; by rekindling the navigation arts and techniques of the ancient seafarers!
Clients always ask us how are we able to set our prices at such excellent competitive rates. The answer is simple. We are the most active sailing school in the West Indies and have a high volume of clients who take our courses. We also own our own Marina and this helps us cut costs as we do all of our maintenance, turn arounds etc. all at our base.
Come join us for some fun learning in the sun!
Barefoot’s Safer Sunscreen Checklist
/in General, Health and Wellness, News, Sailing the GrenadinesIt is now possible to choose our level of sun protection and ingredients in the sunscreen we use when we are sailing thanks to the Barefoot Yacht Charters Safer Sunscreen Checklist!
We all need some sunlight because it gives us 80% of the Vitamin D that we need, the trick is not to burn.
Photo – Mark Pratley, Barefoot Yacht Charters
If you are sailing in The Grenadines, then you are going to be spending a lot of time in the cockpit. Even if you have your bimini up, you are still going to be exposed from the reflection from the water. Protecting the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is important for both preventing skin cancer and reducing the rate of skin aging.
Depending on your skin tone, between 10-20 minutes a day of sunlight is good for you. Beyond that we need to think about protecting our skin from the harmful UV rays.
You can reduce exposure by following some simple principles:
Doesn’t sound like a fun holiday right?
So now we need to consider sunscreens. The most widely available sunscreens are chemical based and work mainly by absorbing UV light. Most penetrate the skin to some degree, can enter the bloodstream and cause serious health conditions.
My reasons why? Because some of the ingredients can release free radicals in sunlight, act like oestrogen and therefore disrupt hormones, cause allergic reactions and skin irritations.
Photo – Mark Pratley, Barefoot Yacht Charters
In addition, when we jump into the sea we are releasing these chemicals and there is some evidence that it is causing coral bleaching by promoting viral infections.
Recent studies on sunscreen also suggest that the
Tony Gibbons Beach, Bequia
At present sunscreens have no rigorous safety standards.
Until recently, anyone who didn’t want to use these toxic chemicals had to make their own sunscreens using natural ingredients with a natural SPF such as non-Nano zinc oxide, Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Red Raspberry Seed Oil, Carrot Seed Oil, and Shea Butter.
This is a great, fun thing to do, but when it comes to packing for your holidays it is more convenient to be able to buy something off the shell…one less thing to worry about! The good news is that the market place has embraced natural sunscreens and there are a few to choose from such as Erbaviva Sunscreen or Purple Prairie SunStuff. Barefoot Yacht Charters also carry a local Caribbean brand of natural sunscreen at the Barefoot Yacht Charters Boutique. Ask our lovely front desk ladies for more information!
To help you, Barefoot Yacht Charters have created a Safer Sunscreen Checklist to help you choose which sunscreen product to buy. Get your copy here!
Barefoot Easter Hunt!
/in General, Sailing the GrenadinesThe Barefoot Easter hunt is on!
Barefoot Yacht Charters’ Easter hunt of the year is on and we are giving away fun Easter prize packs to our St Vincent and the Grenadines charterers!
Barefoot is giving away special Easter prize packs for the most loved photographs and it’s simple to win!
Do you have a favourite photograph of the islands or of you and your family?
Did you capture a special scene or moment while sailing with Barefoot Yacht Charters?
All you have to do is send us your favourite photograph of your sailing vacation in St Vincent and the Grenadines, then come on over to the Barefoot Yacht Charters Facebook page where we will announce the winners!
Happy Easter from the Barefoot family!
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