Barefoot’s Yacht “Malisi” Assists In Search For Missing Yacht

May 21, 2014/in General, Ownership

Barefoot Yacht Charters’ yacht Malisi, taking part in the ARC Europe race, joins the search for missing yacht Cheeki Rafiki and her crew.

Cheeki Rafiki, a sailing yacht from Southampton, was returning home to the UK, following the Antigua Race Week when the crew of 4 encountered difficulties. During a primary search for the yacht, an upturned vessel was located however the 4 crew members are still missing.

The Barefoot yacht Malisi (Outremer 64) will shortly arrive in the area of predicted drift of Cheeki Rafiki and begin a search pattern.

Malisi is managed by our company – Barefoot Yacht Charters of St Vincent and the Grenadines. She has a highly experienced crew and is a very fast yacht capable of speeds of up to 20 knots.

Having sailed south of the rhumb line route from Bermuda to the Azores, to avoid the cut-off gale, Malisi altered course during the night, after conditions moderated, and made for the drift area.

Information on the location of PLB transmissions, possible hull sighting, and the predicted drift area was provided via Stormforce Coaching from US Coastguard (USCG) in Boston during last night (19/20 May).

This information has also been passed to the other yachts taking part in ARC Europe and currently on passage from Bermuda to Horta, Azores.

Malisi skipper, Patrick Michel, reported at 0835UTC today to be sailing “8kts towards the upturned yacht”

Malisi skipper, Patrick Michel, reported at 0835UTC today “The sun has risen and we are now in position 038-07N, 048-34.9W, doing 8kts towards the upturned yacht. 8.1nm to go, ETA 1000UT”. Once in the area Patrick Michel will start a search pattern based on analysis of the wind speeds, and swell direction on the last reported positions of PLBs and the upturned hull.

The ARC Europe boats were sailing much further south than Cheeki Rafiki , however, as the weather has now moderated, it may be easier for them to make a more northerly course. As the reported upturned hull is floating low in the water, it is a potential hazard to other vessels, and all yachts have been advised to maintain a good lookout whilst in the predicted drift area. Information on the location and communications equipment of the ARC Europe boats has been passed to USCG Boston.

“All of us here at Barefoot are very proud of the decision, made by the crew of Malisi, to suspend racing and go to the aid of our missing colleagues. Their decision is a selfless one and we have no doubt they will do everything in their power to bring the boys home”, said Philip Barnard.

Be Our Guest In St Vincent

May 20, 2014/in General

Before you begin to hop your way through the 32 islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines, why not spend some time visiting the home of Barefoot Yacht Charters and become one with the gorgeous lagoons, turquoise waters and unforgettable volcanic sand beaches of St Vincent.

Stay in our beautifully appointed Barefoot Suites and allow us to assist you plan your adventures or take an unplanned sail along the east coast and find yourself in magical untouched anchorages. Drop your anchor in tranquil bays and set foot on areas that appeared in the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean”.

Become one with nature, hike to rivers and waterfalls, dive colourful reef and visit the breathtaking Mt Soufriere. There is so much to do on this beautiful island, you could add a new adventure to your list each time to visit.

Why Start Your Charter From St. Vincent?

May 2, 2014/in General

We’re right on the doorstep of the Grenadines

Whilst international air access is easier to Grenada or St Lucia than it is to St Vincent, there are several reasons why choosing to start your charter from one of these locations is going to cause you loss of valuable vacation time and considerable additional expense and hassle.

Starting from St Lucia to the north means that you’re going to have to start your charter with a 68-mile sail, including a 5-hour open-ocean passage, in order to reach the Grenadines. Similarly, starting from Grenada will entail a 6 or 7 hour sail, including a 3 hour open-ocean passage – and usually hard on the wind – in order to reach Carriacou, first of the Grenadines north of Grenada. It’s really not a great way to start a charter, particularly if you have inexperienced guests in your party.

Starting from Grenada or St Lucia also means that you are going to have to go through Customs and Immigration clearance procedures when entering or leaving St Vincent & The Grenadines. These procedures can be expensive and time-consuming and will also force you to stop at a specific Port of Entry when entering or leaving the St Vincent Grenadines.

Starting from St Vincent puts you right on the doorstep of the Grenadines. Bequia is only an hour’s sail over the channel. You’ve worked hard for your vacation, and every day counts. There are no Customs and Immigration clearance requirements when sailing within St Vincent & The Grenadines, no clearance fees to pay, and no forms to fill out and e-mail.

Learn To Sail!

April 10, 2014/in Featured, General, Sailing School

Learn to Sail in the Caribbean

Earn ASA (American Sailing Association) Certification during our Liveaboard Sailing Courses in the beautiful Grenadines. We offer One Week Basic, Catamaran and Advanced Coastal Cruising sailing courses.

Already have Basic Certification? Barefoot Offshore Sailing School offers Weekend Courses which will take you to the next level. All this and a Caribbean vacation a lifetime!