Tag Archive for: yacht charters

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!

This 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. 

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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.

We invite all sailors, old and new to come and join us as we continue to push forward purposefully to help all better their knowledge and skills both on and off the water. We are pleased to continue offering the full sleeve of ASA (American Sailing Association) Courses alongside our BOSS courses.

Come join us for some fun learning in the sun!

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