SAIL DE SPICE IS HERE!

Grenada Sailing Week Camper & Nicholsons Race Series based at Port Louis Marina is here and there is an exciting line-up of races and parties. The racing challenge is on and starts today, Friday, February 1. Starting each day at 9:30 a.m., yachts from seven different countries and crew members of many more nationalities will participate in up to 10 races on a variety of short and long courses off Grenada’s Western and Southern coast.

Different classes, from the hi-tech, highly competitive racing yachts with their carbon sails, mean lines and tricky to control spinnakers, to the more fun-loving cruising and charter yachts, will take on the challenge of different sea conditions with their sailing skills, returning around 4 p.m. each day.

SV Jaguar, last year’s overall winner.
(Courtesy of Bob Grieser for Grenada Sailing Festival 2012)

This event, which is organised by racers for racers, is not just for sailors. Everyone is welcome to attend, especially the evening parties at the Victory Restaurant & Bar and YOLO, as well as experiencing the atmosphere during the day. This year, Shortpree from Carriacou performed for the Skippers’ Briefing and Welcome Party on Thursday, January 31.

Friday, February 1, is the Camper & Nicholsons race day, main event sponsor and host venue at Port Louis Marina. Come and join the Pirates Costume Party with Doc Adams Rock & Blues Band plus DJ. Saturday, February 2, is the Mount Gay Rum Red Cap Party plus prize giving with DJ and Live Music by Roots. Sunday, February 3, is a Lay Day. Time to enjoy Grenada and visit Grand Anse Beach to experience the Workboat Regatta organised by Grenada Sailing Festival.

Monday, February 4, is the Sea Hawk Paints race day, Premium Performance Antifouling Paints, plus Face Paint Party with face painter on hand to assist. DJ and performance by Keturah and her band Energy Vibes. Tuesday, February 5, is the Island Water World race day, well-established Caribbean Chandlery chain with two Grenada stores. IWW Keep You Sailing final night party and prize giving with DJ and new Band D Unit.


The support for Grenada Sailing Week has been tremendous from sponsors, nautical press, sailing community, marine industry and participants. Special thanks go to Camper & Nicholsons, who are hosting the event at Port Louis Marina, plus the Victory Bar and YOLO. Mount Gay Rum, Sea Hawk Paints and Island Water World also followed suit with their solid support as race day sponsors.

It has taken years for Grenada to get on the international racing calendar to enable the island to attract boats from near and far. By attracting boats to Sail de Spice the islands sailing industry is supported as well as other tourism related companies. Just look at what the sailing industry has done for Antigua. The marine industry employees an increasing amount of people and is a growing market. With such great facilities and services available on the island we need to do more to promote Grenada as a yachting destination.

The Grenada Sailing Week is the newly formed not-for-profit organisation that took over the reins to run the big boat regatta based at Port Louis Marina. Grenada Sailing Festival, also a not-for-profit organisation is running the Workboat Regatta, which takes place on Grand Anse Beach from February 1 to 3. Later on in the month the South Grenada Regatta located at Le Phare Bleu Marina & Hotel takes place from February 21 to 24.