Caribbean Offshore Challenge

St Thomas, USVI to Grenada

Jan 17th to January 24th 2026 / Duration 7 Days

500 Nautical Miles

PN012026

$4,950

Bunks Available: 2

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Passage summary

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Embark on an unforgettable Bluewater journey from the heart of the US Virgin Islands to the lush spice island of Grenada. This passage is a classic Caribbean offshore adventure, covering 500+ nautical miles of open water, with a planned stop in St. Lucia to catch your breath, check out Soufriere, and explore for a day before continuing on. Perfect for sailors seeking real offshore experience, this trip balances long, purposeful sailing legs with a taste of island life along the way. This is typically the fast escape route when cruisers migrate South for Hurricane season

Caribbean Offshore Challenge: St. Thomas to Grenada

January 17th–24th, 2026

This passage offers a focused offshore training opportunity, running the classic southern route from St. Thomas to Grenada with a stop in St. Lucia and additional landfall options depending on weather and routing. Participants will be actively involved in all aspects of passage-making, with an emphasis on practical seamanship, navigation, and watchkeeping in open water.

Route Overview

Departure: St. Thomas, USVI
Primary Route: St. Thomas – Offshore to St. Lucia – South along the Windward Islands – Grenada
Estimated Distance: ~420–470 nautical miles, depending on exact routing
Key Points: Offshore leg to St. Lucia; potential close-passing of St. Vincent, Bequia, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, Carriacou before final approach to Grenada

Passage Breakdown

St. Thomas to St. Lucia

- Crew briefing, safety checks, and weather review in St. Thomas before departure
- Nonstop offshore leg to St. Lucia, typically 2–3 days at sea, following a direct SSE course
- Watch rotation (3 hours on, 6 hours off), active navigation, log keeping, and sail handling throughout
- Night navigation, use of radar, AIS, and deck-level visual targets

St. Lucia to Grenada

- Short port call in St. Lucia for crew rest and re-evaluation of weather and vessel status
- Departure south, running parallel to the Windward Island chain
- Daylight coastal navigation with regular position fixes, visual identification of islands including St. Vincent, Bequia, and the Grenadines
- Offshore passage continues past Carriacou and into the southern approaches to Grenada

Training Focus

Offshore passage planning: route selection, weather window assessment, and contingency planning
Practical navigation: GPS, chartplotter, paper charts, DR, radar, and AIS
Watchkeeping: log management, helm, lookout, and situational awareness
Systems checks: daily engine, bilge, electrical, and safety gear inspections
Communications: VHF protocol, position reports, and use of satellite systems (e.g., Starlink/inReach)
Sail management: reefing, headsail changes, and adjustments for variable tradewinds
Entry and landfall: approach planning, lighted navigation, customs procedures (if required)

Expected Conditions

Winds: Predominantly E–ESE, 15–25 knots typical for January trade wind season
Seas: Moderate to occasionally rough, 4–8 feet open ocean swell, local wind chop in Windward channels
Weather: Isolated squalls possible, generally warm and humid, clear night skies for navigation
Hazards: Local traffic near islands, squall lines, variable currents in channels

Why This Passage is Relevant

Builds real offshore experience on a professional watch schedule
Covers multiple navigation scenarios: bluewater, coastal, and inter-island
Exposure to trade wind conditions, passage weather routing, and landfall procedures
Ideal for sailors working toward skippering or planning their own Caribbean passages

Sailing Weather Overview

January is considered prime season for offshore sailing in the Eastern Caribbean. The passage from St. Thomas to Grenada is dominated by steady trade winds, generally from the east to east-southeast, providing reliable sailing conditions for long offshore legs and inter-island passages.

Winds

Expect consistent E to ESE winds ranging from 15–25 knots, occasionally higher in squalls or within the open Windward channels. Winds tend to be strongest in the afternoons, with lighter periods overnight. Close-passing islands may produce wind acceleration zones, especially south of St. Lucia and near St. Vincent.

Seas

Typical wave heights run 4–8 feet in open water, with short-period chop between the islands. Seas can build higher in squalls or during periods of strong trades, especially south of St. Lucia and in the St. Vincent Channel.

Temperatures

Air temperatures range from 78–85°F (26–29°C) during the day, cooling slightly at night. Sea temperatures remain warm throughout, typically 80–82°F (27–28°C). Humidity is high, often above 75%, but conditions are generally comfortable underway.

Weather patterns

Squalls are possible—often brief, fast-moving, and accompanied by gusty winds and short bursts of rain. Visibility is generally good. Cloud cover varies, with mostly sunny skies punctuated by trade-wind cumulus. Extended calms are rare during this season.

Sailing strategy

Plan for sustained sailing under full or reefed sail depending on wind strength. Night sailing is a key component of this passage, with clear skies and good starlight typical outside of squall periods. Approaches to St. Lucia and Grenada may require attention to local currents and wind shadows created by high terrain. Monitor forecasts daily and adjust sail plan to maintain crew comfort and safe vessel handling throughout.

Getting Around...

This passage begins in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands on January 17th 2026 when everyone arrives and boards at whatever time the flight arrives, or if you are statying localy, come after your checkout time. Departure will be the morning of the 18th.

St. Thomas Airport:

Cyril E. King Airport (STT) — approximately 15 minutes from the marina by taxi.

Direct flights to STT are available from several major U.S. cities, including Miami, Atlanta, New York (JFK), Charlotte, Dallas, and Orlando.

Disembarkation will take place in Grenada on January 24th, 2026. We’ll clear in at one of the main marinas near St. George’s, with easy access to ground transport and onward travel.

Grenada Airport:

Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) — about 15–20 minutes from the marina or harbor area by taxi.

Direct flights to GND are available from Miami, New York (JFK), Atlanta (seasonal), and major Caribbean hubs.

A valid passport book is required for all participants. Further information on recommended hotels, local transportation, and customs/entry requirements will be provided after registration in the Crew Forum.

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