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Eastern Caribbean Passage

Grenada to St Martin

Mar 21st to March 28th 2026 / Duration 7 Days

500 Nautical Miles

PN052026

$4,850

Bunks Available: 2

Passage summary

This northbound passage offers an in-depth tour of the Windward and Leeward islands, starting with a tropical exploration of the Grenadines before transitioning into a series of offshore legs north to Sint Maarten. The route is designed for hands-on navigation, day sails with frequent stops in the southern islands, and extended offshore runs as the trip progresses. The itinerary includes a mix of island-hopping, customs formalities, and continuous watch rotation, making this passage ideal for sailors looking to combine real-world passage-making with time spent exploring the Caribbean’s island chain from sea. What a great opportunity to try before your buy a boat, or charter, the inside info learned from Libra about the islands and connections you will make are priceless.

Eastern Caribbean Passage

Route Overview

 

Departure: Grenada


Primary Route:

 

Grenada – Carriacou (Tyrell Bay, customs/immigration exit) – Bequia – The Grenadines (Mayreau, Union Island, Canouan as time permits) – St. Vincent – St. Lucia – Dominica – Les Saintes (Guadeloupe) – Sint Maarten

 


Estimated Distance:

 

430–500 nautical miles, depending on exact routing and anchorages

Key Points: Initial tropical island exploration, northbound offshore/coastal navigation, progressive increase in passage length, final long leg to Sint Maarten

 

 

Passage Breakdown

 

Grenada to Tyrell Bay, Carriacou & the Grenadines

 

    • Crew briefing, vessel checks, and weather review in Grenada before departure

    • Short sail to Carriacou (Tyrell Bay) for customs and immigration exit

    • Daytime passages through Bequia and the Grenadines, with opportunities for anchorages and local exploration (Union Island, Mayreau, Canouan)

 

 

Island-Hopping Northbound

 

    • Coastal and offshore legs north through St. Vincent and St. Lucia

    • Possible stops for crew rest and resupply based on schedule and weather

    • Active log keeping, navigation, and watch rotations maintained throughout

 

 

Final Legs: Dominica, Les Saintes & Sint Maarten

 

    • Continuing north to Dominica and Les Saintes (Guadeloupe), with landfall for customs, provisioning, and time ashore as conditions allow

    • Final long overnight passage north to Sint Maarten, arrival and trip debrief at marina

 

 

Training Focus

 

    • Coastal and offshore passage planning, including customs/immigration requirements at Carriacou and other islands

    • Navigation using GPS, chartplotter, radar, AIS, and paper charts

    • Watchkeeping: helm, lookout, log entries, and routine system checks

    • Anchoring and harbor maneuvers in varied Caribbean anchorages

    • Sail handling, reefing, and sail changes for changing wind and sea conditions

    • Fatigue management and night watch procedures on longer legs

 

 

Expected Conditions

 

Winds: E–ESE trades, 15–25 knots typical for late March; lighter winds or local gusts possible in acceleration zones
Seas: 4–8 feet in open channels, moderate chop between islands, generally calmer in southern anchorages
Weather: Mostly sunny with trade wind cumulus, isolated brief squalls, high humidity and warm temperatures
Hazards: Small boat and ferry traffic near islands, squalls in channels, strong currents and acceleration zones

 

Why This Passage is Relevant

 

  • Combines day sailing in tropical islands with longer offshore and overnight legs

  • Offers practical experience in Caribbean customs and immigration procedures

  • Builds skills in real-time navigation, watchstanding, and vessel management

  • Ideal for sailors seeking both coastal cruising and advanced mile-building

 

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