Grenada, a spectacularly beautiful island, has lush green mountains, crystal waterfalls, golden beaches, and fragrant spice trees that give the island its epithet: Isle of Spice. Come from late January to early March to get the added bonus of seeing the hills ablaze with hundreds of bright orange, flowering immortelle trees. It is pure magic. 

Grenada’s history has been interesting, with early wars and revolutions. More recently, things got exciting with the transition to full independence in 1974. Most Grenadians felt this was premature, and instead of jubilant celebrations, the island was on strike and in protest. Nonetheless, independence was thrust upon her, and Grenada came of age under the rule of Sir Eric Gairy, a colorful and controversial figure who had a very divisive effect on the population. This resulted in the 1979 left-wing coup by Maurice Bishop, who greatly admired Fidel Castro. Bishop attempted to turn Grenada into a socialist state. He improved medical care and education, but he did so at the cost of freedom. Anyone who opposed him was thrown in jail and all independent newspapers were banned. 

However, this didn’t insulate him from opposition within his own ranks. Second-in-command, Bernard Coard, his wife Phyllis Coard, and members of the army took Bishop prisoner in 1983. After a massive crowd freed him, an army group executed him along with half his cabinet. At this point, the US, along with Grenada’s Eastern Caribbean neighbors (the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States), launched a “rescue mission” and were welcomed with open arms. Now, many years later, this is old history and, looking back over these last years, Grenada as an independent county has experienced the best, most democratic, and most productive years since it was founded. Grenadians are a warm and hospitable people, exceptionally so once you get off the main tourist route.

From a yachting point of view Grenada has developed rapidly. Haulout facilities are found in St. David’s, Prickly Bay, and Clarkes Court Bay. There are marina facilities in St. George’s, Clarkes Court Bay, Prickly Bay, Le Phare Bleu Bay, and Mt. Hartman Bay. St. George’s has the big state-of-the-art Port Louis Marina, as well as The Yacht Club. Three big chandleries supply yachting gear, and The Yachting Act legislation allows for low-duty supplies, parts, and chandlery.

Grenada is host to a few important yachting events as well as smaller club races. Grenada Sailing Week, a week of racing and social events, is held at the end of January. All entrants are welcome, from serious racing boats to liveaboards. The Workboat Regatta is the following weekend. Grand Anse beach is at the heart of the action, where colorful traditional sailing fishing boats launch and finish every race right on the sand. 

The Round Grenada race, a two-day event with a stop in Carriacou, is arranged by the Petit Calivigny Yacht Club (PCYC) and normally takes place in August. PCYC also organizes and supplies boats for J24 match racing every couple of months. It is based out of Le Phare Bleu Marina and everyone is welcome.  

Grenada has a marine trade association called the Marine & Yachting Association of Grenada (MAYAG).