Essential Information

Essential Information

• Address & Map
• Arrival & Departures
• Sailing Information
• Banks & Money Exchange
• General Information
• Electrical, Phones & Music
• Activities
• Provisioning
• Health & Safety

Address & Map

Whatever your sailing ability a Sunsail Flotilla is the perfect vacation for any sailor. All we insist on is that two individuals, both over 18, with some flotilla or sailing experience, are nominated as Skipper and Experienced Crew. There is a Sunsail Flotilla for every taste and ability; all you have to do is choose.  

Sailing with up to 12 other yachts, your lead crew will sail with you and provide a flexible itinerary to follow, ensuring that you see the best of your chosen sailing area. They are on hand to help you with everything from advice on where to visit; to physically helping you moor up when you have reached your destination.

There’s also the option to meet up with the flotilla at agreed destinations for dinner, punch parties, beach picnics and to take part in regattas and other social events. Many Flotilla enthusiasts say that this is what makes a Flotilla trip so special – meeting people with similar interests and sharing the excitement of discovering new sailing areas together.

Address

Lagoon Marina and Hotel
PO Box 133
Blue Lagoon
St Vincent
West Indies
Tel: 011 784 458 4308
Fax: 011 784 456 8928
Email: sunsailsvg@vincysurf.com

Please note this number is NOT staffed full time.

The Lagoon Hotel & Restaurant are currently closed for renovation.

Location

Sunsail’s base is at the Lagoon Marina, situated in Blue Lagoon on the southern tip of St Vincent.
Blue Lagoon is a cosy bay protected by encircling coral reefs. There is a marked entrance for yachts up to 6ft draft at high tide.

Base Open Hours

Base office hours and opening hours of the minimarket are from 0800 am to 1700 hrs.

Base/shore facilities

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Arrival & Departure

Time Difference

The US and St Vincent are on the same time zone.

Flights

Luggage allowance is 20kg per person. Only one item of hand luggage per person is allowed and this must not weigh more than 5kg. For storage aboard we recommend traveling light and using folding luggage.

Lost or damaged luggage while flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance.  You must not include in Checked Baggage money, jewelry, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.

If an incident occurs, immediately report it to airport officials. Claims will not be considered once you have left the airport.

Alcohol may be taken on flights but only in checked luggage (well secured from breakages) not as hand luggage due to airport security restrictions.

Airport

E.T. Joshua Airport (SVD)

Transfers from E.T Joshua Airport– Blue Lagoon base.

One way by taxi: US$14 per taxi up to 4 pers. (EC$35) Additional pers. US$2 per person (EC$5.4)Transfers between 11pm & 7am add US$5 extra (EC$13.5).

Duration: 15 mins.

It is essential that you notify the base of your arrival time in advance, so that taxi transfers can be arranged.

Note:  If you are flying via St Lucia, it is not possible for Sunsail to pre-organize a taxi transfer from the International Airport to the Domestic Airport as Sunsail no longer has a base on St Lucia. You should therefore take a taxi on arrival.

Luggage

We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.

Passport and Visas

Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.

If your child is not already included on a valid passport they are required to hold their own passport.

It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. Sunsail cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.

Customs and Immigration

Each Island has its own customs regulations and you will find it necessary to ‘clear’ both in and out of customs at an official location for each territory.
Customs regulations apply to the importation of foodstuffs, especially meat, fish and all fresh produce.

Your Lead Crew

Your lead crew are a qualified and trained team consisting of a Skipper, Engineer and Host (ess). They are on hand to help you with everything from advice on where to visit, to physically helping you moor up when you have reached your destination for the night. Never very far away on a Flotilla, you have a specialist team on call 24 hours a day by radio contact.

The Skipper holds informal chart briefings to help you get the most out of your sailing day. Every morning they will decide, based on the weather and the number of yachts in the Flotilla, where best to head for the night. You can follow as closely as you like or take your time reaching the destination.

Your Host (ess) is there to make sure you get the best out of every day. They can give handy tips on where to go to find the best attractions or where to dine ashore. Often they will arrange dinner for the flotilla and it’s up to you whether you want to join in or not.
With an expert Engineer nearby at all times, you can relax and enjoy a carefree vacation, knowing that if any problems do arise, your support team is never far away!

On Arrival

Arrival Day
Your yacht will be ready at 6:00 pm for boarding.

Upon arrival at your base you will be greeted by a member of our flotilla team who will show you to your boat. Once there you will be given a basic welcome brief demonstrating the essentials you need to know, before heading out for dinner at your leisure.

Your flotilla crew will carry out chart and flotilla briefings describing the cruising area, facilities at each stop and any potential hazards. Yacht briefings introduce you to your yacht, its systems and rigging. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood. Please Note: Briefings are mandatory.

On Departure 

At the end of your charter your yacht will need to be vacated by 11:00 am.

Before departing your boat please collect a debrief form from reception.
The debrief form is to let us know if you have encountered any problems with the boat or broken anything during the trip, this enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.

In addition to filling in forms we also require you to bag dirty laundry and leave in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and refrigerator of food and throw away, return snorkel gear and any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state.  We reserve the right to charge for boats left less than shipshape.

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Sailing Information

Sunsail offers you a choice of 24 Flotillas from Easy to Advanced level. Conditions such as wind, tide, distances and mooring methods determine the experience required to sail in each area.  You can be as independent as you like, but your Lead Boat Crew are always nearby in case you need any assistance during your trip. They will also recommend the best anchorages, harbors, restaurants and places to visit.

St Vincent is a Level 3 sailing area

Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area.  Follow the link for more information on the sailing conditions.

Sailing Licenses

Although no sailing licenses are required for cruising in the Grenadines, we strongly advise that you take any sailing certification on vacation with you.  This may be useful should you be contacted by Customs or Port Police.  If you have not already done so then Skipper and 1st Mate will be required to fill in a Sailing resume to confirm that you have the necessary skills to sailing in this region.

Cruising Permits & Taxes

Each national territory; St Vincent, The Grenadines & Grenada, charges fees. These are cruising permits, harbor dues and custom clearance fees. Mooring facilities are provided in some areas for overnight stays These are managed by local restaurants & bars or marinas. Charges are variable but start at US $15 a night.
A marine park fee for Tobago Cays is 10$ EC per day per person. This can be purchased in advance at the Sunsail Base.

Night Time Sailing

You are not permitted to sail at night unless it has been agreed with the base manager prior to departure

Cruising Area Limits

 BVI: All the British Virgin Islands, including Anegada.
Outside our cruising grounds would be US Virgin Islands and Spanish Virgin Islands
Rest of Caribbean: No further than 20 miles out from Puerto Rico to Grenada, excluding Saba, Montserrat, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago.

Area & Sailing

More information on the sailing in this area.

Charts & Pilot Book

All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht.
Charts and pilot books can be purchased through the Sunsail office.

Skippered Charter Information

The skipper’s time is booked from 12:00pm to 12:00pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved him for the first day of your charter and have a 6:00pm start, he will use this time to ensure he is happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you have reserved him for a later date on your charter he will start at 12:00pm on that day.

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. He is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of his contract with you.

For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the check out skipper’s time is booked from 6:00pm to 6:00pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day. This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. It is suggested that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his time with you on the yacht. It is also suggested that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover…anchoring, docking, etc.

The skipper will be required to give you as much information as you require concerning the yacht and its systems, sailing skills and navigation in general.

The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and are your responsibility. It is suggested that you discuss this on the first day with the skipper and establish whether you will give the skipper cash for meals, whether you have included him in your provisioning or whether you will accommodate him as part of the group for meals ashore.

The skipper must have his own cabin. We prefer not to put the skipper in the bow due to the shared heads and size of the cabin. If you expect him to stay in the bow, please let us know well in advance so that we can choose the appropriate (small) skipper.

For one-day check out skipper’s it is your responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay for his expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him back to the base.

The average tip for a skipper is 15 to 20% of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at your discretion.

More information on Skippered Charter Options.

Coolers

Coolers are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign these out and return them clean and undamaged otherwise you will be charged for replacement. Only one per boat.

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Banks & Money Exchange

The nearest ATM cash machine is at E.T. Joshua Airport, 15 minutes taxi ride from the base.

Currency

Currency:  EC Dollars St. Vincent & throughout the Grenadines (US$1 = EC$2.6)
Euro Martinique & Guadeloupe
US dollars are also acceptable in all the Windward Islands.

Banks

All banks are based in Kingstown and there is a cash-point machine at Barclays Bank.
Please note that you can change money at the base.
The nearest ATM cash machine is at E.T. Josuha Airport, 15 minutes taxi ride from the base.

Credit Card Information

Credit cards can be used for payment in larger establishments and restaurants.

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General Information

Language

English is the official language of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Some islanders speak a French patois, representing a mixture of African and French grammar.

Cost of living in St Vincent and the Grenadines

Lunch for 2 at a mid range restaurant is approximately $45.00EC (without drinks).  A bottle of beer is approximately $5 - $8EC.  A bottle of wine is approximately $30.00EC.

Restaurants

The French Verandah Restaurant,
Overlooking Villa waterfront and Young Island.
Blend of local and international cuisine, large selection of fresh fish and imported wine. Open daily, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Tel: 457 4000

Sunset Shores, Villa
Vincentian dining at this second floor restaurant with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Extensive à la carte menu, seafood, salads and pasta. Saturday night barbecues.
Tel:  458 4411

Frangipani, Belmont Walkway, Bequia
Popular spot, famous for its Thursday night barbecue buffet and jump-up with live music by the Elite Steel Band. International cuisine with a strong West Indian influences, extensive wine list. Tel: 458 3255

Basil's Bar, Britannia Bay, Mustique
World famous watering hole of the rich and famous, and seafood restaurant with a unique laid-back air, presided over by its amiable owner, Basil Charles. Charming and rustic, with bamboo walls and palm thatch roofs, it extends from the beach out above the bay on stilts. Every Wednesday is party night with a barbecue and jump-up featuring a live band. Tel: 488 8350, VHF 68

Majellas on the Beach, Charlestown Bay, Canouan
Visited by locals and tourists alike, this friendly and relaxed restaurant serves a range of international cuisine.

Restaurants open at approximately 9am and finish serving at 9pm

Restaurants closed during September – Low Season
If you decide to travel in low season it is likely there will be a limited choice of restaurants to eat ashore and it is necessary to provision accordingly. This would be a perfect time of year to enjoy a BBQ off the back of their boat.

Tipping

Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants / bars and for other services undertaken during your vacation. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15% of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this onto the bill.

Shopping

Most shops open weekdays from 9am-4pm and generally only Saturday mornings over the weekend.

There is a small, but fully equipped supermarket at the marina. It is open seven days a week from 8.00 to 5.00 pm. If clients prefer to visit Sunrise Supermarket which is a bigger supermarket, they can take a taxi to go to the supermarket opposite the airport. The opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 pm; Sunday 8.00 a.m. till noon.

Hotels

The Lagoon Hotel- currently under renovation – please contact the office to book Mariners Hotel.

Mariners Hotel
Villa Bay
St Vincent
The Mariners Hotel is a beautifully designed 20 bedroom boutique hotel offering total style and comfort.  Each elegantly decorated room has air conditioning, en-suite bathroom facilities, cable television, internet television, direct dial telephone, and a private balcony.  Garden and swimming pool.

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Electrical, Phones & Music

Electricity

The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts.

Mobile Phones

Card and coin phones can be found all over the island.
You can buy phones cards in Post Offices and some shops.
If using a public phone you can dial 115 to get the operator for credit card and collect calls.
Please note that at the base we also offer telephone and office services at standard local rates.
It is also advisable to bring your cellular phone, and to ensure sure you have global coverage.

Music/Ipods

All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your IPOD whilst sailing you will need to bring along an I-trip or FM radio transmitter.

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Activities

Car and Jeep Rental

Ranges from $US50 to US$80 per day.
You must purchase a local license, which is US$16 and your current driving license must have been valid for at least 3 years.
Driving is on the left.

Watersports

Diving

Please contact the base or divefantasea@vincysurf.com

Snorkeling

Fantastic snorkeling in the Tobago Cays Marine Park
We have a range of snorkeling gear which you may wish to use. We are limited on children’s sizes so if you have your own you may wish to bring your own.

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Provisioning

Provisioning is available in this location.  More information on Provisioning.

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Health & Safety

Illness or Injury

If you become ill and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip contact a member of Sunsail staff as soon as possible on either a lead boat or at the Sunsail base.
If you need to make a claim for curtailment due to illness, ask the base manager for assistance and contact your insurer’s emergency medical service immediately.
Your insurance company will assist with travel arrangements, advice and payment of bills.
Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your claim

Safety

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets harnesses we leave it up to you to decide when personal safety equipment should be worn.
We have a limited supply of children’s life jackets (age 4+ only) if you have your own children’s life jacket we would encourage you to bring it along.
We suggest that children who are not strong swimmers should not be allowed in a dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and that they should wear a buoyancy aid or harness when on deck.
Children under the age of 16yrs should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

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