ST VINCENT

Sat in an anchorage off the West of the island, the sun will dramatically rise behind the La Soufriere volcano. Some sight to start the day. After breakfast, a swim, and maybe a walk ashore, start the passage to Bequia which lies directly South in the island chain.

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DAY PASSAGE : ST VINCENT TO BEQUIA

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12KTS . 40NM . 3H 20M

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BEQUIA

It's a relatively short passage of 19nm if heading direct, or alternatively, point North and around the top of the island before sailing back down it's Eastern side. That would almost double the distance, but would be a beautiful sail with the backdrop of the volcano, and plenty of places to stop off for some lunch and a swim.

The little island of Bequia, which means 'Island of the Clouds', is in fact the second largest island in the St Vincent and Grenadines archipelago at only 7 square miles. For a fantastic sunset view, it is worth hiking up Mount Pleasant.

BEQUIA

Bequia is surrounded by a number of colourful coral reefs, such as 'Ship's Stern' or 'Boulders'. Not only are they beautiful, but so is the marine life that lives amongst them. A local dive guide can pick you up from ATALANTE for a morning exploring them. Indeed, Bequia's waters are home to a healthy population of the endangered Hawksbill Turtles.

The revered Mustique Island is the evening anchorage, but rather than just heading directly there, wind your way so as to see some of the other islands in this chain. Just to the South of Bequia lies the private island of Quatre, one of the few which remains untouched and it's a grand sight for it.

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DAY PASSAGE : BEQUIA TO THE PILLORIES

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12KTS . 21NM . 1H 45M

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THE PILLORIES

Heading East, round the islands of Baliceaux and Bottiwia, likely tacking up into the wind on that heading. It will be one of the more adventurous passages on this itinerary. From there, turn South-West to The Pillories, a collection of small islands, aptly named Big Pillory, Middle Pillory, and Little Pillory. The Pillories reef is another known for its remarkable beauty. Stop here for a snorkel and evening drink, before motoring the final short passage to Mustique. Maybe you might just want to stay anchored off the Pillories...!

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THE PILLORIES

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DAY PASSAGE : THE PILLORIES TO MUSTIQUE

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12KTS . 2NM . 15M

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MUSTIQUE

Mustique is privately owned and unlike any other island in the Caribbean. A firm favourite of everyone from the Royal Family to the Rolling Stones, it has a magically laid-back charm which no other island in the Caribbean has managed to recreate. It's unique setup make its blissful beaches and picturesque villages particularly private and peaceful. In the middle of the week's sailing, and having hiked and dived, this could be a day to do nothing, to find a spot on one of the island's quiet and private beaches, and enjoy the peace.

If you do get restless, venture to the Mustique Tennis Club, or alternatively, the island has the finest Equestrian centre in the Caribbean. Ride down the beach amongst the waves, or to the island's furthest corners. The primary mode of transport around the island is golf buggies, also an interesting way to see it.

This may be the evening to dine ashore, at either Mustique's 'toes in the sand' Beach Cafe, or the Cottons House's Veranda Restaurant. Before or after, or also for dinner, head to the island's famous Basil Bar, it's deck perched out over the water.

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MUSTIQUE

This passage between Mustique and Petit St Vincent, whilst not particularly long, is the longest of the charter. There will still be plenty of time to stop and explore on the way as you head South past Petit Mustique and the tiny island of Savan, then passing to the East of Canouan and the Tobago Cays, before reaching the Southernmost tip of the Grenadines archipelago,and another private island, Petit St Vincent.

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DAY PASSAGE : MUSTIQUE TO PETIT ST VINCENT

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12KTS . 25NM . 2H 05M

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PETIT ST VINCENT

The island is similar to Mustique, although a slightly different vibe. Only Mustique is Mustique. Petit St Vincent whilst different, is also lovely. The island shares a stunning anchorage with Petit Martinique to its South, from which both islands can be easily explored.

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PETIT ST VINCENT

There are almost too many options for this day. The next anchorage is arguably the most remarkable of the week, Mayreau and the Tobago Cays. It is a short direct passage North, an hour or so under sail with a moderate breeze. This could be easily enjoyed later in the day if you might want to spend the greater part of it exploring the islands of Petit Martinique and Petit St Vincent.

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DAY PASSAGE : PETIT ST VINCENT TO MAYREAU AND THE TOBAGO CAYS

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12KTS . 26NM . 2H 15M

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MAYREAU AND THE TOBAGO CAYS

Alternatively, if you might be enjoying the sailing and have an appetite for more adventure, set off South after breakfast for a circumnavigation of Carriacou, a grand backdrop for a grand day's sailing. At it's Southernmost tip, with the wind behind you and the Spinnaker up, pass between the mainland and Frigate Island, thereafter turning North and up the island's Western side.

Leaving Carriacou behind, you will next reach Union Island, to the East of which lies the smaller Palm Island. The anchorage between them is a fine spot to stop for a swim.

You may prefer to spend the evening off Palm Island, or alternatively, early evening it's a short passage to one of the better known areas of the Grenadines and indeed the Caribbean, Mayreau and the Tobago Cays.

MAYREAU AND THE TOBAGO CAYS

The Tobago Cays comprises five small islands all sat in a sandy lagoon, Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac and Jamesby. Surrounding the islands are extensive coral reefs, the varying depths and colours of which, contrasting with the lagoon, creates a patchwork of different hues of blue and green. At the Western side of the Cays is the island of Mayreau, the smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines. The whole area is designated as a protected Marine Park.

Late afternoon or early evening, it is a short hour's passage North to Canouan, for the final evening onboard. If you have taken to sailing, then instead of heading directly to the island's Western anchorage, head back up it's Eastern side past it's spectacular barrier reef and round it's Northern most tip where you will have a great view of Mount Royal, the island's highest point, before heading back down to the Western anchorage.

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DAY PASSAGE : MAYREAU AND THE TOBAGO CAYS TO CANOUAN

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12KTS . 14NM . 1H 10M

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CANOUAN

Canouan, which means "turtle" in Carib, is a small hook-shaped island which lies midway along the Grenadines archipelago. The prominence of the island has risen rapidly over recent years. It has even been labelled as another Mustique. Comparisons there are maybe overdone, but it is possible to see why they are made.

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