As many of you know if you are following us on our facebook page, we have decided a few months ago to take an American Sailing Association course to gain the specific knowledge to transition from power to sail. I have spoken to cruisers that just bought a boat, and learned as they went. But for us, we wanted some pointers and practice first. Also transitioning to a 20 ton plus sailing vessel from a 30' trailer able power cruiser certainly would be wise. First thing to do was decide on one of the many good schools and instructors available. Also where should we learn. We figured that although we could get our certificate and learn in our own backyard in San Diego that we should learn it in the environment we were likely to sail in. Also we were looking for a complete lifestyle experience, so we limited our search to ones offering live aboard courses. And we finally decided to take our course in the Caribbean.
Highlights from a Nautilus Sailing's live aboard sailing courses in the Grenadines.
In deciding who to teach us and after interviewing numerous schools we became very impressed by Nautilus Sailing School from Crested Butte, Co and their lead instructor Tim Geisler. They have two off shore courses available throughout the year , one in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico and the one we chose in Grenada and the Grenadines. The availability for us to go would be after June 1st the beginning of hurricane season, but knowing that Grenada lay south of the track of most hurricanes we felt it was a better choice then schools training in the Virgin Islands.
The Distance from Phoenix to Grenada is 3492 miles or 3034 nautical miles.
Arranging for a flight to Grenada from Phoenix, Az was another hurdle. With no direct flights, we chose to leave a few days before with a stop in Trinidad and Tobago. After the course we will spend a few more days in Grenada and then stay another night in Barbados before heading back to the states. The school has arranged for us to pick up the charter boat from Horizon Yacht Charters. Our training vessel will be either a Bavaria 39 or 42. We will come aboard in True Blue Bay, Grenada to begin our week long course.
True Blue Bay Resort and Marina
This is a learning vacation. The emphasis is on learning how to sail, through hands-on experience, in a beautiful part of the world. Mornings will typically be spent learning and practicing new skills. In the afternoons we will set sail, enjoying the backdrop of spectacular beaches and islands of the Grenadines, refining skills along the way. Once anchored for the afternoon, there will be free time to spend exploring, snorkeling, fishing, and relaxing. During our week at sea we hope to both graduate with the ASA knowledge of their courses of Basic Keel boat Sailing #101, Basic Coastal Cruising #103, Bare boat Chartering #104 also called Intermediate Coastal Cruising.
Outfitting ourselves for our trip has been another interesting layer for us. As we have never sailed a cruising sailboat in the Caribbean we needed to purchase alot of gear for the trip. From soft sided waterproof luggage that would be easy to stow to surf booties and rash guards. We bought it all, sailing gloves (don't use the online size guide, it's never right.) to VHF handheld radio's, waterproof flashlights, boat shoes,wide brimmed hats and lots of bug spray and sunscreen. The task at hand seamed overwhelming but we accomplished it. My favorite new piece of gear was the prescription snorkel mask. Everything we purchased we felt could be used down the road on our own cruising boat and so we looked at this as an investment we had to make any way.
We feel like we are ready to go, even if were a month away yet. Now it's time to continue our textbook studying and count down the days.
Mopion Island, The Grenadines
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