Winter is a season that conjures up images of snowflakes, woolly jumpers, and hot cocoa by the fire. But what if I told you that winter could also be a season of sun-drenched decks, turquoise waters, and sails billowing in a warm breeze? That’s right. Winter sailing in the Canary Islands and the Caribbean is not just a fanciful dream; it’s a reality aboard three remarkable vessels: Grayhound, Eye of the Wind, and Tenacious.
Grayhound: A Lugger with a Legacy
Let’s start with Grayhound, shall we? This 18th-century replica lugger is a sight to behold. With her three masts and a hull that cuts through the water like a hot knife through butter, she’s a nod to maritime history. Sailing aboard Grayhound in the Caribbean is like stepping back in time. Imagine navigating through the archipelago, each island a new world to explore, all while basking in the winter sun. It’s not your typical winter getaway, but then again, who aspires to being typical?
Grayhound offers a variety of voyages for the sunseeker sailor.
The first trip, from Portimão, Portugal to Castara Bay, Tobago, embarks on December 12, 2023, and disembarks on January 28, 2024, at a cost of €8950.
The second voyage, from Santa Cruz de la Palma to Tobago, runs from December 27, 2023, to January 28, 2024, priced at €6350.
A third option sails from Mindelo, Cape Verde to Tobago from January 12 to January 28, 2024, for €3950.
Shorter Caribbean explorations are also available.
A trip from Tobago to Saint Lucia runs from February 13 to 18, 2024, at €1380.
Two round trips from Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia are set for February 21 to 26 and February 28 to March 4, 2024, both priced at €1380.
A voyage from Saint Lucia to Guadeloupe takes place from February 28 to March 4, 2024, for €1610.
Lastly, an Atlantic crossing from Guadeloupe to the Azores is scheduled from March 19 to April 6, 2024, at €4370. Spaces are limited, so early booking is advised.
Grayhound Caribbean Voyages.
Eye of the Wind: A Brig with a View
The Eye of the Wind, a brig that’s as poetic as her name suggests. With her twin masts and over a century of sailing, she’s a vessel that commands respect. Sailing in the Caribbean aboard this beauty is akin to floating in a watercolour painting. The sky turns shades of orange and pink as the sun sets, casting its glow on her tan sails, polished wood and brass. If you’ve never felt the Caribbean sun on your face in December, let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.
Eye of the Wind’s Caribbean voyages for 2024 offer a unique sailing experience.
The first trip sails from Grenada to Saint Lucia from December 29, 2023, to January 5, 2024, priced at €2390. The second voyage, from January 5 to 12, takes you from Saint Lucia to Martinique for the same price.
The third, a week-long Martinique loop, runs from January 12 to 19, also at €2390. Spaces are limited, so act fast if you’re keen to swap winter blues for Caribbean hues.
Eye of the Wind Caribbean Voyages.
Tenacious: A Bark That’s Better Than Its Bite
Last but certainly not least, we have Tenacious, a modern bark that’s as sturdy as she is sleek. Designed to be universally accessible, she’s a testament to what can be achieved when ingenuity meets craftsmanship. Sailing Tenacious in either the Canary Islands or the Caribbean is an experience that defies expectations. She’s a ship that welcomes all, from seasoned sailors to complete novices, and offers an inclusive experience that’s hard to match.
Tenacious offers three distinct Caribbean voyages for the winter season.
The first, a New Year transatlantic crossing, departs from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria on December 29, 2023, and arrives in Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe on January 26, 2024, priced at £5560.
The second trip, aimed at chasing away winter blues, sails round-trip from Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe from January 28 to February 8, 2024, costing £2300.
The third, dubbed the adventure of a lifetime, sets sail from Pointe a Pitre on February 28 and concludes in Southampton, UK on April 8, 2024, for £3699.
Limited spots are available, so book soon to secure your place.
Tenacious Sunshine Voyages.
Why Winter?
You might be wondering, why sail in winter? Well, aside from escaping the dreary British weather, winter sailing offers a unique set of perks. The winds are just right, the crowds are sparse, and the sense of adventure is heightened. Plus, there’s something inherently rebellious about donning a pair of sunglasses in January.
Set course for sunshine
So, what are you waiting for? Cast off those winter blues and set a course for sunnier climes. After all, the sea waits for no one.
All Caribbean Voyages.
