Escape the usual Christmas rush and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Caribbean Sea. Join Eye of the Wind for a relaxed but active journey from Barbados to Grenada, through the breathtaking Lesser Antilles.
With only 150 nautical miles to cover during your week on board, the focus is on exploration and celebration. What a way to spend Christmas!
Voyage
Vessel
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Christmas on a Tall Ship!
Countless different possible island stops
Learn to sail a windjammer with a friendly crew
Caribbean flair ashore
Excellent onboard cuisine and comfortable accommodation
This voyage begins in Barbados, with its sandy beaches and lush gardens. Embarkation is at 7pm on the 22nd, but we recommend you arrive early and explore Bridgetown. Once on board, the captain and crew will greet you with a tour and a briefing, covering safety information, the latest weather forecast and the itinerary. You’ll also enjoy dinner aboard getting to know your fellow sailors.
The morning will see you slip lines and set sail, with relaxing sailing round the island. The passage to Grenada, at 150 nautical miles, is just long enough to feel like an adventure, and you may call in at St Vincent or the smaller of the Grenadine Islands en route.
7 days is plenty of time to relax and unwind, and there will be lots of time spent lazy sailing round stunning coastlines and exploring ashore. Christmas is spent with the crew, in one of a host of possible glorious tropical locations.
On arrival into St George’s, you’ll have time to celebrate with the rest of the crew, toasting a successful passage and looking forward to the New Year, before your last night aboard. Disembarkation is at 10am, after which you can explore the island at your leisure before making your onward journey. We recommend spending some time in St George’s, with its brightly painted houses and uniquely beautiful underwater sculpture park.
WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
Sailing from Barbados to Grenada in December, you can expect pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). Winds are generally gentle, averaging around 10 knots, making for comfortable sailing conditions. The seas are usually calm, with waves typically reaching 2 to 4 feet, which should be manageable even for first-time sailors. Just keep an eye on the occasional passing rain shower.
A NOTE ON VOYAGE DESCRIPTIONS
On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes for the forecast. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described above, but when it comes to sailing, you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description provided is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. As such, the scheduled joining ports, routes, activities and/or destinations may be altered. Due to the complexities of weather systems, this may be at very short notice.
HANDS ON HOLIDAYS
Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail. Handling cargo adds an extra dimension – building teamwork and communication skills and leaving you with a great sense of achievement.
SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD
We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.
Start & End Port
Bridgetown, Barbados
Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados situated on its Southwest coast, has plenty to explore if you have time before or after your voyage. Carlisle Bay is renowned for snorkelling over shipwrecks teeming with marine life. The lush Andromeda Botanic Gardens and Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary are both fantastic for a leg-stretch. History and culture enthusiasts will enjoy the Garrison Savannah and its UNESCO-listed surroundings.
St George’s, Grenada
St George’s, the lively capital of Grenada, is a picturesque harbour with plenty to keep an errant sailor occupied for a few days if you have some spare time! Tour Fort George to experience the island’s colonial history and visit the Grenada National Museum to learn about local culture. There are also plenty of beach parties and live music if you’re craving nightlife after some weeks at sea! For a leg stretch, the stunning Grand Anse Beach or the Grand Etang National Park are both glorious.
To navigate, press the arrow keys.
Kit List
What to pack for a sailing holiday on the Eye of the Wind
All meals to include refreshments throughout the day
Duvet, pillow and sheets
Hand towels
What is not Included
Waterproof jackets and trousers
Alcoholic drinks but there is a bar on board
Any entry visas required
What to Bring
Suitcases take up a lot of room in a cabin, so it is better to uses soft bags in a ship. A small rucksack for going ashore is useful.
Eye of the Wind does not supply waterproof jackets and salopette type trousers. Please bring your own waterproof clothing.
A mix of warm and wind proof clothing.
Lots of thin layers is better than one thick layer in cold destinations.
In tropical countries - long sleeves and long trousers to protect you from the sun
Footwear on board needs a good grip and soft soles- the decks are wood or steel.
Ashore stout, waterproof walking boots are best if you are in remote places.
Eye of the Wind has electric sockets in all the cabins 240 V
Cameras, spare batteries, chargers if you need them
Binoculars are handy for bird watching etc.
Suntan lotion, hats, sunglasses
Dont forget any regular medication, persciption glasses and spare
Euros for bar bill
Passport, travel insurance, tickets etc
To get ashore is usually by dinghy so be prepared to get wet feet. Rubber boots or quick drying sandals - depending on the location.
The ship provides hand towels but please bring a beach towel
snorkel and mask for caribbean if you like snorkelling (travel tip: swimming goggles pack up smaller than a facemask)
Bring insect repellant for Caribbean as can get mosquitos ashore in evening (rare at anchor)
ear plugs can be handy
Electricity
All the power to your plug sockets comes from the ship's generator which runs on deisel. The less the generators have to run to top up power, the nicer it is for the guests on board and also greener for the planet. Please don't bring loads of hairdriers, electric devices to charge.
There is no internet on board whilst at sea.
Review
Hello all at Classic
The trip went very well and was a great experience.
Everything was very well done, great captain, crew and guests.
Sea shanty singing lead by Matthew from the King's Pond Shantymen!
Best wishes, Bob. Eye of the Wind, Cadiz to the Canary Islands November 2024
A fabulous adventure! Words cannot convey the experience.
John, Tortola to Bermuda
Tortola to the Azores! What a great time. Thanks to Captain Pit and the crew. An awesome adventure with awesome people!"
F Coutreau
What a wonderful, lovely, great, awesome trip we've had from Malaga to Lanzarote! I loved and enjoyed every minute.
Thanks again for this wonderful experience. I miss you guys!
Andrea
Now that was a voyage! The EYE crew - all 10 - five women and five men - embody two words:
COMPETENT and KIND
And such a beautiful ship. Thank you beyond measure
Susan
Vessel Gallery
With red sails against a blue sky, Eye of the Wind is a photogenic ship. If you have any new images we would love to see them since Eye of the Wind has only recently returned to our website.
