Here are some of our learnings about the Caribbean, just for fun!

Places

• The people are incredibly friendly and you get a sense that everyone knows each other, but are interested in you and what brings you there – Yes I !!
• The islands (so far been Grenada to Antigua) are all totally different and there is something special about every single one
• The French Islands are very French, and the ex-British islands are not very British – except for the language and love of football and cricket and beer
• Driving can be interesting!!  Honk your horn at everyone and watch out for potholes!
• Goats are everywhere – we can’t work out whether it is a sign of poverty or wealth to have them in your garden and would love to know
• Boat Boys are real – most of the time they are a great help, but they can also be problematic and sometimes intimidating, and they were once boys a while ago!
• Groceries are inconsistent – if you find something you love buy lots of it, as it may not be found ever again
• Some of the grocery stores are just like Waitrose back home – and even more expensive!
• It is hot and humid and when it rains, it really rains
• Medical provisions are amazing on the islands, and mainly very affordable
• The hurricanes cause real devastation – much of this was noticeable from the remnants of Beryl in 2024

Sailing

• The wind blows from the East all the time, sometimes with some North, sometimes with some South, but always from the East.
• The seas will be wavy between the islands, but you’ll lose the waves and also the wind in the lee of each island
• Acceleration zones between the islands are real – you’ll need a reef in!
• Jenni said sometimes the sailing reminded her of the Solent as it was so lumpy – albeit a bit warmer!
• Whilst there’s not much tide, there is current, particularly the more South you are
• In some locations it’s too deep and steep and rocky to anchor
• The wind in some anchorages does funny things, and boats will be facing all different directions
• We haven’t seen any dolphins and think there are more in the UK! Lots of turtles though