Caribbean Race Charter: Winter Getaway Ideas
With the countdown for the start of the Caribbean race season now underway, now is the time to look at what’s on offer and start making plans for the ultimate winter getaway writes Sue Pelling.
If you are an adventurous type wishing to exploit your competitive spirit, there is no shortage of options when it comes to choosing a Caribbean race week to take part in. With the Caribbean regatta week season traditionally kicking off with Barbados Sailing Week/Round Barbados Week (15-22 January) followed in quick succession Grenada Sailing Week (26-31 January), never has it been so easy to plan for an early dose of winter sunshine racing to stem those post-Christmas blues.
Although there is plenty of time to sign up – with the Caribbean race season continuing, until the end of April (26 April-2 May) with Antigua Sailing Week marking the final event – it is worth remembering it is a popular winter sun holiday option, so it pays to book early.
The Caribbean charter option has been made particularly attractive over the last 38 years thanks to the World Cruising Club Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC and ARC+) that sets off across the Atlantic from Gran Canaria mid to late November. You’ll find that most of those competing in the rallies are yacht owners, or charter companies who primarily use the rally as a means of sailing in company in order to base their boat in the Caribbean for the season. This means there are many opportunities to sign up for a berth on either a private charter yacht , or charter yacht through companies such as LV Yachting, Kraken Travel, or Another World Adventures.
Access to the Caribbean with direct flights from the UK to many islands makes chartering a yacht a good option particularly if leisure time is more restricted. If you are flexible, you may be able to find some good last-minute deals, so it’s worth keeping any eye out online.
While many companies offer crewed or bareboat charter options, a growing sector is individual berth charter with companies such as LV Yachting, OnDeck, Caribbean Yacht Racing, and Second Star Sailing (formerly Miramar) offering a selection of places at covering most regattas. While The Moorings and Sunsail generally specialise in cruising charter, they do have few Caribbean race options in places like the BVI Spring Regatta and Antigua Sailing Week.
Caribbean Yacht Racing, as the name suggests, specialises in the Caribbean with its sole yacht, the J/122 El Ocaso. This yacht continues its long stream of success within the competitive 40ft class in one off races and regattas such as the RORC Caribbean 600, Antigua Sailing Week, BVI Spring Regatta, St Barth Les Voiles, St Maarten Heineken Regatta, and St Thomas International Regatta. Not surprisingly, therefore bookings are popular, although [as we go to press] there are still some spots available for the RORC Caribbean 600 (24-28 February), and St Thomas International Regatta (26-31 March).
Commenting on the forthcoming season, Chris Body – Caribbean Yacht Racing director – said: “Indeed, El Ocaso has been in the Caribbean for the last 10 years or so and had many podium finishes in the competitive 40ft class, including the prestigious Lord Nelson ASW trophy for the overall regatta win in 2023 and 2024.
“We are proud to offer this yacht for charter because she’s been set up for racing by a keen owner, and she is particularly competitive under CSA rules. She is therefore offered for private charter to experienced race teams who wish to participate in the spring Caribbean regatta scene.”
If you are looking for a huge choice of Caribbean charter options, LV Yachting, which specialises in global regatta charter, is worth investigating. Whether you want to book a berth and be part of professional race team, or take a whole-boat charter with a captain, or crewed charter with a skipper and first mate, there is something for everyone at LV Yachting.
LV Yachting has been offering charter for regattas in the Caribbean for 15 years.
Lucy Jackson – LV Yachting proprietor – says the company is very proud to have such a consistent stream of repeat custom and is looking forward to welcoming them and new customers to the 2025 Caribbean season: “I think the fact we can provide a turn-key experience for our clients makes them want to return year after year. We also have the best collection of race-prepared yachts available to charter in the Caribbean, from high-performance Grand Prix racing yachts to comfortable racer-cruisers from 30ft-90ft, and cater for both seasoned sailors and novices alike.”
Finally, as with all charter holidays, ensure you are clear on what’s included in the charter package. You’ll find that most packages do not include flights for example, so it’s important to check whether the company will arrange flight for you (at an added cost), or you need to check flight availability and cost before finalising the booking of your dream race charter.
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