A Week of Learning and Laughter
Every year, we invite our instructors to come together for a week of sailing, skill-building, and connection. It’s not a paid event, and no one is charged to participate—it’s completely voluntary. That spirit of commitment speaks volumes. Our instructors take the time and trouble to travel to Grenada and spend a week with us on the water, and we deeply appreciate it.
This year, nine instructors joined us, including one potential instructor from Trinidad. Together, they represented our own little “United Nations” of sailing talent, with roots in the U.S., Italy, St. Vincent, South Africa, Germany, and the Caribbean.
The Fleet Sets Sail
We took out three of our fleet boats: Big O (catamaran), Crazy Love (monohull), and Puffin (monohull). And let’s be honest—there’s no way you can put three boats on the water without a little friendly racing breaking out!
Our mornings began with coffee and cockpit learning sessions and ended with floaty animals and rum. In between, we sharpened our teaching skills, traded stories, and enjoyed some truly epic boat-to-boat nightlife.
Isle de Ronde Adventures
On the first day, we sailed up to Isle de Ronde, a remote island halfway between Grenada and Carriacou. It’s completely uninhabited, with deep anchorages and small, sandy beaches.
On the far side of the island lies a stunning, crescent-shaped white sand beach that’s nearly impossible to reach. We tried by land—only to be met with prickly stickers and cactus. We tried by dinghy—but the waves were crashing too hard over the reefs to land safely. Maybe next summer, when the winds calm down, we’ll have better luck.
That night, we grilled up cheeseburgers in paradise under the stars.
Carriacou and the Famous Tim’s BBQ
Next stop: Carriacou! We anchored in Anse La Roche and planned an afternoon of cockpit learning followed by a race around Union Island. Afterward, we headed ashore for Tim’s legendary beach BBQ—and it did not disappoint.
If you haven’t had a chance to go to Tim’s you are truly missing out. His famous Lobster BBQ and amazing beach side cocktails are an adventure all in its own. You can only reach Tim’s by boat (although there are rumors that a path through the woods does exist), which makes it a must for cruisers to come and enjoy!
Our 7 day learn to sail adventures always make the stop at Tim’s.
Sandy Island: Beauty and Resilience
As soon as we sat down, the table filled with garlic-baked potatoes, tender conch salad, and a spread of local favorites. The star of the evening, though, was the platter of perfectly grilled lobster, piled high and dripping with butter. It was so good we made lobster omelets for breakfast the next morning.
From Carriacou, we sailed over to Sandy Island, a postcard-perfect strip of white sand and palms that took a hard hit from Hurricane Beryl in 2024. The storm split the island in half and uprooted most of its trees. What remains is a reminder of nature’s power—and resilience.
The community has been working hard to restore it, planting palms and sea grapes, and the recovery is remarkable. The snorkeling there is as stunning as ever, with crystal-clear water and vibrant reefs.
That evening, we held a curry cook-off, complete with fresh roti brought from Trinidad. By the end of the night, there wasn’t a single chickpea left in sight.
The Windward Journey Home
On our final day, we took the windward route back to Prickly Bay Marina, our home base. It’s not a route we often take—the seas on that side can be rough, and if anything goes wrong, you could find yourself too close to the rocks.
But this time, the conditions were favorable. The waves were big enough to make it interesting but not punishing. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable week—sails full, sun shining, and laughter echoing across the decks.
Why We Do It
To my knowledge, no other sailing school runs an Instructor Development Week quite like ours. It’s one of my favorite traditions. These gatherings give us the chance to celebrate our instructors, share ideas, and refine the way we teach.
Our instructors bring incredible knowledge, creativity, and passion to the table. Spending a week learning with them—rather than just from them—is always inspiring.
Thanks, kids, for another amazing week. We’ll see you on the water!
To learn more about our amazing instructors click here: LTD Sailing Instructors
Interested in seeing these guys in action? Sign up for our liveaboard sailing courses in paradise! Check our availability here: LTD Sailing Calendar
Or email us [email protected]
