Trinidad / Special Interests / Sailing & Regattas

By Stephen Thorpe

Trinidad has a thriving sailing community with the vast majority of the action centred almost exclusively around the western peninsular of Chaguaramas, a natural harbour and traditional safe haven for yachts from further north in the Caribbean. The reputation for skilled engineers, boatmen and maritime knowledge has served the area well and it is seen as one of the premier repair centres for the southern Caribbean.

The Yacht Services Association (YSATT), based at the well appointed Crews Inn Marina at Pointe Gourde, also acts as the main tourism information centre for the Chaguaramas area. A major benefit is the absence of Customs and Immigration fees when entering or leaving Trinidad in normal working hours for up to three months, though all vessels must first approach the Customs jetty for clearance before proceeding to anchorage or marina.

This area is also the departure point for that fixture of the Trini social calendar - the trip “Down de Islands”, popular any time of the year, but especially for the weekend lime by boat to the islands of Gaspar Grande, Chacachacare and Monos. Scotland Bay is the western extreme of Trinidad, but it is an ideal sheltered mooring before tackling the challenging waters of the Bocas, sometimes turbulent channels between the islands.

Non-profit organisations and Government links:

Yacht Services Association of Trinidad & Tobago, CrewsInn Hotel & Yachting Centre, Chaguaramas, t 634 4938 | info@ysatt.org | ysatt@tstt.net.tt | thebay@ysatt.org | http://www.ysatt.org/