Family sailing in the Caribbean – “a memory for life”

“We dreamed of doing something that everyone would find fun and that no one had really experienced before. Finally we decided on sailing in the Caribbean, found More Sailing and booked the trip,” says Sanna Rystedt. 

Sanna and her family all have different sailing backgrounds – from regular sailors to one who had never been on a yacht before – and it was with excitement that they travelled to Saint Lucia in the Caribbean to celebrate both the New Year and a birthday on board the 50-foot catamaran. Some in the family had been on a cruise before, but they realised pretty quickly that this was a whole new experience.   

“With a yacht you get close in a completely different way, visiting places that are completely pristine! For example, we met a local family on an island and were invited to dinner at their home – it was so exciting and amazing to get close to nature as well as meeting the locals.” 

Curious about a sailing trip? Read more about our sailing trips with a skipper and host here.

What was the best thing about sailing in the Caribbean?

“I can't say just one thing, because there are so many things that are the best! But of course the climate and nature. We snorkelled every day, saw lots of turtles, rays and all kinds of fish. There is a freedom in sailing, to arrive in new places every day and get to experience the local area, which is amazing.” 

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ranks among the most beautiful sailing areas in the Caribbean and has 30 islands to explore, making for an exciting holiday. The route is determined by the wind and weather, but starts from the island of Saint Lucia and often includes stops at lush Saint Vincent, the snorkelling paradise Tobago Cays and charming Bequia. 

“I was surprised that it was so pristine and unexploited! It felt like Thailand in the ‘90s, which was a bit unexpected and very fun and exciting,” says Sanna who happily talks about how Karin and Morgan, the boat's crew, were a great asset in everything from sailing to being guides and giving tips on the destinations. 

“Plus, they were super nice to hang out with. That was a big plus!”

What was it like for the whole family to travel together on a boat?

“We have sailed a lot before, but one of the surprises of the trip was how comfortable and spacious the boat was, and that it sailed very well! It's great to hang out on a boat; you get very close to each other and there's a lot of time to talk. It’s also positive that there is plenty of space on the boats so you could retreat if you wanted to sit by yourself and read or something. And anyone who wanted to try sailing could give it a go. There was something for everyone! It was a family experience and a memory for life, of course!” 

Your favourite stop? 

“It was great to see the mix of places from the tiny sandbar Mopion in the middle of the sea, to the luxurious island of Mustique where we saw Justin Bieber on the promenade. So we really got the whole range. For some, Justin Bieber was clearly the highlight,” she says, laughing. 

Where’s the next sailing trip?

“We have sailed in Croatia before, we would love to do that again.”

Do you have any tips for others who have not sailed before but are interested in booking a trip? 

“Don't hesitate! You won’t regret it!”

Read more about what it's like to sail in the Caribbean here.