FFV Training Cruise on a catamaran in the Grenadines

An early departure for a 25-nautical-mile crossing to Saint Lucia. This sailing trip is ideal for learning route planning, weather reading, fine-tuning sails, and organizing watches. Each trainee alternates between steering, sail trimming, and electronic navigation. The skipper guides each step to help everyone progress at their own pace. A spectacular arrival awaits at the foot of the Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and true emblem of Saint Lucia. After anchoring, a well-deserved swim and rest are in order. Dinner is served on board in a breathtaking setting, overlooking the volcanic landscape.

After waking up to the impressive Pitons, we set course south for a roughly 35-mile sail to Bequia, the gateway to the Grenadines. This leg demands discipline and endurance: it's a longer crossing, ideal for perfecting course-keeping, sail management over extended periods, and organizing watch shifts. The skipper encourages the trainees to take charge of route planning: reading the chart, GPS tracking, and observing currents. Crew work takes on its full significance: coordinating maneuvers, anticipating wind shifts, and making constant adjustments. Arriving at Princess Margaret Bay rewards our efforts: a golden sand beach fringed with palm trees, in the heart of a typical Caribbean atmosphere. The sheltered anchorage allows us to relax after this long leg, while debriefing the day's sailing. The trainees understand the importance of consistency and teamwork to maintain the boat's performance. A convivial evening in this renowned anchorage offers a perfect blend of learning and the pleasure of discovery.

Heading to Mayreau Island for a shorter but highly instructive sailing trip.

The trainees put into practice the concepts learned during long crossings: precise maneuvers, sail trimming over short distances, and visual identification of coastlines to hone their seamanship. Approaching Salt Whistle Bay is a highlight: this crescent-shaped cove, fringed with coconut palms and white sand, is one of the most beautiful anchorages in the Grenadines.

Here, the skipper emphasizes safe anchoring techniques and reading the seabed's color to identify sand, seagrass beds, and coral. The trainees actively participate in these delicate maneuvers, essential for independent sailing. After anchoring, swimming and exploring ashore allow them to discover this small, unspoiled village, typical of the Grenadines.

The evening provides an ideal setting to discuss coastal navigation and the importance of precision in close-quarters maneuvers.

A stage dedicated to coastal navigation and understanding the effects of wind and current between the islands.

The route to Union Island is relatively short but requires constant attention, especially when passing through the inter-island channels where conditions can change rapidly.

The trainees practice repeated tacks and gybes to perfect their movements and gain fluidity.

The skipper emphasizes crew communication and a clear distribution of roles during dynamic maneuvers.

Arriving in Chatham Bay is spectacular: a vast, wild bay, framed by verdant hills, offering peace and seclusion. It's a perfect opportunity to discuss onboard energy management, water and food self-sufficiency—essential aspects of a multi-day cruise.

Dinner takes place in a relaxed atmosphere, with a feeling of full immersion in the life of long-distance sailors.

The departure from Chatham Bay is early in the morning to reach Frégate Island, a small, unspoiled islet south of Union Island.

This stage is ideal for consolidating acquired skills: fine-tuning sails, maintaining a constant speed and observing local weather variations.

The skipper emphasizes the precision of maneuvers and collective management of navigation, as the route alternates between open areas and more technical passages.

Arriving at Frégate Island is enchanting: a calm anchorage, turquoise waters, and exceptional marine biodiversity. It's a good opportunity to reiterate good environmental practices for sailing and anchoring.

The afternoon is dedicated to snorkeling and a route planning workshop. The trainees realize that successful navigation depends as much on preparation as on execution.

The peaceful evening, cut off from the world, embodies the spirit of the cruise: learning, sharing and immersion in nature.

Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the cruise: heading towards the famous lagoon of the Tobago Cays.

The navigation, short but demanding, allows you to perfect delicate approaches in areas protected by a coral reef.

The skipper entrusts the trainees with the day's responsibilities: planning the route, anticipating hazards, and managing navigation to anchorage. The Tobago Cays offer a picture-perfect setting: pristine sandbanks, translucent waters, and sea turtles swimming freely. Beyond the pleasure of discovery, this leg of the journey is dedicated to practicing anchoring in a sensitive environment and understanding the ecological challenges.

Trainees experience life at anchor in complete autonomy, learning to balance comfort, safety, and respect for the ecosystem. It's also an opportunity for unique, convivial moments, swimming, and snorkeling.

After a day filled with learning and unforgettable swims, the crew shared a unique moment: a dinner of fresh lobsters, prepared and grilled by local fishermen right on a small, deserted islet. This convivial meal, with feet in the sand and under a breathtaking starry sky, perfectly embodies the spirit of this cruise: authenticity, encounters, learning, and the joy of sailing.

Last but not least: a long crossing of about 120 nautical miles brings the crew back to Le Marin in Martinique.

The departure takes place at sunrise from the lagoon of the Tobago Cays, still enveloped in calm and soft light. This offshore sailing is a true practical application of all the skills acquired during the week: meticulous route planning, taking currents into account, sail trimming to optimize speed, and taking turns at the helm.

The trainees are fully involved in navigation management, supervised by the skipper who allows them to gain confidence and experience in real conditions.

The pace is brisk, but conducive to experiencing the beauty of the Caribbean Sea, alternating between maneuvers, observation periods, and well-deserved rest. Arrival in Le Marin, at the end of the day or in the evening depending on conditions, marks the end of this intense adventure.

It is a moment of sharing and pride: each crew member appreciates the progress made, both in terms of skills acquired and unforgettable memories.