Historic Fleet of Boats Given New Life for Grenadine Communities
by SVG Sailing Association 25 Jul 21:12 BST
Dinghies donated to St. Vincent and the Grenadines - 3pm handover of boats in Canouan © SVG Sailing Association
Six sailing boats that spent more than 25 years in storage at a British Army base have been successfully shipped to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and delivered to the Grenadine islands of Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island, where they will help support and develop sailing opportunities for local communities.
The project was made possible through the generosity and commitment of David Barnard and Kestrel Liner Agencies UK, with significant support from Marlon Gibson of Kestrel SVG. Assistance liaising with the British Army was provided by Geoff Paton, Resident British Commissioner to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, helping to ensure the vessels could be brought into the country and prepared for their next chapter.
Geoff Patton said, "I am delighted to support the SVG Sailing Association in developing young sailors who will hopefully go on to represent SVG in international competitions. Great to see the enthusiasm from the young sailors".
Before the boats could begin their journey, members of Vincy Sailors spent two days carrying out repairs, maintenance work and sea trials to ensure the vessels were seaworthy after years in storage.
On 21 July 2026, a team of Vincy Sailors embarked on an ambitious sail from St. Vincent to Canouan, covering approximately 34 miles in a voyage that took eight hours. Setting off at 7am, the sailors guided the restored boats through the Grenadines to their new home.
The expedition was supported throughout by a safety team from Blue Lagoon Boat Charters, while the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard regularly checked on the fleet's progress. Local ferry operators also contributed to the success of the voyage by giving the boats plenty of room as they made their way south.
Despite the long day on the water, spirits remained high. Soup and sandwiches were distributed along the route to keep energy levels up, while music brought by some of the sailors provided entertainment throughout the journey. Additional members of the Vincy Sailing Club joined the convoy, adding further support and camaraderie to the occasion.
The successful delivery of the six boats marks the culmination of an international effort involving donors, shipping partners, government support, volunteers and the local sailing community. Their arrival will help expand access to sailing across the Grenadines and create new opportunities for young people and communities in Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island in line with the SVG Sailing Association strategy.
"This journey demonstrates what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision," said Jenny Trumble, President of the Sailing Association. "These boats have gone from sitting unused for more than two decades to becoming valuable resources that will benefit communities across the Grenadines for years to come."
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