Guide
How to hire a private skipper in Grenada
To hire a private skipper in Grenada, decide what the job is — a delivery, insurance sea miles, coaching on your own boat or a daysail — check the skipper’s qualifications against what your insurer or charter company needs, then send your boat details, dates and route for a clear quote. The steps below go through each one.
By Terrel Andrews · Last updated 2026-10-19
What kind of skipper do you need?
- Skipper for hire on your boat — you’re aboard and the skipper takes command or works alongside you. Common for new owners, shakedown sails and insurance mile-building.
- Yacht delivery — the skipper moves the boat from A to B, with or without you aboard.
- Coaching — you skipper, with an experienced sailor at your shoulder for boat handling, anchoring and navigation.
- Daysail — a few hours on the water with a local skipper and no planning on your side.
Skippers are hired for very different jobs. Be clear which one you’re asking for, because it changes who is in command and how the trip is planned.
Which qualifications should a skipper have?
Ask to see them, and check them against what your insurer or charter company asks for — requirements vary, and they are the ones who decide. RYA (Royal Yachting Association) certificates are widely recognised across the Caribbean. Alongside a certificate, ask about real experience: which boats, which waters, and how recently.
I hold the RYA Day Skipper (Theory & Practical) and the RYA VHF Marine Radio Short Range Certificate, both completed through Grenada Bluewater Sailing in 2024. I’ve been sailing since I was eight and have sailed monohulls and catamarans around Grenada and up the islands as far as Guadeloupe.
What should you send for a quote?
- The boat — make, model, length, and whether it’s a monohull or catamaran.
- Where it is now and where it needs to go.
- Your dates, and how flexible they are.
- Who will be aboard and their sailing experience.
- What you want from it — sea miles, coaching, a delivery or a day out.
- Any insurer or charter-company requirements, in writing.
Message me on WhatsApp or email with whatever you have. I’ll come back with any questions and a clear quote.
How does customs clearance work?
Sailing within Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique keeps you in one country. Crossing into St Vincent & the Grenadines means clearing out of Grenada and into SVG at official ports of entry, with everyone’s passports and the boat’s papers — and the reverse on the way back.
A local skipper knows the process. I can handle it for you, or show you how it works so you’re confident doing it yourself next time.