July 3, 2024
The Windward Islands of the Caribbean have long been treasured by cruising sailors, including many of us in the Modern Sailing community. Over the years, dozens of us have enjoyed the beauty and friendliness of these islands as long-term cruisers, bareboat charterers, and Global Destinations flotilla participants.
On Monday, Hurricane Beryl wrought havoc on the islands of Grenada, striking Carriacou particularly hard as a category 4 hurricane with 150 mph winds. The eye of the storm passed directly over the small island, leaving disaster in its wake.
This post on the Grenada Cruisers Information Facebook page by sailor Johannes Li says it all: "You have welcomed us, the Yachting community on your island, now it is time to give back."
This video gives an up-close look at some of the damage done by Beryl to Carriacou.
The devastation is heartbreaking, yet somehow the brave people of Carriacou are smiling, thankful for their survival and ready to rebuild and move forward. Many of the "yachties" who love the island are on their way to help.
As Beryl moved west and north, the devastation continued on the islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Jamaica, and more. Finally, Beryl met its last chapter as a category 1 storm when making landfall on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Chris Doyle, publisher of the popular Doyle Cruising Guides, has posted a list of relief efforts on his website.
If you love the Caribbean islands as much as we do, please visit https://www.doyleguides.com/beryl to find out how you can help. This list is ever-growing and evolving. Please use your best judgement when selecting a charity to donate to.
Modern Sailing instructor Dave Russell recommends the GoFundMe set up by the team at Island Windjammers Barefoot Cruises.
The beloved team at IWJ rapidly created the GoFundMe website page to gather contributions for assisting the people displaced by Hurricane Beryl on the islands of Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and others. One-hundred percent of your contribution goes to the local people for hurricane relief. IWJ ships will continue to sail to Carriacou almost weekly in spite of the damage. The Government of Grenada has already connected with them to help deliver much-needed supplies.
Captain Dave Russell with Allison Caton, proprietor of Carriacou's Paradise Beach Club, a beach restaurant and hangout beloved by cruisers, expats, and locals.
Paradise Beach Club, Carriacou, before and after Hurricane Beryl.
