When we had sailed in the Caribbean in 2021/2022, Grenada had been our favourite place. It had not been too touristy and still had a distinct Caribbean feel. We were hoping that, three years down the line, it would still be as genuine.
Our initial stop was the fabulous Port Louis Marina. We received a warm welcome. Everyone from the Rally was relieved to have arrived safely and were ready to celebrate. There were pontoon parties, the marina manager party, ladies´ lunch and, of course, an ARC prize giving. So much rum punch!
As usual, the ARC had organised a local tour. The first stop was Grenada Distillers, to see the rum making process and taste the rum. The morning of the trip came after a serious pontoon party the day before, so everyone was feeling a little tender. The guide was very surprised when he asked who was ready to taste rum and he was met by silence!
The next stop was Tri Island Chocolate Factory. This small, family run business takes chocolate making from bean to bar, carrying out the production process on site.
The final stop was Fort Frederick perched high on the hill above St Georges. Here we learnt about the 1979 revolution. As a result of this uprising, the New Jewel Movement came to power. One of Grenada’s most famous leaders, Maurice Bishop, became Prime Minister of the People’s RevolutionaryGovernment of Grenada. Unfortunately, his leadership came to a bloody end in 1983. There was a coup organised by Deputy Prime Minister, Bernard Coard, and Bishop and his loyal leaders were executed by firing squad.
Port Louis Marina was the perfect place to stay while Martin helped to organise a new D1 for Tam Lin. Once made by the local riggers, Martin made the journey back to Tobago to deliver it. Not by boat this time, but by taxi, plane, taxi, ferry and yet another taxi.
D1 delivered and fitted, Tam Lin + 1 finally arrived at Port Louis Marina. It was 1am, but there was still a rum punch welcome.
After a few days relaxing, we hired a car to tour the island. Tony and Katy have not been to Grenada before, so we were keen to show them around.
Our busy day started with a stop at De La Grenade Nutmeg Garden. A tour around the garden was full of information about the local fruits and spices, many of which are used in the jams and jellies produced here. Of course, tasting the products was a must.
Next stop was the River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery. Established in 1785, this is the oldest distillery in Grenada. Here rum production continues in the traditional way and the rum is produced using the oldest functioning water wheel in the Caribbean. We had visited here in our previous visit to Grenada but, due to Covid, we had been unable to see it in action. This time it was amazing to see it working. The giant water wheel powers the crusher and the rum is laddled by hand from boiling pot to boiling pot. It is then left to ferment in concrete tanks, before passing into the wood fired stills. Finally, the finished rum is bottled and ready to drink.
Another local industry was explored at the Belmont Estate. This 17th century plantation houses an organic farm, a goat dairy and grows and makes chocolate.
After the island tour, there were a few local places to revisit…
Taffys at Woburn Bay where Sue still makes an excellent Sunday lunch.
Rogers Barefoot Beach Bar for liming in the sea with a couple of cold beers and rum punch.
And finally, The Aquarium – sunset cocktails and fine dining on the beach.
Oh yes, we still love Grenada!
