Saint Vincent and the Grenadines sailing guide

A brief maritime history of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Before the arrival of Europeans, the islands were home to the Garifuna people, an Afro-Indigenous group with a distinct culture born out of a fusion of West African slaves who survived shipwrecks and intermingled with the native Caribs. Their fierce resistance to colonization is legendary, fending off both the Spanish and British for over 200 years. In fact, it wasn’t until the late 18th century that the British finally gained control, after a series of brutal battles and strategic alliances.

The main island of Saint Vincent, with its imposing La Soufrière volcano, played a crucial role in shaping the islands’ fortunes. Its eruptions, while deadly, also left behind rich volcanic soil that transformed the land into a hotspot for agriculture. During the colonial period, plantations thrived, with crops like sugar and arrowroot being shipped off to Europe. These plantations were powered by the labor of enslaved Africans, whose descendants today make up the majority of the population.

In the 1960s, Saint Vincent was the setting for the cult classic film Island in the Sun, starring Harry Belafonte. The movie brought a wave of Hollywood glamour to the islands, and while it may not have turned them into the next big thing, it certainly sparked a flicker of interest in their stunning beauty.

And let’s not forget the pirates! Long before Johnny Depp ever donned his tricorn hat, the waters around these islands were prowled by real pirates, using the many coves and hidden bays to stash their treasure. Blackbeard himself sailed these waters, although his ghostly treasure remains elusive to this day. The influence of these seafaring bandits still lingers, especially in the colourful maritime culture you’ll see in villages like Barrouallie, where traditional boat-building techniques have been passed down through generations.

The British influence remains, but it’s woven into a much larger blend of African, French, and Garifuna cultures. You’ll notice it in everything from the architecture of Kingstown’s churches to the cricket matches played on dusty pitches across the islands. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gained independence in 1979, and the spirit of resistance that defined the Garifuna still prevail.

Today, the islands continue to evolve, with tourism playing a larger role in the economy. But it’s the local festivals, like the lively Nine Mornings Festival, where Vincentians celebrate Christmas with early morning caroling and street parties, that keep the community spirit alive and well.

SVG Sailing Group