Hurricane Beryl
Egmont Bay, Grenada
With Hurricane Beryl coming uncomfortably close, we hunkered down in Egmont Bay Hurricane Hole on anchor to ride out the unprecedented Category 4 Hurricane in Grenada.
Hurricane Beryl at Egmont Bay, Grenada
Egmont Bay Anchorage in Grenada is a popular spot for sailors looking for a calm and safe place to anchor. It's on the south coast of Grenada and offers excellent protection from tropical storms. The bay has beautiful views of hills and greenery. There's lots of space for boats of any size, and the mud bottom provides a secure hold for anchors. Boats often tie up to the mangroves around the bay during storms, like Hurricane Beryl.
We headed to Egmont Bay because its known for being a protected bay and never having been to Grenada, thought better to be safe than sorry. As the updated forecasts kept shifting, our gratitude for discovering refuge in this tranquil bay nestled among hills grew even more. The protective embrace of the land helped soften the intensity of the winds, solidifying our decision that this was indeed the safest haven as the storm drew near. We were fortunate to only have 41 mph at most, the gusty nature of the storm caused havic with many of the anchored boats, causing a few to ride out the storm under motor.
One thing we have learned, although the weather reports try to predict accurate forecasts, it is simple that, a forecast. No matter how factual and with authority it is reported, it remains only a prediction, and weather is not always predictable. Hurricanes tend to wobble, fortunately for us this one didn’t wobble any further south. If we see anything coming across from the east, we will move out of the way, and be happy to be overly cautious and wrong. Rather than choosing to stay because it’s not supposed to be more than we can handle and have a regrettable preventable misfortune.
Help With Recovery Efforts
Carriacou, Petit Martinique, and Union Island were slammed with 150 mph sustained winds and gusts of 180 mph. Want to help in the recovery effort? Here are some great options:
Hope Fleet & Seven Seas Cruising Association
Petit Calivigny Anchorage
Located in southern Grenada on the Caribbean Sea, Petit Calivigny provides a beautiful spot for sailors seeking a calm retreat. The bay is protected and has a pleasant breeze, making it great for anchoring. Boaters can admire the lush hillsides and snorkel in the reefs nearby. Known for its peaceful vibe, it's perfect for relaxing and enjoying Grenada's natural beauty. Visitors can find restaurants and shops close by. Petit Calivigny anchorage is a peaceful and inviting place for those wanting to relax and explore this Caribbean gem. Water activities like kite surfing, kayaking, and foiling are popular around here.
Carriacou Island
Carriacou Island is a small, remote island located in the Caribbean Sea, northeast of Grenada. It is known for its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. The island is sparsely populated, creating a peaceful and secluded atmosphere for visitors looking to escape bustling tourist areas. Carriacou Island offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and sailing, making it a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. The island also has a rich cultural heritage, with colorful traditional festivals and a warm, welcoming local community. With its natural beauty and relaxed ambiance, Carriacou Island is a hidden gem for those seeking a tranquil tropical getaway.
Hurricane Beryl, a Catagory 4, is the islands second hurricane in 20 years, and was a direct hit. They are completely decimated, homes, business, infrastructure all destroyed. It is sad to see. They are a boating community and so many boats were lost. More to come…
Cruisers Tips
Things we found useful to know when coming in for the first time;
Checking in, for us, we came straight to Egmont Bay on the south side. Fortunately, they had just reopened an office at Prickly Bay Marina, and Dave was able to dinghy over with friends. Other locations include: Port Louis Marina - St George, Grenada Yacht Club - St George, and Grenade Marine - St David’s Bay. Carriacou Yacht Club and Hillsborough, Carriacou may not be functional for some time to come.
Depending on where you are anchoring, there are different marina’s nearby, where you may be able to bring your trash. We usually purchase food or beverages when we do so.