Trinidad is a really special island, where the amazing history of its multi-racial people make it a truly unique place to visit. As a result of this, there are many multi-cultural events and activities taking place throughout the year (see our 'Events Calendar' in the Intro. section of the Guide). There are Christian, Hindu and Muslim festivals... one of which, 'Divali', the Hindu 'Festival of Lights' (in November), came rated as a spectacle like no other, worldwide! The Carnival season, for which Trinidad is so famous, is a festival of sight and sound, infusing the various cultures that have formed the nation. The season begins just after Christmas (with the main Carnival event on Feb. 4th-5th) and includes dozens of live concerts, parties (fetes), as well as the national Steel Pan competition - 'Panorama' - on Saturday 2nd February. After all the excitement of Carnival, a cruise to the crystal clear waters of Tobago represents the most idyllic getaway for some 'rest and relaxation'... bird watching, diving, biking, hiking, windsurfing and turtle watching. Sporting enthusiasts are also assured a good time in Trinidad and Tobago (see 'Golf ' sections), for there are several golf courses. Tobago's Angostura Sailing Week takes place in May; surfing is popular between November and March; and we also have some good contacts for squash players in Trinidad.

But besides the attractive events outlined above, there are many more good reasons to be making the passage down island at any time of year. For all large yachts, there is the attraction of refueling here and saving over one US dollar a gallon against 'normal' Windward / Leeward island prices. Such a trip could also combine a great opportunity to stock up on a range of top quality specialist provisioning; get another couple of coats of varnish on the rail (through the recommended contacts listed), and make a trip ashore to the most extensively stocked multi product warehouse shopping centre - PriceSmart - where one can find literally anything and everything one might need... enjoying the bulk purchase rates and saving some money in the process.

Another alternative, would be to plan some refit / repair works here, utilizing some of the Caribbean's most extensive and well equipped haul out / yard facilities (see 'Boatyard / Haul Out' section). Due to the maturity of the island's very active and healthy oil industry, many of today's marine technical services come from oil industry roots, with staff trained to the highest possible standards, using exotic metals for machining and a well rounded background in marine applications - as required. There are many well established lines of supply for all and any spares one could wish for - including the extensive chandleries at Budget Marine and Peake Yacht Services. The Trinidad yachting sector is serviced almost entirely within the Chaguaramas Peninsular, where there are more than 150 yachting and ancillary services available within just a two mile radius! We have listed in the following chapter, a recommended selection of some of these service providers, that we have been told are the best and the most reliable.

Beyond all the technical services and shoreside attractions, there is another reason to visit Trinidad all of its own... in the form of Annette and Arnold Callender at Trump Yacht Services and Tours (see 'Yacht Services' section). Through these ever friendly, professional, helpful and knowledgeable people, yacht owners and guests can not only let them look after all logistical shoreside support aspects for the yacht, but they can also take the opportunity of a personalized trip or tour ashore in their Mercedes coaches, to discover any combination of the spectacular natural sights on offer. These include howling monkeys, leatherback turtles, rare birds, snakes and amazingly tropical flora and fauna... to name but a few. Finally, for Carnival itself, on 4/5th February (or any other shoreside events), a link up with either Trump Yacht Services, or Jesse James 'Members Only' taxi service... would provide a first rate introduction to making the very best of all that Trinidad has on offer.

A message from the Yacht Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago (YSATT)...

YSATT is the voice of the yachting industry in Trinidad and Tobago. With over 100 members, we represent the interests of the Yachting Industry including visiting yachtsmen, boatyards, marinas, yacht clubs, suppliers, contractors, hospitality services, tour operators, banks and other ancillary industries. Most significantly, YSATT is the liaison between the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the yacht services industry. It is a private non-profit industry organization established in 1994 by the boatyards and marinas within the Western Peninsular of Trinidad. The organization provides various services including, promotion of destination Trinidad and Tobago and the industry, information distribution (tourism and industry related), and acts as a mediator in conflicts between customers and suppliers. YSATT manages over 25 moorings in the Chaguaramas Bay, as well as running a water taxi between the marinas which has increased the convenience and security to the visitors of the Chaguaramas bay.

For all information required while in Trinidad, including contractor referrals, places to visit, local maps and general local knowledge, YSATT is your number one source. For those seeking information on neighbouring islands, YSATT is also the home of the newly formed Caribbean Marine Association, which acts in the same manner as YSATT on a Caribbean regional level. YSATT is here to assist all visiting Superyacht Captains and we look forward to hearing from you. We may be contacted at:

Shipwright Building
Crew’s Inn Hotel and Yachting Centre
Point Gourde
Chaguaramas
Tel: (868) 634-4938
Fax: (868) 634-2160

LIVE LINKS
Email: manager@ysatt.org
Website: www.ysatt.org