VIDEOS: Cruising the Caribbean, one anchorage at a time — abord Lucia 40 Sailing Coco

We don’t just talk about boats — we follow the real journeys they make once they leave the dock. And few stories capture the spirit of cruising quite like that of Ceylan and Alfie, proud owners of Coco, a Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40.

Their voyage across the Atlantic and into the Caribbean isn’t just inspiring — it’s a reminder of what thoughtful preparation, the right vessel, and a bit of courage can lead to. For those of us who’ve spent years around these waters, it’s always a joy to see new cruisers finding their rhythm and making the most of what this region has to offer.

We often meet sailors who dream of leaping from coastal cruising to longer passages, and following Coco’s crew as they cross the Atlantic and ease into life in the Caribbean has been a pleasure — with a few helpful takeaways for anyone considering a similar route.

Their journey began with the ARC — the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers. It’s well-organised, supportive, and provides a great sense of community on the water. From Cartagena, they sailed 4,200 nautical miles to Grenada — a solid route for those heading west with the trades.

After landfall, Ceylan and Alfie began to truly settle into Caribbean cruising life. Their first stop: Port Louis Marina, Grenada. It’s a friendly, full-service port — ideal for recovering from the crossing, restocking, and easing into the rhythm of island time.

Of course, the highlight for many — and for Ceylan in particular — was reaching Tobago Cays. It was top of her list, and for good reason. The Cays remain one of the most pristine, unspoilt parts of the Caribbean. We always encourage cruisers to go gently here — anchor carefully, respect the marine life, and stay a little longer if you can.

The underwater world is thriving — turtles, rays, reef fish, and clear warm waters make it one of the best family snorkelling spots around. Ceylan and Alfie’s joy underwater was contagious, and it reminded us just how powerful these experiences can be when shared.

For anyone considering a similar lifestyle, their story is proof that it doesn’t take a lifetime of sailing to live the dream. With preparation, a reliable boat like the Lucia 40, and a sense of curiosity, these adventures are within reach.

Ceylan and Alfie still have many Caribbean miles ahead. And we’ll be following with admiration — and maybe a little envy — as they tick off more dreams from their list.