Perini Navi, the Italian yard founded by Fabio Perini in Viareggio in 1983, built a defining series of large sailing yachts from 40 to over 70 metres. Each was distinguished by automated sail-handling systems, tall carbon or aluminium masts and interior volumes approaching those of a motor yacht of the same length. The existing Perini Navi fleet represents some of the finest large sailing yachts ever built, and chartering one from St Vincent opens the Grenadines to a sailing experience of exceptional quality.nnPerini Navi sailing yachts are typically ketch or schooner rigs with furling systems that allow the sail plan to be managed by a small crew, leaving guests free to experience the passage rather than participate in it. Under the northeast trades that blow consistently across the Eastern Caribbean from December through April, these vessels move at 10 to 14 knots on a broad reach, covering inter-island Grenadines distances in a fraction of the time a motor yacht would idle away.nnWeekly charter rates for Perini Navi yachts near St Vincent range from approximately 70,000 to over 200,000 euros depending on vessel size and age. An advance provisioning allowance of roughly 30 percent covers fuel for motoring, provisions, berthing and crew gratuity. The Caribbean trade wind season from December through April is ideally matched to the Perini Navi’s design intent, and bookings during this window are in strong demand.nnSt Vincent’s Blue Lagoon Marina provides a perfect departure. The sailing passage south through Bequia, Mustique, Canouan and Tobago Cays on the northeast trades is one of the Caribbean’s defining experiences aboard a Perini Navi.
