15-Year-Old Vincentian Completes 70-Mile Solo Sail to Grenada

An image featuring Kai Marks Dasent. Photo credit: SVG Sailing Association.

By S.Browne. Updated 1:36 p.m., Monday, May 4, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

A 15-year-old Vincentian sailor has completed a 70-mile solo voyage from St Vincent to Grenada in an International Laser Class Association (ILCA) dinghy measuring less than 14 feet in length.

Kai Marks Dasent departed Blue Lagoon at 5:41 a.m. and arrived at the northern tip of Grenada at 4:06 p.m., completing the journey in 10 hours and 25 minutes. He was supported by a safety vessel provided by Horizon Yacht Charters.

The sail was not only a personal challenge, but also a fundraising initiative to support Vincy Sailing. Proceeds from the effort will go towards expanding access to the sport and launching a Learn to Sail programme, beginning with children from the fishing community in Lowmans Leeward.

Reflecting on the journey, Dasent said, “The hardest part was dealing with seaweed getting stuck in my rudder and centreboard, so I had to keep stopping to clear it. I listened to music to help pass the time and not think about how far I still had to go. My music ran out of battery after about eight hours, so the last couple of hours were tough but I could see Grenada in the distance which kept me going. I had drinks from Island Sipz on board to stay hydrated and food and granola bars in my bag to keep my energy up.”

The solo voyage is the result of three years of preparation, with Dasent gradually building his endurance through longer offshore sails. At age 13, he completed a 10-mile journey from St Vincent to Bequia. At 14, he undertook an 18-mile sail from St Vincent to Mustique, followed by a 42-mile journey from St Vincent to Union Island.

Jennifer Deane from Vincy Sailing said, “Kai’s achievement is a huge inspiration for young sailors in St Vincent and the Grenadines. This initiative is not just about one sail, it is about creating opportunities for more young people, especially from coastal communities to get involved in sailing and develop lifelong skills.”

Dasent’s accomplishment caps an already successful year on the regional sailing circuit. He secured first place in the ILCA 6 category at the Antigua ILCA Nationals and second place in the ILCA 6 category at Barbados Sailing Week. He also represented St Vincent and the Grenadines at Midwinters East in Miami.

In addition to dinghy racing, he has gained offshore experience through yacht racing, crewing aboard The Blue Peter during St Vincent Sailing Week and competing in the Antigua Classic Regatta, where he spent eight days and nights as part of the crew on Galiana.

He is now preparing to represent St Vincent and the Grenadines at the ILCA 6 Youth World Championships in Denmark later this year.