About
Passionate about Sailing. Passionate about life. When you can’t control the winds, adjust your sails.
The roots of the Grenada Sailing Week (GSW) Regatta trace back to 1993, when the keelboat regatta was first introduced as part of the Grenada Sailing Festival. In 2012, a group of sailing enthusiasts and marine industry leaders recognized its potential and took the bold step of formally registering and rebranding the event as Grenada Sailing Week. Their vision was to elevate the regatta to a premier regional and international sailing event, putting Grenada firmly on the map of competitive Caribbean racing.
Over the years, participation has grown steadily, with course designs optimized for competitive racing, classes expanded to accommodate diverse yachts, and venues carefully chosen to showcase the stunning beauty of Grenada’s tri-island state. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our board members, co-managers, and a committed team of volunteers who ensure the regatta’s continued success.
Brian Sylvester — Chairman
A lifelong sailor, Brian has an extensive history in international racing and is a champion of local and regional regattas. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping GSW into a world-class event. Brian is Spirit Brand Manager for Bryden & Minors. Vice President of the Caribbean Sailing Association, also sitting on the Sailing Development Committee.
Patrick Brathwaite — Deputy Chair
Patrick brings a deep connection to Grenada’s marine sector, managing Island Water World and investing in key initiatives like Grenada Marine and Shadowfax. He is committed to aligning sailing with Grenada’s broader economic and tourism goals.
Richard Szyjan — Director
An avid racer and owner of Turbulence Ltd., Richard combines his 23+ years of experience in sail making and rigging with a passion for sailing multihulls and monohulls.
Louis Cuenoud — Director
With extensive international racing experience and a long-standing commitment to Grenada’s marine industry, Louis is a driving force in promoting sailing across the region.
Lucas Sales — Director
A seasoned professional in yacht tourism, Lucas brings a wealth of operational expertise to GSW, focusing on racecourse setup and event logistics to ensure seamless execution.
Joelle Szyjan — Treasurer
Joelle is a treasured member of the organising committee as the Treasurer, a distinguished position for being responsible for the financial health of the organisation. Joelle is also the Co-Owner of Turbulence Ltd with over 23 years business experience in the Caribbean and nautical industry.
Spotlight on Co-Managers
Nikoyan Roberts
With over 30 years of experience in Caribbean tourism, Nikoyan is a powerhouse of innovation and strategy. Her work with the Grenada Tourism Authority positioned Grenada as a premier destination, and now, as Founder & CEO of Home Hospitality Grenada, she champions cultural preservation and sustainable tourism.
Nikoyan holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Masters of Tourism & Hospitality Management, and MBA in International Business degrees. As co-Manager of GSW, Nikoyan brings her expertise to elevate the regatta’s profile, enhance community engagement, and promote inclusivity and youth development.
Ariel Roberts
A direct descendant of two storied maritime families—the Ollivierre family of Bequia and the Roberts family of Petite Martinique—Ariel is deeply connected to the region’s sailing heritage.
With a BSc in Management and certifications in Rural Tourism and Agroecology, Ariel blends tradition with innovation. As co-manager, she is passionate about preserving Grenada’s maritime legacy while driving stakeholder engagement and sustainability efforts.
Why Grenada Sailing Week Matters
Grenada Sailing Week is more than a regatta—it’s a celebration of Caribbean maritime culture, a showcase of world-class racing, and a platform for fostering regional collaboration and development. The event brings together local and international sailors, bolsters Grenada’s position as a premier sailing destination, and inspires the next generation of maritime enthusiasts.
Thank You to Our Stakeholders
Your support is the wind in our sails. Whether you are a sponsor, participant, or volunteer, your contribution ensures the continued success of this flagship event. Together, we make Grenada Sailing Week a beacon of excellence in the Caribbean racing community.
Stay tuned for updates as we prepare for an unforgettable 2025 regatta!