FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD Vincentian sailor Kai Marks-Dasent, is again making waves, this time successfully completing a 70-mile solo sail from St Vincent to Grenada in an ILCA dinghy measuring less than 14 feet in length.
The SVG Sailing Association, in a May 1, 2026 release said Kai departed from Blue Lagoon at 5:41 a.m. and arrived at the northern tip of Grenada at 4:06 p.m., completing the challenging open-water journey in 10 hours and 25 minutes.Throughout the voyage, he was supported by a safety boat provided by HorizonYacht Charters.
Reflecting on the journey, Kai 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”.
This achievement marks the culmination of three years of disciplined preparation through progressively longer offshore sails. At age 13, Kai completed a 10mile sail 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. These experiences built the confidence and skills needed for his biggest challenge yet the 70-mile voyage to Grenada.
The sponsored sail was done to raise funds for his club Vincy Sailing, to support competition opportunities and expand access to the sport. Funds raised will help launch a ‘Learn to Sail’ programme, with the first initiative giving children from the fishing village in Lowman’s Leeward the opportunity to experience sailing for the first time and develop new skills both on and off the water.
Jennifer Deane from Vincy Sailing added that “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’s about creating opportunities for more young people, especially from coastal communities to get involved in sailing and develop lifelong skills”.
