News
Red Sail Sports Named One of the Best Places to Work in Grand Cayman
The Cayman Islands Society of Human Resource Professionals (CISHRP) at its Top Employer Award Dinner has recognized Red Sail Sports as one of Cayman’s top employers on Saturday night 24th May at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. The award recognizes outstanding companies that help make the Cayman Islands a better place to work by creating a great workplace for its employees and by making significant contributions to the community.
With 153 current employees at its watersports operations and retail shops across the island, Red Sail Sports is also one of the largest employers on the island. The company went through a rigorous and lengthy application process that included a staff survey, staff interviews conducted by an independent party and a close examination of Red Sail Sports’ community involvement. The process examined Red Sail Sports’ work environment to determine respect, fairness, pride in the workplace, opportunity for advancement and happiness of the employees.
All Red Sail Sports’ employees were surveyed in the CISHRP survey and 90% responded: Are they happy with the company? Do they look forward to going to work? Is there opportunity for advancement? The compiled answers were considered as one of the components in the screening process.
“I came to Red Sail Sports 5 years ago to follow my passion – the beach and windsurfing,” says James Granger who started out as beach staff and has moved up through the ranks and various departments to become the Red Sail Sports Westin Supervisor where he helps maintain the company’s high standards. “I’ve always had opportunity to advance here and I’ve worked hard.”
Operations Manager Rod McDowall says Granger exemplifies the employees who are following their passion and having a great time at work while helping visitors have a fun in the Cayman Islands. This is good business for a company in the tourism industry.
“If you are in the business of showing people how to have a good time, it is important that the company supplies the environment for employees to be happy and advance in their careers.”
“Its about our customer service,” says Training and Development Supervisor Beth Hiryok. “Red Sail Sports employees are passionate about what they do and they share that passion with our guests, whether it’s at the beach, on the dive boats, on the catamarans or in the retail shops.”
Community involvement is also a key factor in the selection of a CISHRP Top Employer award winner. Red Sail Sports has long been a strong supporter of the local schools, especially with work experience. Five students have just completed 8 months of work experience with Red Sail Sports as part of the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre (CIFEC) programme. Red Sail Sports is also working with Cayman International School’s work experience placement by hiring a student in the retail department. The company is also supporting the government’s Passport to Success programme, which helps young people who have left school but have not found jobs. Through training and work experience, the programme aims to equip them to find work.
To further help young people break into the job market Red Sail Sports managers this spring held mock interviews with high students at Clifton Hunter. The goal of the exercise was to give them an idea of what to expect in real life interviews. After the sessions some students were invited to visit Red Sail Sports facilities for a day to learn about working in the tourism industry. The company has also reached out to Cayman’s youth by attending career fairs at John Gray High School.
Through direct donations and partnerships Red Sail Sports is also a strong supporter of the Special Olympics Cayman Islands and the Lighthouse School.
“I know Red Sail Sports does a lot for the community and we never pat ourselves on the back,” says Human Resources Manager Cashema Rankine, who initiated the application process. “I thought we’d be a great candidate for the award and I was right.” Rankine has been a member of the Cayman Islands Society of Human Resource Professionals for 8 years and she proudly accepted the award at the gala on behalf of Red Sail Sports.
About Red Sail Sports
Red Sail Sports, a member of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, is a leading resort based dive and watersports operator celebrating 25 years of excellence. Since 1987 it has been setting the standard by providing the highest level of guest service. On Seven Mile Beach Red Sail Sports operates locations at the Westin Resort (345.949.8732), the Marriott Resort (345.949.6343), the Grand Cayman Beach Suites (345.949.8745) and the Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman (345.525-9768). At East End the company has a concession at Morritt’s Tortuga Club (345.947.2097), and it offers dive and catamaran services to The Reef Resort. On North Side Red Sail Sports offers watersports activities at the Rum Point Club (947.9203).
For more information:
Call toll free: (877) 506-6368
On Grand Cayman: (345) 623-5965
E-mail: info@redsailcayman.com
Web: www.redsailcayman.com
Facebook: www.facebook/redsailcayman
Twitter: @redsailcayman
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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