News
Red Sail Sports Grand Cayman Welcomes the Spirit of the Islands
Red Sail Sports add a 5th Luxury Catamaran to their fleet to enhance Your Cayman Family Dive Vacation; Swimmin’, Chillin’ & Grillin’ Snorkel Adventure Announced
Red Sail Sports Grand Cayman have announced the addition of the Spirit of the Islands, a luxury 65-foot Catamaran equipped with an onboard grill and water slide that will add to its family fun tours on the water. As the on-site dive and watersports operator at most of Grand Cayman’s top hotels, Red Sail Sports aims to be family friendly. All company dive packages include a free sunset sail, so the luxury Catamaran experience is already a part of all customer vacations. The new Swimmin’, Chillin’ & Grillin’ tour on the Spirit of the Islands is the perfect way for the whole family to enjoy Cayman’s crystal clear water and marine environment.
“Many of our guests spend the morning on the dive boat and they then want spend time with family members that don’t dive, and this is a brand new and exciting way to get them out on the water together to have fun,” said Dive Operations Manager Rod McDowall. “We expect it to be a big hit with guests who can now enjoy a fresh grilled lunch after working up a good appetite snorkeling, swimming and using the slide.”
The Spirit of the Islands was built in St. Croix by Gold Coast Yachts, the same outfit that built the other four vessels for Red Sail Sports. It was designed with the same attention to detail − spacious, comfortable and stable – but the grill and water slide were added. A crew of five, including Red Sail Sports Captain Dan Bond, sailed the catamaran on a five-day journey from St. Croix to Grand Cayman, cruising by Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica. While the catamaran was going through the licensing and inspection process in Grand Cayman, Red Sail Sports employees held a contest to name the new tour. There were over 30 entries from staff but Michael Lawday of the Sales Department came up with the winning entry and the new tour was named “Swimmin’, Chillin’ & Grillin”.
The Swimmin’, Chillin’ & Grillin adventure offers a new Catamaran experience for the whole family. Guests take in the sights of one of the world’s most beautiful beaches while sailing to snorkel sites on shallow reefs. While customers are snorkeling, swimming or sliding down the slide, the Chef is grillin’ a delicious late lunch. Grilled items include spare ribs, local fish tacos or beef burgers, accompanied by the usual sides, green salad, potato salad or pasta salad. A cookie or brownie tops off the meal.
SWIMMIN’, CHILLIN, & GRILLIN
Trip Duration: 3 hours
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
The Spirit of the Islands departs from the beach at The Westin Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa and then The Grand Cayman Beach Suites, both located along Seven Mile Beach. The new tour can booked online at www.redsailcayman.com.
Red Sail Sports also offers a number of other adventures for the whole family―glass-bottom boat trips to the Stingray Sandbar, Catamaran snorkel trips, sunset sails and dinner sails, scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking and more. At East End call the watersports shop at Morritt’s Tortuga Club at 947-2097 and it offers dive and catamaran services. To reach the Red Sail Sports shop at Rum Point Club on the North Side call 947-9203. For more information, call the Red Sail Sports main office at (345) 623-5965, e-mail info@redsailcayman.com or visit www.redsailcayman.com.
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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