Kick off the new year with the January Issue PDF, explore the full Caribbean Compass archive, and access the updated Caribbean Events Calendar for all of 2026, now live and ready to help you plan the year ahead.
This issue also takes a thoughtful look back at the 2025 Compass Year in Review, reflecting on a year of stories, sailing, and community across the Caribbean.
In our Island Spotlight, we head to Barbados, where rugged Atlantic coastlines meet calm Caribbean anchorages. From historic rum distilleries to rich culture and diverse cruising grounds, Barbados remains a must-know destination for sailors exploring the eastern Caribbean.
As winter settles in, North Swells signal the seasonal shift across the region. Learn what causes these swells, how to read the warning signs, and how to plan safer passages and anchorages during winter conditions.
We also tackle an important cruising topic in “Yellow Flagging It” Is Ill-Advised, exploring why delaying formal clearance can lead to fines, delays, and unnecessary complications for visiting sailors.
In Rudder Loss Resonates, a powerful story of seamanship and resilience unfolds, highlighting the emotional bond sailors share with their boats and the lessons learned when things go wrong at sea.
Looking to charter? Sailing the Caribbean with Horizon Yacht Charters explores two iconic cruising grounds — the relaxed elegance of the British Virgin Islands and the wild, unspoiled beauty of St. Vincent and the Grenadines — showcasing adventure, flexibility, and unforgettable sailing experiences.
This issue also features an inspiring profile of a U.S. Virgin Islands native returning to St. Croix as an educator and environmental changemaker, empowering youth and supporting grassroots environmental leadership in the USVI.
In Caribbean Reminiscences: Freedom’s Child (Part Two), author Chris Doyle takes readers back to a bygone era of Caribbean racing and cruising, sharing personal stories and unforgettable moments aboard Freedom’s Child.
Rounding out the issue is the latest updated list of shortwave Caribbean weather nets and websites, now refreshed for winter 2025/2026 by Bill Woodroffe, an essential resource for cruisers navigating the region.
Download the January 2026 edition of Caribbean Compass and start the year informed, inspired, and ready to sail.
