This year, Red Sail Sports Grand Cayman marks its 25th anniversary as one of the world’s leading resort watersports operators. At Tortuga Divers, we are part of the Red Sail family, so we will play our part in the low-key celebrations and observations planned to mark this huge milestone.
But the primary goal for the entire Red Sail Sports family in 2012 is to refocus our commitment to quality customer service and community involvement. These two pillars have been key to the company’s success since it was established in 1987. They’re also central to our own Grand Cayman East End dive trips.
But for now, let’s take a step back in time to where it all began…
Red Sail Sports’ Humble Beginnings in Grand Cayman
In 1987, U2 released its ‘Joshua Tree’ album, Nirvana appeared on the music scene, and Aretha Franklin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ‘The Last Emperor’ won an Oscar for Best Picture and Lance Armstrong became a professional triathlete.
Down in the Caribbean, Red Sail Sports opened its doors at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman and Britannia, a resort covering some 90 acres, featuring a Jack Nicklaus Golf Course, tennis facilities, a spa, golf villas, and a luxury hotel.
The Cayman Islands dive industry was becoming a formidable force on the world dive scene, and this small watersports operation was the new kid on the block.
‘Red Sail Sports started with two dive boats, a few beach toys and about 20 enthusiastic staff members,’ said Rod McDowall, Red Sail Sports Operations Manager. ‘Over the next 25 years, we built a reputation as one of the world’s leading resort watersports operators. Our philosophy has remained the same throughout the years: Give the customer the highest quality service possible.’
Rod McDowall has remained a constant in the company; he’s been Operations Manager since the first dive boat went out. During his tenure, operations have grown to encompass four luxurious catamarans, eight dive boats, and six full-service dive shops and watersports centres at all major beach resorts on the West Side, East End, and the North Side of Grand Cayman.
On the East End, that’s us! In 2002, Red Sail Sports purchased Tortuga Divers, which was and still is among the most trusted and highly rated dive operators in Grand Cayman’s East End. With this investment, Red Sail became the only premier operation providing dive and watersport services island-wide.
In addition, Red Sail Sports operates an impressive range of resort retail boutiques across Grand Cayman. And because of its partnership with our island’s major resorts, the company has also created a Destination Management department to serve corporate groups and incentive travel.
Growing in Grand Cayman, in Good Times and Bad
Red Sail stalwart Rod McDowall has also been a steady presence in Grand Cayman’s tourism and dive industries, having served in several leadership positions through the years. In that time, Red Sail Sports has hosted a long list of celebrities such as NBC weatherman Al Roker, NFL star Marcus Allen, Fox Football sportscaster Howie Long, and TV personality Regis Philbin.
There is a rich history of diving in the Cayman Islands, but this is just one of the reasons why people travel from all over the world to explore our underwater wonders.
‘The Cayman Islands offer some of the best scuba diving in the world, our waters and beaches are fantastic, we are easily accessible by air from the mainland US, and Cayman is one of the safest destinations in the world’, said McDowall. ‘We believe in what we have to offer here and we are committed, so being involved in promoting our home is a natural thing for me.’
It’s this determination and passion for the place we call home that has stood us in good stead during trying circumstances.
‘The Cayman Islands as a destination and the dive industry as a whole have gone through a very tough time in recent years because of Hurricane Ivan and the global economy,’ said McDowall. ‘Many companies worldwide did not survive, but Red Sail Sports is growing, expanding and continuing to improve. That is a direct result of the way we do business and the way we service our customers.’
Ready to learn more about the good folk who can help you explore the waters off Grand Cayman’s East End? Meet our team before you arrive!
Reflecting on 25 Years of Red Sail Sports Grand Cayman
To honour this 25th anniversary, Red Sail Sports will continue to do what it does best: provide top-notch service. Our company is undertaking a training program to enhance customer service at all levels and remains committed to community service, as evidenced by the ongoing support for the Special Olympics program for the Cayman Islands.
‘Red Sail Sports has been here for 25 years,’ said Rod McDowall, ‘and we plan to be here for another 25 years, setting the standard and being a contributor to our community.’
Book Your Diving in Grand Cayman’s East End
Let’s start planning your adventures here in paradise! Browse our range of Grand Cayman East End dive trips and see what catches your eye.
Do you have any questions for us? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for the answers you need.
