ARC St Lucia or ARC Antigua

[stiknstring]

Due to the popularity of the Arc (altho' not always on this board!), the organisers are promoting an alternative ARC to Antigua. I can't decide between the two (we are intending to do the 2004 ARC). On one hand, Antigua is nearer to Miami from where the boat will be redelivered back to Europe and has, from brochures I have seen, some great beaches for the family who will come out to join us. It is also the scene of the Antigua race week. On the other hand, I have been to St Lucia before and it was a beautiful island. Apart from that I have no idea of the relative merits of each island as a holiday destination. Does anyone have any views on the islands as separate destinations from a sailing perspective as well as a holiday destination?

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Thanks....

 

[snowleopard]

st lucia v antigua

i did arc and arc europe last year. given a choice i would go for the gran canaria/st lucia event as the much bigger event would be a lot more fun, but-

rodney bay marina is v. noisy and plagued by boat boys and crime, quite a few arc participants were mugged in the area. not many places to cruise around st lucia, perhaps less than half a dozen anchorages. quite a good boatyard for repairs etc.

jolly harbour is quiet and more salubrious and antigua, while not pretty inland has lots of fabulous anchorages and great snorkelling. Antigua is also a good starting point for going to montserrat, also st barths (fabulous anse des columbiers) and st maarten for the best yards and chandlers in the lesser antilles.

whichever you choose you'll have a great trip. good luck

 

[Guest]

Post deleted by danfoley

 

[stiknstring]

Thanks to both respondents. Very useful to get first hand opinions. I am leaning towards Antigua - although as snowleopard says there may be more fun going with the larger rally to St Lucia. Anyway, feel somewhat subdued after seeing the bad news today of the first fatality on the Rally. Thoughts go out to the family.

Thanks again...

 

[sailbadthesinner]

English Harbour in Antigua is v beatiful. Home of race week it is fantastic. You have the west side of the island to cruise
Jolly Harbour and Dickinson Bay St johns the capital is a bit grotty in parts
NE side is full of reefs and not reccomended.

Inland there is not much to offer although shirley heights on a sunday is a must.

South you have Guadeloupe, a bit grotty in parts but east side is lovely, pigeon island is the home of a Jacques cousteau underwater nature reserve. South of there Ilses De Saints quiet and unspoilt.

You can get to Nevis easily form anitgua and you could go to Montserrat although this is discouraged due to volcanoe.

If it F***s Flies or Floats. Rent it. For god's sake don't marry it.

 

[Guest]

It could depend on the size of boat you have. St Lucia takes boats down to 28 ft while Antigua you will need a 35 footer. What is the logic here?

 

[Guest]

It could depend on the size of boat you have. St Lucia takes boats down to 28 ft while for Antigua you will need a 35 footer. What is the logic here?