Ever Sailed Antigua ?

[jonlaw]

We're planning a trip late January, looking at Antigua.
Anyone charted there ?
Would be grateful for advice and comments.
Thanks
John

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[StellaGirl]

Was at Race Week this year although didnt charter as there are always boats looking for crew then. As far as Antigua goes I loved it and would live there if I could. Great atmosphere arounf Falmouth ans English Harbour and lots to do elsewhere on the island.
Try the Antigua Sailing Week website as they have links to all the charter companies there.
Whatever you do have a great time!

<hr width=100% size=1>Its 11.59am - lets open the beers...

 

[iangrant]

Just booked 2 weeks over Christmas - was there last year for race week - fantastic place -

Ian

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[snowleopard]

probably more good anchorages than any other island. ouf favourite was great bird island. fabulous snorkelling. deep bay is good, forget five islands bay. english harbour worth a visit.

also worth the trip to barbuda, anchor off palmetto point and go ashore on the pink beach, 11 miles of perfect sand and not a soul in sight.

montserrat is a must whether you sail or take an expensive helicopter tour from jolly harbour.

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[AndrewB]

Sailed there, though not in a charter. Race Week is when it all happens. Otherwise, there is fine cruising on the exposed north-west and west sides - but you need first rate charts. Like Snowleopard, I liked Bird Island right at the western end - the birds are pelicans. Snorkling/shelling is good but there are better islands in the WI for this. English Harbour on the south side is not to be missed. Jolly Harbour on the east coast was more appropriately called Mosquito Bay (its old name) - strictly for nurds.

The tiny anchorage at Bird Island

 

[Nat]

Went there 4 year ago & chartered a 24' sports fishing boat cost £350 sterling for 5 days. stayed in Jolly Harbour Villas. You can moor right outside your veranda. Visited loads of secluded beaches, snorkled Cades reef & never got fed up once. Spent the rest of my visit on excursions. Did the helicopter trip not cheap but well worth the experience. definatly a place I would visit again. Lots of interesting things to do. Downside boat came with no charts or depth finder & there are lots of shallow shoals off some beaches. ........Nat

<hr width=100% size=1>2655 ! You can tell me, I'm a Docter !

 

[irishmark]

john

how about a different idea

there are lots of boats that go over from the uk to the carabean each nov/dec and come back in may/june. Many of these are skippered where they make their money on the long passage sails over and back. Twice now i have got a really inexpensive skippered charter over there for virtually nothing. Just an idea...

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[snowleopard]

are you talking about taking a berth once the boats are out there or for the transatlantic passage?

on the ARC the going rate for a fully paid passage is around £2k, would be interested to hear what they charge once they're out there.

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