Antigua, largest of the Leeward Islands, is a paradise of coral reefs, long stunning beaches and, unsurprisingly with its rich naval history, first class sailing. It is famously home of cricketing legend Sir Viv Richards as well as one of the world’s most rare (and harmless) snakes.
Another legend, Horatio Nelson, set up camp in English Harbour in 1783. Then a 28-year-old Captain, he was sent to patrol these waters and defend the local sugar plantations from the French. It’s all very Pirates of the Caribbean and Nelson’s Dockyard, a great colonial relic and living history, and is a rare UNESCO World Heritage site. Other memories of the colonial past remain in the historic forts, but true Caribbean flavour is all over the candy-coloured villages and rum mellowed locals!
If you need more sailing provenance Antigua hosts The Classic Yacht Regatta annually in April when yachts from around the world come to take part and experience an Antiguan welcome is second to none. Local cuisine includes tasty dishes harnessing the flavours of corn, white sweet potatoes & the famous Antiguan ‘Black pineapple’. If you get bored of rum punch ‘Wadadli’ is a beer brewed on the island perfect for long, warm evenings of pink sands & gentle skies.
We sail out of quaintly-named Jolly Harbour Marina, helpfully situated 20 minutes from the International airport and the bustling capital of St Johns on the North West coast. A 30 mile reach away Barbuda, known locally as Antigua’s ‘little sister’, is a popular destination and famous for its bird sanctuary. More locally the coves, bays and beaches around the rugged coastline are simply a delight – as is the sunset over Nevis. Great water sports here too.
Skill-wise: with winds ranging from Force 2 to 5 there is good line of sight coastal sailing for novice skippers who know how to read charts and plot a course. If you want to make the beat to Barbuda you will need open water sailing experience.
Weather-wise: From November through to June the temperature is a fairly constant 30° degrees with East through Northeast winds providing excellent winter sailing.
Antigua Yacht Charter Base Co-Ordinates:
17°04.50′ N 61°54.37 W
Antigua Yacht Charter Base Address:
Jolly Harbour Marina
St Johns
Antigua
Antigua Yacht Charter Base Facilities:
- Cafe / bar with free wifi
- Parking
- Crane
- Power supply
- Water supply
- Restaurant
- WC
- Gasoline station
- Showers
- Weather forecast
- Laundry service
- Workshop
- Casino
- Dry Berths
- Slipway
- Swimming Pool
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Antigua Yacht Charter General remarks:
The marina at jolly harbour is ideally located just 30 minutes from the International airport and 20 minutes from the Island’s capital, St John.
Antigua Yacht Charter Distances:
- Montserrat – 29nm
- Saint kitts – 51nm
- Dominica – 112nm
- St lucia – 192nm
- St Vincent – 237nm
- Barbados – 273nm
- Grenada – 302nm
- Trinidad – 388nm
