The
country of Antigua and Barbuda is a tiny
world of its own in the Leeward Islands.
Both destinations offer such a great range
of anchorages that you can cruise for two
weeks without ever retracing your steps.
Barbuda is the uncommercial sister-island
where you can get away from it all, while
Antigua is the place to be for nightlife
and the traditional Caribbean “jump
up” parties where rum punch flows.
Antigua Race Week in April is the highlight
of the Caribbean Regatta season for competitive
sailors.
Our
Antigua base at the historic Nelson’s
Dockyard in English Harbour is the perfect
starting point for exploring the coastline
and some of Antigua’s beaches.
Shirley Heights on the southern shore
is a popular gathering place every Sunday
for the famous Antigua rum punch party
with a BBQ and live music. On the east
side, anchor at Nonsuch Bay and step
ashore to Harmony Hall for a fabulous
lunch with a spectacular view. Nearby
Green Island is an unspoilt hideaway
with plenty of excellent anchorages to
spot redbilled tropic birds and pelicans.
In the colourful capital of St. Johns,
fabulous duty-free gift shops and boutiques
sit alongside the local market stalls.
Take a break from browsing and grab a
bite to eat from one of the many snack
stops on the busy streets or get away
from it all at one of the roof top restaurants.
The low, tranquil island of Barbuda is
renowned for its sandy beaches, of which ‘eleven
mile’ beach is a particular favourite among sailors. Snorkellers are
in for a treat with eagle rays and sting rays a common sight over the colourful
coral. From Barbuda it is also possible to visit the tiny neighbouring islands
of St. Kitts and Nevis. These lush islands combine rainforests and unspoilt
beaches with the best-conserved colonial settlements in the Leeward Islands
group.
Wind and sailing conditions Antigua and Barbuda both experience year round
northeast to southeast winds from 10
to 20 knots in the summer months and 15 to 25 knots from November to May. Winter
season winds are generally east to northeast with July and October northeast
to southeast variations for short periods. Currents generally flow in a westerly
direction and the tidal range is approximately 18 inches.
Fly to Antigua airport. Transfer - approximately 1 hour
Fly to St.Vincent Airport – our base at Lagoon Marina is only 10 minutes
away.
English
Eastern
Caribbean Dollar, US Dollar
November
to May
Cruising
Guide to the Leewards by Chris Doyle
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