Our itinerary kept us in Antigua for several weeks leaving plenty of time to explore the island ashore, run some errands, sail around a bit, then be back in Falmouth in time for the Classic Yacht Regatta. Friends were flying in to join us for the week of sailing events, and we anticipated a great visit to this country. Island Dream, Island Time, Native Dancer, Bodacious, Pipe muh Bligh and all their crew were here as well, so this rendezvous turned out to be a true cruiser’s gam. More on this later.
Joy and I rented a car for a couple days to explore, shop, and run errands along the way. On the dinghy ride into shore, we varied our route each day to gaze at many of the beautiful yachts of all sizes gathered for regatta. In Falmouth Harbor, everywhere you turn there is another beautiful yacht, some original classics, some restorations, and quite a few gorgeous replicas.
We spent our first day ashore wandering around Falmouth, English Harbor, and Nelson’s Dockyard, home to Admiral Nelson’s English navy. The Dockyard faces English Harbor where ships were secure from storms, and hidden from view when tucked up into the inner reaches.
Just about every yacht service imaginable is present in Antigua; somewhat more expensive for us yachties, but not for the mega-yachts because money grows on their spreaders. Not saying the businesses slight us; just the opposite is true. Antigua depends on tourism and the yachting business which together make up a huge portion of the island’s revenue.
