SUPERYACHTS IN ANTIGUA

The best part of a visit to Antigua is the sighting of some of the world's most famous and iconic super yachts. For example we spotted The Maltese Falcon on our AIS when we were sailing from Jolly Harbour back to Falmouth Harbour. They were also going to Falmouth as well and we had the opportunity of see her 'up close'.

MORE ABOUT ANTIGUA

A hike up to Shirley Heights just East of English Harbour was invigorating and enjoyable. Not only was the view from the top very spectacular, the flora was incredible. So different from other islands and so abundant with different species. Some 'Acacia' looking low trees with 'air plants' growing without their roots in the ground. Aloes, cacti, and different grasses. In fact there is a 'star' grass variety which is normally found in North Africa. Apparently the seeds are carried in the Trade Winds that also bring across dust from the Sahara desert.

This is the view from half way up the Shirley Heights hill. You can see English Harbour in the foreground and Falmouth harbour in the distance

 Air plants and Aloes....

This is the AIR plant...Growing in the tree branches

Ancient volcanic rocks

THE ISLAND OF ANTIGUA. For New Year.

We revisit the best destination that we experienced last season.
After spending Christmas in The Saints (Les Isles des Saintes) we decided that Falmouth Harbour in Antigua would be the ideal place to enjoy the New Year celebrations.
Falmouth and English Harbours are famous for their fireworks displays and the ambiance is thrilling with superyacht crews out to celebrate. Plenty of entertainment is also available.

ISLAND OF DOMINICA

We anchored in the large Prince Rupert Bay by the town of Portsmouth. Our favourite beachside bar is no longer any good. Sandy who was the power behind the business has dropped out and will open a new bar further along the beach.
We found the area a bit tiresome. Locals accost you a lot of the time. Their attitude is not pleasant as they are usually inebriated or high on drugs.
Many people love Dominica which is strange because there are other much nicer destinations along the Windward and Leeward islands.

SAINT PIERRE FROM SAINT ANNE

After leaving St Anne we arrived in St Pierre up on the North west corner of Martinique. This is a difficult bay to anchor in because of the depth of water. The `shelf`for anchoring is very narrow and the currents are erratic. However we had no problem this time.

RODNEY BAY TO MARTINIQUE

Saint Anne on the island of Martinique is a very pleasant place to anchor although very crowded. From the town of St Anne you can get to the shops and chandlers in Le Marin on a very inexpensive bus. Being a French territory the shops are full of  home French products so it was here that we bought salmon, champagne and fois gras for our Christmas.

BEQUIA TO RODNEY BAY

We had a radar problem so we had arranged to visit the local technicians in Rodney Bay Marina. On arrival we initially anchored in the bay then we entered the lagoon and marina and docked on J14 pontoon. We enjoyed our stay especially since it was at the same time as the famous ARC arrivals (ARC is Atlantic Rally for Cruisers). It was fun watching the arrivals and there were celebrations and parties to abundance.
Here we also met up with old friends in Aztec Dreams who were in the marina for repairs to their water maker.