Antigua

We’re here in Antigua, having made the 45 mile crossing on Sunday. It really was a nice crossing, with very large swells about 10 seconds apart, but with no significant waves. The forecast was for 10 to 15 knots of wind from the east, but it was supposed to die and/or switch to the north; both of which could have caused us some trouble. We therefore got up at 3:30 and were moving at 4:00, so as to get as much of the good air as possible. The air was actually quite light, but during the times we sailed, we still averaged over 4.5 knots. No fish on the lines, but we did see a pod of very large whales. Dawn got nervous about their proximity, but all I had to do was stomp my feet a few times, and we saw the flukes of their tails as they went for a deep dive to get away from us.

We have been spending some time with a crew from Trade Wind, a 42 foot Lord Nelson, built like a Hans Christian, with rounded ends and a big bowsprit.

Sailing Vessel: Trade Wind


Jim & Michelle walking along the boardwalk to the beach:

Jim, the owner, and his crew Michelle, wanted to spend the last day on Guadeloupe at a beach, so the day before we left, we bussed to the north and walked along a series of beaches, ending at the prettiest, Grand Anse. The waves from the swells were fantastic, as Dawn’s pictures will attest; and the beach was creamy white and very steep. We had some fun in the surf and a great French lunch at one of the little restaurants on the beach. Most enjoyable was the people-watching. Besides some rather attractive people enjoying the beach in their own custom, the people being trashed by the surf were quite entertaining.

Can you find Laurie in some of these?




When we approached English Harbour on Sunday, it was obvious something was up, as many giant racing boats were milling about. Checking a local periodical we had on board, we realized that they were tuning up for a 600 mile race to be started on Monday morning. Dawn and I climbed up to a fort with other spectators yesterday morning, and enjoyed the start. The race runs around many of the close islands, finishing back at English Harbour after 4 days of racing. Not for the queasy, for even the largest yacht was bouncing and throwing spray, with all sails up all the way, and looking rather overpowered. A spectator beside us said he gave it up, as he hated sleeping on the rail. I said “Really?”; to which he said that they needed as much of that weight out there as possible, and it was a 4 day race! I’m not that tough, and don’t believe I ever was.








We’ll be staying in this bay, near historic Nelson’s Dockyard, until Ron and Judy arrive from New Brunswick. It is picturesque, with old buildings, nautical history, great hikes, and possibly some snorkelling if the water stays clear enough. However, it is a megayacht mecca, with outrageous prices for just about everything, and rather poor chandleries. We’ll stay fit, do some reading, work on boat chores, and find some fun as well.

On our walk last night we found the famous Maltese Falcon. Click here to check it out!
There is even a little movie on this second site. Click here to see it.