Monday, March 7, 2011

Arrived Antigua.....

Silver Heels III and Persephone sailing to Antigua
Early Saturday morning 'Silver Heels III' and 'Persephone' sailed the final 40 miles from Guadeloupe to Antigua.  The passage was one of those sails written about in the sailing magazines with perfect winds, perfect direction and perfect seas; a sailors' dream.


Our original destination was English Harbor, but as I approached, I could see a forest of aluminum masts.  So, I radioed SH3 and suggested we divert to Falmouth Harbor, next door, which was much less crowded. 

Upon entering the harbor, a sailor is struck by the mega-yachts in the harbor; including  the 'Maltese Falcon' which is a super high tech sailing vessel over 289 feet long. Maltese Falcon is one of the largest privately owned sailing yachts in the world with a value of only $150,000,000.00 (yes, 150 MILLION !!)...not too bad a neighborhood for 'Persephone' !!

Antigua is terrific....it is a delightful mixture of  best of  the best...the upscale charm of St. John, the commerce of St. Thomas,  the 'yachtiness' of the British Virgins, the topography of St. Lucia, and the Caribbean roots of Grenada.  And, there are 365 beaches; one for every day of  the year. 

This is English and Falmouth Harbor at dusk taken from Shirley Heights:


English Harbor is in the foreground, Falmouth Harbor in the background
 After clearing customs, SH3 and I needed a burger and brew, so we stopped into an eatery near the marinas.  As we were there, in walked old friends from 'Liahona'  We first met Willie and Mark nearly a year ago at Rum Cay, Bahamas.  We loosely buddy boated with them to  Luperon, DR and met up again in Puerto Rico where they spent the summer. (Willie has family in PR and Mark had boat projects). 

On Sundays, there is a large party atop Shirley Heights to toast the sunset, featuring two band; one a pan bands the other traditional rock and roll....both groups were excellent. Here are the crews of  'SH3', 'Liohona' and 'Persephone' enjoying the evening at "The Heights".....

L to R:  Ken and Lynn (SH 3), Mark and Willie (Liahona) and Ole Dave
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1 comment:

  1. moonbowMarch 7, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    I've put together a Google earth Picture with route overlay of a great anchorage in Antigua finest quiet anchorage. I'd love to send you the picture but have no email address. I could ask mike "DD" to forward it. After exiting Falmouth. take a port turn and travel to 17.06.46.20N--61.42.14.93W the last time we were their we entered between to PVC piped planted in the coral.
    We were a 6 foot draft boat. After the bay opens turn to port and feel your way to 17.05.57.52N--61.42.22.36W. You will find a quiet hideaway to stay a few days explore the huge bay. We stayed their while waiting for some canvas we had ordered. You missed to great baguettes in Dehay (sp)

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