Antigua Classic Yacht Week

Willie of 'Liahona' at the helm of 'Coral'
with two of the crew

The festivities for Classic Week started on Tuesday evening.  The crew of 'Liahona', 'Silver Heels III' and 'Persephone' were invited aboard the classic yacht 'Coral' for a dinner with the crew.  "Coral" is a beautiful, all wooden 100+ foot schooner built in 1902.  Her homeport is South Africa and she transversed the Atlantic to participate in Race Week.  We had originally discussed with the captain racing aboard her during a cocktail party onboard 'Liahona'.  We were all set to go.  BUT !!  Coral is for sale, and at the last minute, the owner and broker wouldn't allow her to be raced for fear of damaging her.  I think the crew was more disappointed than we were. .

Last night there was a meet and greet at the Antigua Yacht Club. 
They really went all out....free Mt. Gay rum, a BBQ and excellent sushi. We all completely enjoyed the evening, catching up with old friends and meeting cruisers we have only heard on the radio.  They were still going strong when we left at 11:30 !!

This morning there was the "Concours d'Elegance" at the docks. This is a beauty contest for the yachts.  The crews have been working for days (weeks ?) touching up varnish and spit polishing the bronze.  There was so much varnish and polished metals, you had to wear shades....

The racing starts tomorrow.  We have rented a QUAD (4 wheel drive off-road vehicle) to carry us, and the coolers (yes, plural) up Pigeon Hill so we can observe the races.  This vantage point should provide a spectacular view of the race course.

What did I do with my new red Mt. Gay cap ??

Capt. Dave