Antigua

Galadriel left Norfolk enroute to Antigua in late October with a delivery skipper and crew on board. According to the Captain, on the 3^rd night of the trip, as Galadriel approached Bermuda, they were reaching along in 25 knots of wind and a quartering sea when a “rogue” wave estimated to be 25-30 feet in height came aboard. In addition to some not insignificant but manageable damage above decks, the companionway hatch was open and the wave rushed below and did a tremendous amount of damage below decks. (in the end, repairs totaled over 100K) The delivery crew limped into Bermuda for emergency repairs, which took 2 weeks, then continued the delivery to Antigua, arriving just before thanksgiving.

Antigua is a lovely, mountainous island with more beautiful coves and anchorages then just about anywhere in the Leeward Islands. The people are a mix of very friendly islanders and British locals and expats from all over. The only downside is the cruise ships calling on the Capital, St. Johns but this is easily avoided. Outside of St. Johns, there is no significant commercial development but the coast of the island is sprinkled with really cool, boutique resorts. Christie and I highly recommend a visit, particularly by boat.

Since Christie and I had booked our flight to Antigua before Galadriel was damaged by the rogue wave, we decided to go forward with our vacation and wait for her arrival. As it turns out, we spent 8 nights before she arrived at very nice hotel/resort called the Admiral’s Inn, located at historic Nelson’s Dockyard. We tried several rooms over the course of our stay and one of our favorites was the “Loft” seen here. Note the mosquito netting- Antigua does have mosquitoes in areas where the wind is blocked, though they are not a big problem.

Once Galadriel arrived and the rest of the repairs were completed, we were able to spend a couple of weeks circumnavigating the island as we explored many of it’s beautiful coves, anchorages and restaurants. 

 Deep Bay on the west (lee) side of Antigua makes for a sheltered overnight anchorage.

 While there, we hiked up to the ruins of an old fort.

There is no dinghy dock on Dickenson Bay so anchoring the Zodiac just off the beach seemed a reasonable approach. It just means that someone has to get wet- a real hardship in 86 degree water.

Dickenson Bay has a couple of restaurants and other action on the beach for those seeking a break from communing with nature in the other anchorages.

 Galadriel anchored in English Harbor in front of the Admiral’s Inn.

Entering Falmouth harbor, the main harbor for resident and visiting sail and power yachts.

Some of the entries in the annual superyacht race around Falmouth Harbor. All entries were cleverly constructed the same morning and as one can see, money was no object.

Approaching Five Islands point.

Passing Prickly Pear island while traversing Boon Channel on the north side of Antigua. A nice lunch stop with decent snorkeling on the reef visible to the left of the island.

If you want to get a bit off  the standard anchorage circuit for lunch and are confident enough at reef navigating, this spot is kind of cool. A true tiny desert isle, complete with its own very nice reef. We did a tank dive here in about 30 ft of water. Just check your anchor before you continue your dive because you damn sure don’t want to drag down on the reef.

Sheer Rock restaurant atop Fryes Point on the west side of Antigua.

Sheer Rock is a really cool tapas restaurant, complete with several sunning areas and plunge pools for cooling off after lunch and sangria!

Galadriel anchored off Sheer Rock. One of our favorite anchorages just because of the sheer beauty of the multiple shades of turquoise water.