Antigua and some Learn to Sail questions

Learning to sail in Antigua can be a big step so it pays to do your homework before you commit. But how do you know which questions to ask?

Here are some tips for the novice sailors...

Firstly, are you interested in a live aboard sailing course?  This means that you spend a week, or however long you have booked, living onboard that particular yacht... This means sleeping, cooking and cruising.  This is fun because you get to see a broader range of places on your trip; you will never visit the same place twice. This is life afloat!

Learn to sail in Antigua... Unspoilt paradise.

Secondly, is it a group course where you will be with other students or will you have the boat to yourself (and your friends) for one to one instruction?  A group course can work out very cost effective but you have no control over your fellow ship mates!

Finally, what kind of learn to sail certification will you get at the end of your successful week or ten days?  Is certification important to you or would you be happy with a less structured week with your own Instructor and no certification at the end of it... More of a "discover sailing" adventure?

These are just a few of the questions that you may wish to ask yourself before committing to a learn to sail course.  Surprises can be fun but a little bit of homework will ensure that your first learn to sail experience is a positive one and the only surprises are the stunning sunsets and anchorages of your chosen Caribbean destination!

The perfect yacht charter destination for couples - Antigua

When you work hard all year long you really need your vacation time to matter.  Quite often that means connecting back with loved ones and enjoying your down time together away from the school run, the pressure of work and the stress of simply commuting.  For some, it's just being in a warm, tropical environment and we certainly have that year-round in Antigua.

If you are looking for the perfect destination in which to do that, we are a little biased but we believe Antigua & Barbuda rates up there with the best that the Caribbean has to offer.

Unspoilt anchorages of Antigua & Barbuda

We also made the conscious decision to provide a smaller fleet of boats to those people who would prefer to cruise the Caribbean with just their significant other, or perhaps another couple.  For example, we have our 2-cabin, 2014 Bavaria 33 available for charter to one or two couples.  Take a look here:

Bavaria 33 perfect for 2 couples

We are also pleased to be able to offer our 2 cabin Jeanneau 36i "Sandpiper" available for bareboat charter from mid February 2015.  With two double cabins, this is also perfect for one or two couples looking to spend quality time far from the crowds.  We also now have the 3 cabin, 36i version available from November 2014.

Jeanneau 36i new for Antigua fleet February 2015

So what makes Antigua & Barbuda the perfect cruising destination for couples who enjoy sailing?  For couples looking for seclusion, Antigua and Barbuda offers a myriad of unspoilt anchorages, coves and bays.  Places where you can drop the hook, dive into the water and not have another boat around you.  There are also a number of wonderful places to eat right on the beach - either a long, lazy lunch or perhaps something more romantic for dinner.

Seclusion when you want it - Jacqui O's Beach Restaurant

Enjoy Jacqui O's Beach Bar and Restaurant on the peaceful west coast of Antigua.  Fine dining served with the laid back charm of the Caribbean.

Sheer Rocks for a romantic dinner

Once you've totally destressed and you're ready to join civilisation again, why not sail to the south of Antigua and enjoy the many bars and restaurants on offer down there - everything from sushi at Club Sushi to high-end lobster and fries at Hamilton's in the Dockyard.

If this sounds like heaven on earth to you, give us a call or drop us an email.

Horizon Yacht Charters (Antigua)
Toll free:  +1 (866) 439 1089
Tel:  +1 (268) 562 4725
Skype:  jackieashford1
Email:  info@antiguahorizon.com

A crewed charter with a difference in the Caribbean - fluffy towels optional

Think of a crewed Catamaran charter in the Caribbean and immediately your thoughts will likely turn to being waited on hand and foot, enjoying some fluffy towels at shower time and spending your days alternating between sunbathing on the sun platform and flopping into the turquoise blue water.... well, stop!  

News Flash

There is another way and it's available right now in the heart of the Caribbean.  

Meet AFTICA.  Aftica is a crewed Catamaran charter with a difference.  So what is the difference I hear you say "I like fluffy towels and flopping around!"

The difference is in the unique Caribbean experience you will have on board this Leopard 45 Catamaran, delivered through a hugely knowledgeable and fun crew.  

Let's start with your crew and yacht owners.  Meet Paul and Marguerite... 

Paul - Your Captain, Guide and Entertainer

Born in the UK, Paul was previously a Professional Engineer.  He has lived and worked on six Continents and has sailed since the tender age of 6 years old.  He is an RYA Yachtmaster and an Advanced diver.  

Together for 45 years and based in Antigua, Migs and Paul have sailed, dived, skied, mountaineered in Europe, USA, Canada, Asia and Australia. 

Marguerite (Migs) - Your First Mate, Guide and Story Teller

Born in Trinidad and raised in Antigua, Migs was previously a flight attendant with the local Caribbean airline before becoming a travel industry professional.  She has lived in Europe and Asia as well as the West Indies.  She is a BSAC and PADI Diving Instructor as well as a Royal Yachting Association qualified Skipper.

The experience

Paul and Migs offer a very special type of Caribbean experience; with their in depth knowledge of the islands and their superb adventurous spirit, you will be joining them aboard to fully experience the islands - above and below the water - in a unique and special way.

Migs at the helm of Aftica; off on another sailing adventure

Flexibility is key to both of them.  They can collect you from either Antigua, St Maarten, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Dominica and Grenada - whatever suits your flight schedule best.

To give you  a flavour of our sample itineraries, take a peek at just a few right here:
http://horizonyachtcharters.com/antigua-barbuda/itineraries/

You will meet over Marguerite's old-fashioned rum punch (carries a Government health warning but it does have its roots firmly in her Trinidadian/Antiguan heritage) before heading off to provision.  You won't have a chef on board this cruise who will be serving you vol-au-vents; instead you will all take a turn at the BBQ - delighting each other with your concoctions!  That said, Marguerite is a pretty mean fisher 'woman' and has been known to catch a large tuna off the back of the boat.  We can plan an itinerary with you or just see where the wind blows you - that's the kind of experience Paul and Migs want you to have; passionate about sharing the islands with you.  

Join them for a fun, casual and hugely rewarding vacation with a difference.  Read more here and then get in touch to check their availability.  
http://horizonyachtcharters.com/antigua-barbuda/crewedboats/leopard-45-aftica/

Paul and Migs aboard Aftica

You can contact us here and we look forward to planning your unique Caribbean sailing adventure. 

Email:  info@antiguahorizon.com
Telephone toll free:  +1 866 439 1089
Telephone:  +1 (268) 562 4725
Skype:  jackieashford1

www.horizonyactcharters.com