Try the street food on your next Horizon sailing charter

Being a bit of a food lover with a passion for travelling, I always try and seek out the more local places to try before the "headline" restaurants that get the 5 stars on Trip Advisor (although they are great too!).  I like to have an authentic experience; especially when I'm visiting a place for the first time.  You can do that here in Antigua, too.

Antigua's street markets are a must on your sailing charter

We like to visit the street stalls that are dotted around the island.  The picture above is Clemie's and it's located near to Carlisle Bay which is your overnight anchorage.  It's a nice walk or a quick taxi ride.  You get such great value for money.  What you will also find is the freshest ingredients.

At this time of year, you can buy an abundance of fresh mango.  Remember to buy a mix of slightly hard so they ripen in the galley and ready to eat. Any stall holder will be able to help you with this if you are not sure.

Fresh mango at this time of year - it's the season!

As well as fresh fruit stalls, you must also try the street food.  You will see stalls with their little blackboards tempting you with jerk chicken, goat water and bull foot soup.  You must try these as they are tasty bowls of food and incredibly good value.  Talk to us when you arrive and we can give you a heads-up where to experience a truly local food experience.

info@antiguahorizon.com

Our Instagram feed - bringing you a taste of Antigua sailing and island life, every day

We are so lucky to live and work on the beautiful island of Antigua.  We're also pretty lucky that the iPhone camera is so good!  So we put these two things together and created an Instagram feed for Horizon Yacht Charters in Antigua.

Every day I see something amazing or funny, or both!  Everything from glorious sailing yachts to a pair of piglets eating grass at the side of the road.

Always on the look out for amazing Antigua sunsets!

Make sure that you follow our feed - we're at

horizonyachtchartersantigua

See you in paradise!

Jackie

Catamaran sailing in Antigua.... with a bit of performance thrown in for good measure.

Introducing something a little different to those catamaran lovers out there.... meet Lucy2 - an AEROYACHT Alpha 42 cruising catamaran built in the US and ready to sail in Antigua.

Lucy2 under sail

The wave-piercing design of the bows give a more stable sail, so perfect for non-sailors who enjoy a comfortable cruise out here in the Caribbean.  Perfect also for passage making if you wanted to sail a little further afield and put this catamaran to the test.

The futuristic and modern design is sure to turn heads as you enter the anchorage.

The helmsmen's station on our Alpha 42

Aside from aesthetics, the comfort levels have all been carefully thought through on this catamaran. There are four double cabins plus two heads and two separate showers.

The place for sundowners - Lucy2's front row seats

The exterior and interior space flows together as one - on one level - making a huge living space for your friends and family.

This Catamaran is built for comfort and performance

There is a wonderful article on this performance catamaran
http://www.aeroyacht.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MQ-Alpha-42-article.pdf

The Caribbean sea that won't land in your cocktail - welcome to sailing Antigua!

How do you fancy a calm, blue Caribbean sea that won't land in your freshly made cocktail? If that's the case then need not worry because Antigua is the sailing area for you!

Antigua is located in the heart of the Caribbean and boasts calm seas, blue skies and the blissful trade winds. Our base here at Horizon Yacht Charters is on the west coast of Antigua in Jolly Harbor; in the lee of the island. This comes at a great advantage due to the fact you can sail straight out of Jolly Harbor and sail either north or south along the coast and you will find calm, secluded bays and some great snorkeling. 

Antigua & Barbuda sailing - into the blue



The weather here creates the perfect conditions for calm winds and flat seas. The trade winds float across Antigua; between 15 to 20 knots of warm air across the island - perfect for filling your sails and gently gliding you down the coastline of Antigua, or if you would prefer a little adventure further afield, why not visit Antigua's sister island Barbuda which is just 25 miles north of Antigua. It's about a 4-5 hour sail, so you can set off in the morning and be there in the early afternoon to enjoy some fantastic snorkeling, endless beaches and land tours.

This short hop across the Caribbean seas should be smooth and relaxing as it's a beam reach there and back. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife such as turtles, dolphins and even the odd whale! There is also Green Island if you enjoy a longer sail around the coastline of Antigua, whilst enjoying the calm seas and blissful sunshine. Located on the east side of the island it has the perfect secluded bay, protected by a reef, which will squash any worries about rolling out of your bunk at nights! There are some great snorkeling spots there and a beach that is perfect for lighting up the BBQ and enjoying the view of your very own private yacht!

Local weather report from Windguru

As you can see from Windguru, the weekly weather shows easterly winds of 12-20 knots with the occasional 2 knot change. Otherwise a very calm easterly swell - perfect for sailing in and around Antigua.

There are many different activities that take place on the water here in Antigua. You are more than likely to see the local fishermen who will amaze you as to how far offshore they are. They'll be bobbing up and down slowly whilst enjoying the glorious sunshine and calm seas which allow them to travel that much further for their catch of the day!

Many people travel from all over the world to come to Antigua to learn to sail as it's in the perfect location. There are 3 different sailing schools here who are busy year round teaching novice sailors.  They take advantage of the fact that there are hardly any tides which makes for simpler navigation and the calm winds and flat seas mean you can concentrate purely on sailing and learning!

Antigua's blissful weather conditions apply to children and adults alike. The North American optimist championship is also held here. Over 150 children will be competing to win the title. The boats will race outside of Falmouth hHrbor allowing them to make the most of the calm, blue waters. You'll more than likely see them happily bobbing around, enjoying the thrill of the race - Antigua is enjoyed by all ages!

A calm, relaxing evening at anchor

So if you're looking for the ultimate relaxing sailing vacation where the sun is always shining, the breeze is steady and the seas are calm and invitingly warm, then Antigua is the best sailing area for you.

Sailing catamaran "Aftica"; your boat, your crew, your choice!

Are you curious to sail the the beautiful, blue seas of the Caribbean? Do you wonder what it's like sail from one island to the next? Now you can find out by joining our fun, adventurous and knowledgeable crew aboard catamaran 'Aftica' with Horizon Yacht Charters.

WELCOME TO SAILING "AFTICA"

Catamaran Aftica under sail

Aftica is the name of a beautiful 45 foot 'Leopard' catamaran specializing in 1-3 week crewed sailing trips for people who have a passion for adventure and love nothing more than discovering hidden treasures around the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean - Guadeloupe, Dominica, St Martin, St Bart's, Antigua and beyond. 

All you will need to bring is yourselves and a bathing suit and you will be all set to start your sailing adventure. Aftica comes fully equipped with fresh linens and towels, bathroom supplies and, of course, an amazing crew so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the sailing or, if you prefer, why not take the helm under Captain Paul's tuition?

Sail to Guadeloupe aboard Aftica

Aftica is a unique charter, in that it's all about you joining this amazing team to make sure you have the ultimate sailing vacation.  Cooking, cleaning and being part of the crew is what it's all about! Everybody chips in to make sure the boat stays ship shape. This could be a great opportunity for people who may not have had the chance to be on a sailing yacht before - now they have the chance to experience what life at sea could be like. Or perhaps you are a potential catamaran purchaser and would love to see how one sails first hand, or maybe you are just a passionate sailor looking for a unique adventure.

YOUR CREW

Paul is your Captain on board Aftica and he has an infectious passion for sailing. He has lived on 6 different continents and was previously a professional engineer. He is also an RYA Yachtmaster and an advanced diver. With Paul's extensive knowledge you are sure to be in safe hands whilst learning everything about the Caribbean through the stories they will share with you.

Captain Paul with First Mate Marguerite

Marguerite (Migs) was born in Trinidad and raised in Antigua and is also a Padi Dive instructor as well as an RYA yacht skipper. Like Paul, Migs has also lived abroad in countries such as Asia and in Europe allowing her to share fun and exciting stories about her different experiences. Migs also has a love for sailing, making her the ultimate First Mate and all-round fun and enthusiastic crew.

DINING

You will also have the chance to waken your taste buds in some of the Caribbean's great restaurants. If you would prefer to gaze at the stars whilst eating a home cooked meal on board then that's also an option for you. All of the provisions will be bought together in the store before setting off so you will have the choice of what's on the menu! There is also the opportunity to catch your dinner as you cast your lines to see what bites; whether it's a tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo or even a marlin.

Snorkel and explore the Caribbean's underwater treasures

CRUISING AREA

Whilst on board the beautiful Leopard 45 you have the option of exploring the Caribbean island of Antigua, the home of Aftica, Paul and Migs. Antigua is located in the heart of the Caribbean and boasts 365 beaches, unspoilt bays and calm seas. Alternatively, you could extend your adventure further afield. Aftica and her crew are happy to sail you on a round trip or can offer you a one way trip from one island to the next and, thanks to their extensive knowledge, no island is out of bounds, even Montserrat!  Through Paul and Migs extensive knowledge of the Caribbean you will no doubt be led off the beaten track only to discover places beyond the guide books.

Relax, kayak, explore - the choice is yours

YOUR CHARTER, YOUR SCHEDULE, YOUR CHOICE

Aftica also offers 'theme charters' so whether you're a group of divers who are out to seek new and exciting places to explore below the sea or whether you are historians who would love to sail between islands and discover the old ruins of the famous Caribbean rum distilleries - the choice is uniquely yours. 

Horizon Yacht Charters full-service base location - just for you!

Where else is better to start your charter from than right here in the blissful marina of Jolly Harbor with Horizon Yacht Charters!

The Horizon Office in Jolly Harbor

The Horizon Yacht Charters base is located in the idealistic place called Jolly Harbor. The office is a two minute walk away from all of our yachts so we are never far away and it makes it a lot easier when carrying the luggage down to your chartered boat! Jolly Harbor is also where you will find everything you need to start your sailing vacation, from a supermarket open until 9pm where you can collect your goodies, to a beach front restaurant where you can tip your toes in the ocean whilst sipping on a ice cold beverage.

All of the Horizon Yacht Charters boats are moored right on the doorstep of the amenities that Jolly Harbor Marina has to offer allowing you direct access to all of the bars and restaurants, supermarket and customs offices making your life a whole lot easier. The supermarket is located right across the street from your Horizon boat allowing you to walk around the store with ease, without worrying about getting it all back to the boat as the guys from the store are more than happy to bring your shopping straight to the boat for you for a low amount of US$2! Fill up on the delicious Creole cuisine Antigua has to offer without any stresses!

The supermarket is just a 2 minute walk away from your Horizon yacht!

If you feel like dining ashore rather than cooking on board then you can choose from a selection of different restaurants located just a stones throw away from the Horizon office and your very own private yacht! These restaurants range from Italian to Greek to local cuisine and offer superb quality food. You will also find some great deals such as the 2-4-1 pizza on a Tuesday at Al Porto or some delicious chef specials at Melini's. There is even the option of takeaway if you fancy a relaxed dinner on board whilst watching the world go by. Don't forget to attend Happy Hour at West Point! West Point is home to the Jolly Harbor Yacht club which is why you will find all of the fellow yachties enjoying happy hour prices and discussing the best spots for anchoring and enjoying a good beach BBQ! They will also be organizing the next event, whether it be a fund raiser or just a fun sailing race between friends! From here you can also relax and enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere whilst admiring your very own private Horizon yacht at sunset.

One of the best Italian restaurants in Jolly Harbor - Melini's

Just a 5/10 minute walk away from your very own Horizon yacht is one of Antigua's biggest beaches which boasts blue waters, a white sand beach and a fantastic beach bar and restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner and of course the inevitable happy hour between 4-6! This is also where you will find all of the yachties enjoying their cocktails and local beers! Castaways is the perfect place to watch the sun go down and unwind on your Caribbean vacation.

The view at sunset from Castaways beach bar and restaurant

The view from West Point

There is also a fantastic sports bar 'The Crows Nest' located in Jolly Harbor along the waterfront. It's roughly a 3 minute walk around the boulevard from the Horizon base and they play all of the sports games on their large flat screen TVs, allowing you to sit back, relax and watch the games whilst sipping on a tropical fruit smoothie! If you came on vacation to get away from the buzz of a TV then fear not as there is also a beautiful, crystal clear refreshing pool just a couple of steps away. Cool down in the pool only to climb out and sit back on one of their comfortable pool loungers and receive poolside service! The Crows nest serves breakfast, lunch and dinner too.

The Crows Nest - sports bar, pool and restaurant.

One of the great advantages about the Horizon Yacht Charters base being in Jolly Harbor is it is only a 25 minute taxi ride away from the airport! - The closest marina you will find, offering everything you need, all in one place! Jolly Harbor has a customs office just a few minutes away from the Horizon base in the marina. You can either take a 5/10 minute walk around from the Horizon office or you can motor your boat around for 2 minutes and then moor at the customs dock they have just outside of the office.

Customs office and their dock!

Jolly Harbor is located on the West coast of Antigua, so it is an ideal place to either set sail North or South of the Horizon HQ and find beautiful protected bays, perfect snorkeling spots and amazing beaches to set up your BBQ's and still be in the lee of the island, meaning you will usually be in calm seas and gentle breezes which is perfect for the ultimate relaxing sailing vacation! 

Birds eye view of Jolly Harbor Marina

Once you have experienced fine dining, long walks on the famous Jolly Beach and topped up your provisions, you can set sail feeling calm and relaxed! The team at Horizon Yacht Charters will look forward to hearing your stories once you return and I'm sure you will still have to time enjoy that last cocktail at West Point before you jet off on your next adventure!

2 day, overnight tour - ready to explore Barbuda by private sailing yacht?

A private, overnight sailing trip - tailored just for you.

Why not take a two-day, private sailing charter with a great Skipper to the beautiful island of Barbuda.  Set sail from our base in Jolly Harbour on your first day and experience a wonderful sail along the coast west of Antigua and on to Barbuda. The sail takes around 5 hours; if you are lucky, you may see turtles, dolphins or even whales on your trip!

Barbuda is simply stunning - a 'Robinson Crusoe' coral island with a population of just 1,300 people.  You will anchor at one of two beautiful beaches. Low Bay boasts 11 miles of unbroken pink/white sand beach and Cocopoint is to the south with a white, powdery sandy beach - both ideal for beach-combing. 

Yachts at anchor at Low Bay (photo credit Greg Scott)

When you are safely at anchor, the day is yours!  A perfect time to dive into the crystal clear water and cool off, or perhaps take a guided tour to the peaceful frigate bird sanctuary in the large lagoon behind the bay.  There is also great snorkelling and your Skipper will show you the best spots. 

Take a tour of the frigate bird sanctuary in the lagoon

Starting from our base in Jolly Harbour Marina, you will step on board at 10am on your first day.  There is a large supermarket right here so you can pick up everything you will need for your trip.  There is a full galley on board: refrigerator, stove, coffee maker - a home from home!  Alternatively, send us your shopping list and we will make sure everything is stowed on board for your arrival. Your Skipper will advise you on what to bring and where to stow.  

We have a fleet of 14 yachts and Catamarans to choose from (subject to availability) - depending on how many people you will be on your tour, and how many cabins you will need, we will recommend the most suitable yachts for you.

What do you need to bring?

Bring along your swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat and a change of clothes - that's it! We provide all linens and towels on board.  Your snorkel equipment is also provided, plus a hammock and swim noodles.  

The pink sand at sunset in Barbuda - beautiful!

There is a charcoal BBQ on board so that you can cook on board and dine under the stars for your first night dinner. Watch a wonderful sunset from your yacht whilst you sip a rum cocktail!

Sunsets and diving.

 

Next morning, we lift the anchor and sail to Coco Point on the south of Barbuda for more exploring, swimming, relaxing; the choice is yours.  You then have another great sail back to Antigua!  Your 2 day, private tour will finish at 4pm on day 2 in Jolly Harbour Marina.  

This trip offers a great way to see Antigua's coastline and Barbuda's natural beauty, plus it gives you a flavour of life on board your very own private yacht.  

Of course, we can sail where the wind takes us, so if you wanted to explore the North Sound area of Antigua, or perhaps stay closer to home on the west coast, we would be more than happy to set sail with you!

If this sounds interesting, please call us on +1 (268) 562 4725 or email Jackie at info@antiguahorizon.com.  We can then check boat availability and provide full pricing based on the number in your group.

Happy sailing!

http://horizonyachtcharters.com/antigua-barbuda/

Follow your dreams and discover sailing!

Ever wondered what it's like to learn to sail in Antigua? An Instructor's viewpoint...

We offer different ASA sailing courses that will take you from beginner, to being qualified to helm a sailing yacht with your own crew. Come and complete ASA courses 101, 103 and 104 in the warmth of the Caribbean. 

Many of you are keen to learn to sail but are anxious as to what actually happens on a sail boat. Do you actually 'live' on board for a week?! Do we even set foot on land again for the entire week?! What do we eat, is there a cooker!? In this blog I'll be interviewing one of our instructors to ask some of your questions..

Learn to sail on our beautiful fleet of monohulls

Captain Paul is a keen sailor and has been sailing for as long as he can remember, he puts his heart and soul into teaching and is a very patient instructor. As well as teaching you the ASA courses he will give you an insight into what sailing is really like through his broad amount of sailing knowledge and experience. I asked Paul the following questions..

How did you get into sailing?
- My Father was a sailor. I had my first dinghy when I was 12. It had cottons sails! I sailed it around in the Foyer canals in Cornwall. I loved it!

What do you love about teaching sailing?
- The satisfaction. There's nothing better than than seeing someone learn and achieve something new, that I taught them.

Through experience what is your favorite place to sail?
- Antigua definitely. Although, I loved sailing the canals and river estuary's in Cornwall.

What would the students need to bring with them on their 'learn to sail' course?
- Sunblock!, sunglasses, a hat, possibly deck shoes if they don't like being barefoot. Seasickness pills, sometimes people don't know they get seasick until they spend more than a day on board. A hand bearing compass! These are great to have and fun to use. If we can all use them at the same time it's great to see who finds a bearing first! 

How would you explain live aboard?
- Living aboard is cozy. Everything is smaller, there's less storage and you are in everyone's personal space. It's important to allocate the right cabins so people are comfortable with where they sleep and have their own space.  It really is like sharing a tiny house, there's still a kitchen (galley) and a bathroom (heads) but you just have to learn decent etiquette because you are sharing with other people. You need to be able to live with people whilst ensuring everyone's safety at all times. Make sure you bring a soft bag! The hard suitcases really don't store well!

What are the preferably conditions to learn to sail?
- Calm winds and flat seas!

Tell me about the weather conditions here in Antigua..
- We get the trade winds between December and April, these normally blow about 15-20 knots but we are lucky out here because we normally always have wind and the sun is always shining! We never seem to have days of full on rain either. There's sometimes showers which cool you off, but it never really rains ALL day.

What are the differences between here and the UK, for example?
-  It's warmer. You don't get a cold shock when the waves come over the bow and splash you in the face as you do in the UK and parts of the States and Canada!

What ideal experiences should the students have before coming on a learn to sail course?
- Any experience is good, it gives them a little bit of a head start, if they know some of the vocabulary then that could benefit them too! ASA 101 is technically a beginners course however, there is an online sailing course which is fun and interactive and will teach you the sailboat basics!

Are the students likely to come across some rough seas here in Antigua?
- Not really, sometimes the South coast of Antigua can get a little bumpy because it becomes the Atlantic, but this just allows the students to experience the different sea conditions! The west coast of Antigua is always pretty calm. 

Tell me about some of the hazards the students could expect to find...
Let's talk about the boom and being 'boat aware' at all times. Sometimes whilst learning to sail the boom can suddenly come across the cockpit and it's dangerous if it hits someone.   Otherwise, as long as everyone is careful all you could expect is a stubbed toe or sunburn!

Apart from actual sailing what other skills are the students taught?
- Rope work. They will have to learn how to tie different nautical knots. Living and working with others as a team. How to work a dinghy outboard and learn how to drive the dinghy, possibly even rowing! How yacht systems work, such as the heads and the galley stove. How to cook on board whilst underway. Navigation, collision regulations. There's lots to learn on a boat! 

Will the students learn any first aid/medical?
- Yes! But only what is applicable if you were to charter a boat really. Such as a possible burn, a minor cut or what to do if someone has an allergic reaction.

Are there any written exams?
- Yes there are. They are multiple choice exams. There's some daily testing and a little exam at the end but they aren't 'sit in silence until you have completed it' exams. They are informal.

Tell me about your 'typical' day. Is it 9-5 or are the hours flexible?
- It can be 9-5, but it really depends on the students! It is flexible and relaxed. We still want them to have fun! Go snorkeling and see some of what Antigua has to offer but at the same time it is a sailing course they want to complete so as long as we can structure it so they complete the course then we can be as flexible as we like.

Would the students be able to experience some of Antigua's best places?
- Yes, they definitely can! I'll never say no to a lunch time swim or snorkel. Just as long as we can still complete the course. We can still go for lunch and dinners ashore too and I love to fish!

Will they students need to know how an engine works?
- They will be shown the basics of how an engine works but of course if they have a slight clue before hand it does always help! But otherwise they will learn on board.

What makes a good sailor?
- In my opinion, personality. Anyone can be a good sailor. It's not always down to experience or qualifications. There are so many different aspects of sailing to match many different aspects of personality. It really is just a sailors perception of their environment which makes them a good sailor.


These are our most frequently asked questions, but if you have any other questions you would like to ask us, or you are interested in taking an ASA course and certification with us, please don't hesitate to get in touch at info@antiguahorizon.com! 

A reel expert can tackle anything.. even whilst sailing!

There are many fantastic opportunities whilst chartering in Antigua and one of the best ones has to be having the freedom to sail across the blue seas and go fishing! Just simply set your course, whether it be to another island or just along Antigua's beautiful coast and cast your line. I'm going to fill you in on some secrets and let you know how the locals do it here in Antigua..

Firstly you're probably wondering, where is best to fish in Antigua!? Surely you can fish anywhere in the Caribbean and catch something!, but where can you catch the big ones, the ones you can eat, the ones you have to fight for!? Antigua has a continental shelf about 5 miles West from the entrance of Jolly Harbor. This is the best place to catch the bigger fish as they swim along this shelf or 'drop off' looking for their next meal. Here you should be able to catch some Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Grouper, Barracuda or even a Tuna or two! If you are adventurists and are heading to explore a different island then this would be the best time to cast your lines! Between islands are where the bigger fish normally are, such as Marlin, Sailfish and the bigger Tunas so if you're off to Guadeloupe, St. Kitts or even Barbuda don't forget to cast your lines for some fresh dinner!

Mahi Mahi

There are several ways to catch these fish, however, as your on sailboat it's probably best and easiest to trawl, so grab a trawling rod, reel and some lures and set your sails whilst you eagerly await your next meal! It's always fun and games trying to reel in the fish but then what do you do with it once you've actually caught it?! How do you get it on board without it thrashing all over the cockpit? (at this point we hope you haven't caught a swordfish). It's probably best to travel with a net to pick it up with or if you are really keen fishermen and like a bit of violence and are sure you can eat it, then it's also possible to use a gaff, however, if you're more of a catch and release person then we would recommend using the net. Just be wary that not all fish are edible here in Antigua! Some don't actually taste too good or they may even carry the Ciguatera disease (mostly found in fish caught between the shelf and the shore) We wouldn't recommend eating either Barracuda, Jacks or King Mackerel. Once you know you can have the fish for dinner then there are two ways to stop the fish thrashing around. The first, more vicious way, would be to just hit it over the head with a blunt object or you can pour rum straight into the gills.

Eugene and his grouper caught off the continental shelf!

If you're not wanting to bring any rods and reels with you on your trip then you're probably wondering where it's best to get all the equipment from here in Antigua. There are two stores that will sell everything you need! One of the stores is based right here in Jolly Harbor, it's called Budget Marine and the other store is called Aquasports, which is located in Heritage Quay in St. Johns. As you'll be chartering from Jolly Harbor, Budget Marine may be easiest for you as it's just across the road from the marina!

All Antiguan's have different ways of cooking their freshly caught fish but the best way would be to just grill it on your BBQ. Just season it with some lemon and pepper and enjoy the fresh taste of the fish itself, or you could also add a sauce. We would recommend a nice melted garlic butter with a few capers thrown in there. Don't forget the tartar sauce! 

A successful landing!

It's totally understandable if you're on vacation with the family, who don't want to see you spear a fish on your relaxing sail around Antigua, then there is another option you can choose. Come and give fly fishing a try! You can simply anchor off one of the best beaches in Antigua; Darkwood Beach and give Captain Nick a call who will take you to the pond opposite the beach to fish for some of the biggest Tarpons in Antigua. If this catches your fancy then visit www.antigua-flyfishing.com for more information or head to YouTube to watch some of his latest videos!

One of Nicks happy customers half way through reeling in his Tarpon

If you are now feeling lured into a sailing vacation here but it means missing your fishing trip then think again! Now you can combine both of these vacations into one, here in the blissful Caribbean island of Antigua, whilst on a sailing boat! What more could you want?...

365 beaches, 365 sailing days!

Antigua is lucky enough to have year round sailing opportunities. Come and experience our best, most secretive months..

Chartering in Antigua in May and October is simply the best. The kids are in school, people are still at work and Antigua still has those 10-15 knot breezes inviting you to come for a sail. May and October tend to be our quieter months here in Antigua so why not steal yourselves away for a while and come and make the most of the tranquil bays, calm blue seas and gorgeous sunsets all to yourselves.

Our Bavaria 33 cruising along the coast.

Leave your hatches open and let the calm breeze cool you down or just take a dip in the deep blue. Perhaps put your snorkels on and explore the depths! Deep Bay is amazing place for snorkeling, so anchor off and swim towards the wreck at the entrance of the bay. You'll likely be the only people there at these times of the year so why not make the most of having some alone time with the fishes! Another great advantage about coming to Antigua in May and October is there is less ground swell. So head off in your kayaks and paddleboards to explore the coast line or simply just paddle around enjoying the peace and quiet of the bay.

Our Bavaria 33 gently sailing onto the next bay

One of Antigua's great advantages is that you are never far from another bay. Some bays are no more than an hour away from each other! After all, there are 365 beaches to discover! Slowly drift down with the breeze to the next bay to enjoy another of your very own sunsets, have a relaxed evening, light up the BBQ and enjoy a cool, refreshing drink. Perhaps you're not gourmet chefs, or you don't feel like lighting up the BBQ some evenings? Why not go ashore in the dinghy and have a front row seat at your favorite restaurant while there's fewer people around.

Our Lagoon 440 peacefully anchored for the night.

Not only does Antigua have 365 beaches to discover but she also has a beautiful sister island, Barbuda. May and October are the perfect months to visit and explore this little pink beach island. Due to the calmer swells here during these months it will allow you to pull your dinghy onto the shore to walk these beautiful beaches or, perhaps visit the Frigate Bird sanctuary, eat fresh lobster, or just enjoy the views from the comfort of your cockpit!

Charter with us in Antigua and discover places only accessible by boat. Experience Antigua at her most peaceful, secretive, relaxed time of year and witness the 365 sailing days all to yourselves.

Kids and Sailing vacations - like peanut butter and jelly in Antigua.

Where do you take the kids on their next vacation?  You only have to look at these pictures of kids having the best time and you know that Antigua offers so much for family sailing; for you and them. With water temperature at a lovely 26 degrees, and all day air temperatures not dropping below 27 or so, your kid's days will be filled with fun and warmth (don't forget the Factor 50!). The west coast of Antigua offers protected bay hopping with beautiful white sand beaches waiting to be explored.  

Connie Smith - only happy when splashing in the sea!

You know how kids can be; hungry one minute, refusing to eat the next.  Sometimes quite tricky when you are staying in a hotel and you can see your holiday dollars disappearing fast!  A sailing holiday is different; you provision the boat, decide what to cook and when, and your kids can eat when they are hungry.  Trust us though; if they are out on the water all day, jumping off the boat, splashing on the beach, they may eat you out of house and boat!

Harry learning to jump into the deep blue!

We love this shot of Harry jumping from our Lagoon 440.  He's a great swimmer and loves everything to do with water.  Can you imagine how early they'll be in bed after all of this energetic activity?!  It's not just about the water and sailing, take them on an island tour with a bit of horse riding thrown in, or take them zip lining through the lush rain forest - as long as they are active, they'll be happy!

Quality time with your kids.

That's not to say you don't deserve the best time, too!  After all, you've handled all of the reservation, packed their favourite toys, kept the kids quiet on the flight, put the dog into kennels and you are exhausted!  Well, imagine yourself with a glass of wine looking at this view!  Enjoy the quiet because next day, you'll be sailing to your next anchorage (a short hop along the coast to keep the kids interested) and you can start all over again.  

Pour a glass of wine, mix a cocktail and relax!  

5 reasons to convince your partner that sailing and romance go hand in hand - bring on Valentine's Day!

Convincing your significant other that a sailing holiday is going to rate way up there on the romantic scale just got a whole lot easier with our 5 great reasons below.  Have a read; you'll thank us for it later.  

Great reason #1:

365 white sand beaches to stretch out on without another soul around.  What could be more romantic than your own secret beach hideaway?  Drop the hook and dive right in (first checking that your anchor is secure, of course!).  Nobody around to view your latest Speedo selection as you take that romantic beach stroll hand in hand, or having to breathe in as you walk by other beach dwellers.

Where is everybody?  Your own romantic hideaway awaits.

Great reason $2:

Sunsets bring out your inner romantic!  There's something special about sitting side by side on the back of the boat watching the sun dip below the horizon; even better if you have a glass of something nice in hand.  After a lovely day on the water in the bright sunshine, it's nice to feel the heat of the day leaving - let the evening begin.

Release your inner romantic in Antigua.

Great reason #3:

Sailing makes you hungry - fact - perhaps it is the salty air, the Caribbean breeze; or the fact that you forgot to provision enough crackers before you set sail.  So where better to treat your lovely to a romantic dinner than a waterfront restaurant in Antigua.  Now this is really piling on the romantic points - The Pillars Restaurant based in historic Nelson's Dockyard is shown below.  Anchor in the Harbour and dinghy in to enjoy fine food, a little wine and an amazing view.

One of the many waterfront restaurants around Antigua.

Great reason #4:

Beautiful boats, designed with the two of you in mind, abound in our Antigua charter fleet.  From our perfectly formed Bavaria 33 to our sprightly Jeanneau 36i's - all calling out to be included in a romantic sailing adventure.

Horizon's Antigua fleet has small but perfectly formed boats. 

Great reason #5:

It's no coincidence that Antigua hosts the Jolly Harbour Valentine's Day Regatta.  Fun days on the water and evenings full of parties and bonhomie!  We're not suggesting you do any racing; that would certainly take some of the romance out of your sails, but it's a great event to enjoy the spectacle, meet other sailors in the bar afterwards and dance the night away to the live music.

Just the two of you.  It's all you need.  

Ready to find your inner romantic sailor?  info@antiguahorizon.com

April in Antigua! Let's go sailing..

Celebration of sailing for everyone!

This one is for all of you crazy sailors out there that love sunshine, salty hair and the odd Caribbean party! The tropical climate, trade winds and the ideal ocean swell make Antigua the ultimate place for any sailing adventure. Whether it's sailing around the island, cruising up and down the coast or hunting for the best beach spots. Antigua is the place to be! Antigua is perfect for sailing almost the entire year round, however, April is when the super yachts, classic yachts and cruising boats really come out of the depths!

April in Antigua is the perfect place for the 49th Antigua sailing week to be held. The starting date is the 24th April until the 29th April.  If you want to be right in the buzz of the sailing action then this is the place to be! Antigua sailing week is held in Falmouth and English harbor and will be full of extremely large sailing yachts all competing in different races. It's an awesome spectacle to watch and the parties are almost as large as the boats! Every year here in Antigua sailing week gets bigger and better and I have a feeling that this year is going to be the best one yet! Antigua sailing week is now gladly sponsored by Peters and May who are a large global marine transport company and thanks to this, people are now able to ship their yachts across oceans and we are starting to see people from all over the globe, shipping their boats to this huge event. 

Falmouth Harbor! Photo credit - Andre Phillip

If you love to see old, well kept, classic yachts then the Classic yacht regatta would be perfect for you! From the 13th to the 19th April all of the classic yachts assemble at Falmouth and English harbor for their official race week. It is an amazing sight to see as you enter the marinas and see all of these amazing classic yachts. It's also fantastic to see them in action! 

What defines a classic yacht? Yachts in this class must have a “look” that is true to a traditional design and must demonstrate excellent craftsmanship and tradition both on deck and in the hull. They may however, use modern technology in their rigs and as navigation. 

A traditional 'classic' yacht

Sailing week and Antigua's classic yacht regatta welcomes people from all over the world! Perhaps you're on a boat yourself?! There are lots of different places you can moor/anchor and watch all the happenings! There are three marinas on the South side of Antigua that will get you right in the middle of all the action. You have a choice of Nelsons Dockyard Marina or Falmouth Harbor Marina (although I'm pretty sure Falmouth will be fully booked with super yachts!) both have around 70 berths each and are stern to berths. There is also Catamaran Marina which is slightly further away from the action but close enough to be involved! About 30 minute walk away from the main buzz. There are also mooring buoys in Falmouth Harbor, owned by a guy called SeaPony (John Bentley). These are probably the best option! Or you can also drop anchor in Falmouth so long as it's not in the main channel which is clearly marked. 

Pelicans flying off one of the Five Islands just outside Jolly Harbor

If you have come for a bliss sailing adventure to discover Antigua's beautiful beaches and avoid all of the hoo-har, then you are still in the right place! Antigua is often overlooked by all of the Spring breakers from the USA so it's perfect for dodging the co-eds, however, the cruise ships are still coming in which means all of the shops, bars and restaurants will still be open for business! With all of the action happening in Falmouth and English harbor it could be an idea to head North if you wanted some peace and quiet! Places like, Deep Bay, Pinching bay or Dickenson Bay offer lovely calm beaches. Deep Bay is perfect for snorkeling as it has the wreck in the entrance to the bay and a lovely long stretch of beach to explore. Pinching Bay is a beautiful spot where you are likely to be the only ones there! There is no road leading to this beach, so unless you're on a boat there's no getting there! There's plenty to explore and lot's of snorkeling spots. Dickenson Bay has a few restaurants if you wanted to dine ashore as well as a store to top up your provisions and a beautiful beach to wander.