Meet Anette - a wonderful ASA Sailing Instructor in Antigua waiting for your call

Have you been watching the America's Cup action in San Francisco thinking "I wish I could sail"?  Well, now's your chance. Right here in Antigua we have the wonderful Anette, a talented sailor and sailing ASA instructor who can take you from just simply wishing, to actually sailing.

Anette is a qualified American Sailing Association certified Instructor, living year round in Antigua, and she can teach you ASA 101, 103, 104 (Bareboat), 105 and 114 (Catamaran Sailing).

Anette - ASA Sailing Instructor

If you are wondering what all these numbers mean, just click on this link and all will be revealed:
http://horizonyachtcharters.com/antigua-barbuda/learn-to-sail/

From the liveliest teenagers up to the most mature students, Anette will give you the complete confidence in your own ability to learn to sail.  On top of that, you will enjoy some of the most stunning scenery in the Caribbean as you cruise from bay by bay.  Anette is a strong believer in giving you the best Antigua sailing experience you can get, combining learning with fun along the way.  After all, we all learn best when we're happy.

This could be you on your very own deserted beach

Our courses are all liveaboard courses, which means that you stay onboard for the duration of your week - learning to prepare meals afloat, sleeping on board and very quickly making our yacht your home from home.  The purpose of the graduated American Sailing Association courses is to teach you the fundamentals of sailing so that one day, you can bareboat charter (chartering a yacht without an Instructor or Captain).

Your home away from home - liveaboard cruising

If you're ready to stop dreaming and start sailing, the first step is to pick up the phone to our Antigua charter base and ask us about your ideal dates to Learn to Sail.  What's stopping you?

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

How to look like a rock star Charter Captain in the Caribbean; even before you step on board

You've worked hard to find the perfect charter boat, the best sailing location and you've got your crew together.  The excitement is building as your charter gets closer.  Your crew is dreaming of turquoise blue ocean and white sand beaches...

...this is when you might start to experience crew communication overload; how many emails can a Captain handle in one day?!  To stop this happening, here's a simple guide to help you look like the best Charter Captain that ever sailed the Caribbean sea; even before you step on the boat!

Before you arrive at your sailing destination

Have your charter company send you an overview of the facilities at the Marina (showers, restrooms, shopping, customs, fuel dock, bars, happy hours etc).

Sending crew off to a nearby pool will earn you extra points

Make sure your crew know what time the actual boat boarding is.  Some of your crew may arrive before you; make plans for the charter company to store their luggage and find the closest beach/pool for them to relax in before the fun starts.

If you are arriving late when the charter company has left for the evening, make sure you get the codes or coins for the showers - this will earn you many points or rum vouchers with your crew.

It's good to have a cell phone contact at the charter company.  Quite often a winter storm can delay your flight so make sure you can let someone at the base know where you are.

Note what kind of storage space you will have on board and importantly, the size of the fridge - you don't want to order 45 cases of beer only to have no space to store it!  Also ask about a freezer; valuable input into your assigned provisioning team.  We provide coolers for our guests but not all charter companies may do this.  Make a special request in advance.

Find out about the supermarket location and opening times.

Do check on currency; if you are in Antigua we accept Eastern Caribbean dollars and US dollars.  Make sure you know the best currency to have at your next sailing destination.  If you are island hopping, ask about Euro's too if you are thinking of visiting a French island such as Guadeloupe.  Remember banks close on public holidays, so have your money changed in advance so there are no glitches or embarrassing moments in the liquor store.

Do not assume that all charter companies are created equal.  Some will include snorkel equipment and others will not.  Make sure that you can pre-order, have your crew list their requirements and shoe size.  Some snorkel providers are also dive operators so bear in mind they might be out diving if you leave it until you are here - leading to many frustrated crew members huffing and puffing on the dock.

Pre order all snorkel equipment for your crew

Keep your lines of communication clear with the charter company - so many times we have been asked for an extra tea towel by 5 different crew members.  Great if you want to do lots of drying up; but does waste time for your crew.  Assign one person for housekeeping items (always check the cork screw and can opener before you leave the dock!).

Be careful about public holidays and Sunday opening times of stores.  We are fortunate in Jolly Harbour that our store is open from 7am to 9pm every day; and is also open on Christmas Day!  This may not be the case elsewhere.

Coffee is crucial on a sailing trip. Do you need to buy coffee filters or is it a stove top pot; there's nothing worse than getting demoted to the worse Charter Captain on Day 2 if the crew can't have coffee for breakfast at your first anchorage.

What power supply does your boat have - what adapters do you need to bring for happy crew mates.

Ask about the iPod aux outlet on the stereo - does it have an outlet and do they provide the cable - frustrating to have to sing every evening and not be able to play your recently purchased "all the classics, steel pan style".

Tell the crew in advance if they are not going to be using hairdryers - get crew hats printed if a "bad hair day" could ruin one of your crew's sailing vacation.

Crew hats will hide the bad hair days

Delegate, delegate and delegate some more

Assign tasks in advance of your arrival.

Make sure you have two people in charge of provisioning; not just the provisioning on the day, but ahead of time so they know what to buy when they are here.  Will you have any vegans or vegetarians on board?  Avoid buying too many sausages for the BBQ if you still want to have those friends at the end of the trip.

Not everyone needs to sit in on the chart briefing, make sure you have your First Mate and other interested parties - give someone the task of making notes so that you and your First Mate have time to listen and ask questions.

Time your boat briefing and provisioning arrival.  The last thing you need is to have your crew fighting over where to store the Oreo's whilst you are listening to the finer points of battery management.

Assign your Head of Finance; someone who is going to make sure that all is fair in love and chartering and is meticulous at keeping notes.

Appoint a Head of Dinghy Management in advance - very important crew job as these are expensive items to lose and charter companies do not look favorably on people who say "pirates came in the night/a pod of dolphins chewed through the line and made off with it".

Appoint your Head of Dinghy Management in advance

Planning your sailing itinerary ahead makes you look like a rock star Charter Captain

What Guide books will you be given upon arrival?  Perhaps buy in advance and review before you arrive at your sailing destination.  Check which charts you will be given and perhaps consider buying in advance so you have a heads-up on where to go and which reef to avoid.  They make great memento's of your trip if you can get them framed.

Chart homework pays dividends before your charter

It's always a good idea to have your charter company recommend a sailing itinerary - for example, we have a number of suggested itineraries on our website and these are hugely valuable in advance of your trip.
Link to sample itineraries for yacht charter

Be mindful of anchorages that do not have restaurants or beach bars.  Think about how many nights you all want to eat on board - work with your charter company to make suggestions for restaurants.

Special occasions; you can't always buy balloons or 60 birthday candles in the islands, so if you are celebrating a special occasion on board, remember to tuck the balloons in your checked luggage.

Special occasions deserve bubbles and balloons

You have now mastered the art of looking like the most organised Rock Star Charter Captain that ever sailed the Caribbean.  Now all that's left to do is cast off those dock lines, head out to the turquoise blue water and have fun!

Happy chartering - courtesy of Horizon Yacht Charters Antigua

A trend for longer term chartering out of Antigua

We're seeing an interesting shift in the amount of time sailors are looking to charter; especially coming through for next year (2013/2014 charter season).  The trend we are seeing is for people to charter for 6 - 8 weeks at a time.  Perhaps we are seeing this trend in Antigua because it is such a central island in the Caribbean for making the longer passages.  With the wind direction from the North-North-East, it's a perfect point of sailing.  We had a charter captain who said to me that "tack is a swear word on their boat"!  I love the fact that sailing is such a great sport that it attracts the out and out racers and the laid-back charter guests who really could not be bothered about the speed log.

Long term chartering brings its own rewards.

We are certainly seeing more people looking to explore "life aboard" and testing the cruising water (excuse the pun) before they make a life decision to buy a yacht in the Caribbean and cruise for several months each year.  We had a couple recently who purchased their first yacht at a Boat Show and were so excited by this that they cancelled a free charter that they had won at a competition.  All credit to them and we wish them many happy years of cruising aboard their very own yacht.

There are more and more people who sail south from Antigua to explore Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes and Dominica, and change their crew as they head south.  I think this is because it can be liberating with just the two of you, at one with the ocean, leaning to live together on board and work together as a seamless team, but it is also fun to have friends fly in to perhaps share some of the running costs (and a case of beer or two).

Dominica as part of your long term charter - magical.

The people who charter bareboat with us long term tend to be the couples who are keen on fishing, cooking and even baking on board.  We've recently provided a set of baking equipment to a charter guest who liked to bake her own bread, cookies and deserts for the crew ( we can vouch for her fatless pound cake - vegan-style).

Seek out fishing competitions and the local guys to buy fresh fish for BBQ

Perhaps this is a long term dream for many of you, but more and more are realising their long term chartering dreams right now.  You'd be in good company.

Experience the best of Greek sailing; right here in Antigua.

Welcome to Akropolis Greek Taverna - right here in Antigua in the heart of the Caribbean.

When people arrive to charter from our base in Antigua, one of the first things they ask (after "Where's the nearest bar?"!) is "Where shall we eat this evening?".  There are quite a few places to choose from right here in Jolly Harbour Marina and just a walk from our docks; everything from 2 for 1 Pizza evening at Al Porto with live music, to seafood specials at Melini's and now, a new addition to the dining family - Akropolis Greek Taverna.

It's set in a quirky location without any sea view but that doesn't seem to deter people.  It's located literally just across from the Marina entrance on the first floor.  Note the Christmas lights (year round, of course!) as you walk along and you've found the restaurant on the balcony.  Quirky is probably the word I would use to sum up this dining experience.   You are greeted by Marcello who is actually a carpenter/wood expert by trade.  He can remember what most guests will drink even before you can utter "chilled Pinot Grigio".

If you are not hugged by owner/chef "Mama Greek" in the first 30 minutes of your arrival, then she is probably in the kitchen creating delicious dishes such as slow-cooked lamb shank or pork souvlaki.  But rest assured, she will be out to see you before you head back to the boat- possibly pressing a tub of home made hummus in your hand as a little something for the next day.

You can also just pre-order bits and pieces to take away and have on your cruise.  Imagine authentic taramasalata on pitta bread and olives at sunset, overlooking a stunning Antigua sunset!  Below is their very garlicky tzatziki dip; perfect accompaniment to rum cocktails, or any cocktails for that matter.

Pre-order delicious dips for a healthy sunset party!

Let us know if you want us to pre-order any dips for you and we'll have them on board for your arrival.  Better still, book in to Akropolis for dinner; enjoy two main courses and they will give Horizon Yacht Charters guests a complimentary bottle of sparkly Pinot Grigio.  How lovely is that?

A taste of the Greek islands - right here in Antigua!

For pre-orders, email us at info@antiguahorizon.com

www.horizonyachtcharters.com

Follow the herd; and then sail Antigua & Barbuda

There's something magical about being at an anchorage with just you, a good book and the lapping of the water on the side of the hull.  For many, the lure of the beach bars is a thing of the past as they are increasingly finding that a little bit of peace and quiet is good for the soul.

There are so many hidden gems like that when you sail Antigua & Barbuda that it's hard to know where to start.  For me, Great Bird Island in the North Sound is a special place.  I love watching the birds fishing and the wading birds standing like statues pretending to be invisible to their prey.

Where is everybody?  North Sound Antigua and a myriad of offshore island to explore.  

For the perfect sailing vacation, a trip around the south west and south east of Antigua should not be missed.  Many people are surprised how long it takes to sail along the interesting coastline of Antigua and enjoy the change of pace from cove to cove.  For some reason the perception is that Antigua is a much smaller island than it actually is!

A beautiful spot on the east coast of Antigua is Nonsuch Bay and Green Island.  Green Island is an uninhabited island that is perfect for a beach lunch. If you have any energy, you could try your hand at kite surfing as you will be on the Atlantic side of the island with great breeze but perfectly protected by the reef.

Nonsuch Bay, east coast of Antigua - home to Green Island

From Nonsuch Bay, you head out the way you went in and sail north up to Barbuda.  Call ahead to Uncle Roddy to make sure he has plenty of fresh lobster to serve you when you arrive.  That and a cold beer to stay hydrated!

Uncle Roddy preparing delicious lobster lunch

Low Bay, Barbuda - 11 miles of paradise awaits

When you sail Antigua & Barbuda you certainly feel like you are part of something special.  You'll be mixing with the locals and learning more about their culture and way of life.  I think that's what travel is all about; that and getting away from the herd.

Follow your own herd and sail Antigua & Barbuda.  We have a last minute yacht open for a Thanksgiving Week sailing charter so do get in touch.

Horizon Yacht Charters
Email: info@antiguahorizon.com
Tel:  +1 (268) 562 4725
Skype:  jackieashford1

Life's a sunset... when sailing Antigua

Hazy conditions create interesting photographs

I think I am addicted to sunsets.  Since living in Antigua, I think I've taken more pictures of sunsets than you can shake a stick at.  I wonder what it is about sunsets that are so compelling?

Many of our sailing guests comment that it's like a punctuation mark after a great day of sailing and before the cocktails are made!  Now, that's what I call a great sailing vacation!  Others say that it's like a  new day is coming and there is hope to achieve what you want.

When you sail with us, or take a learn to sail course, it is likely that you will see plenty of sunsets from the west coast anchorages, but you will experience a different angle from the top of Shirley Heights, for example.  For those cruisers who are not familiar with Antigua, Shirley Heights is the weekly jump-up overlooking English Harbour and beyond.  It's a great tradition here on Antigua and one that should not be missed.  Enjoy a brilliant steel band who will play anything from jazz, to modern to classical on their steel pans.  The rum punch is not bad either!  The trick is to get there before sunset!

Sunset from Shirley Heights, Antigua

From the west coast of Antigua, you might be anchored at an overnight anchorage at Hermitage Bay.  This is an excellent anchorage for sunsets (and swimming, cocktails, beach combing....).  This sunset below was taken from the south beach on Morris Bay just along the coast from Hermitage Bay.

Sunset from South Beach, Antigua

Sunset is also a time for romance!.  We were sent these two brilliant photographs by charter guests this past season.

Special time at sunset, Antigua

View from a guests' charter yacht - happy sailing vacation!

Last night, we were asked by friends on their charter yacht "Jabberwocky", to take their photograph at sunset.  At this time of year, with some Sahara dust in the air and low clouds, you are never quite sure what effect you are going to get.

Jabberwocky charter yacht sailing back into harbour

I think the one thing that sunsets do is to make you appreciate the beauty around you.  We are certainly blessed to be able to see so many shapes and colours of sunsets in our back yard.  Next time you come bareboat sailing or crewed sailing with us in Antigua, take a pic and we'll compare notes!

Horizon Yacht Charters
info@antiguahorizon.com

Stay and Sail in Antigua with Horizon for your next charter experience; something for everyone.

Antigua offers the perfect Caribbean island destination for your next Stay & Sail bareboat charter.

We are based in the heart of Jolly Harbour Marina which is a 300-acre marina that boasts two of its own stunning, white-sand beaches and all the facilities you would need for a Stay & Sail vacation; large supermarket, swimming pool, bars and of course, some lovely waterfront restaurants.

Waterfront dining - choice of seven restaurants close by

 

There are around 160 waterfront condominiums here in the Marina and most of them have their own finger pier or dock; just perfect for taking a yacht up to around 45 feet.

Bavaria 42 on a finger pier in Antigua, Jolly Harbour

You can combine  some island exploring inland with some of the most perfect Caribbean sailing and cruising.  The west coast of Antigua is full of wonderful anchorages that are either great for a lunch or snorkeling stop or even an abundance of overnight anchorages for those nights when staying under the stars aboard your boat is just too tempting.

The perfect sailing area - west coast of Antigua

The waterfront condominiums offer waterfront living with typically 2 doubled bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.  What better place to watch the sunset and the pelicans fishing for dinner, right there on your own patio.

Watch an Antiguan sunset from your patio

Next time you're considering a Stay & Sail package, drop us an email (info@antiguahorizon.com) and we will work with you to plan your whole vacation for you here in Antigua.
 

What lies beyond the beach in Antigua & Barbuda?

Antigua & Barbuda has developed such a strong marketing position and earned a reputation for it's stunning beaches (all 365 of them, but who's counting?) that some of our sailing guests forget to explore beyond the beach when they come cruising these Caribbean islands.  If you've never sailed these waters, you might want to dip into a brief summary here.

So, what lies beyond?

What I personally love about living and sailing in Antigua is the wildlife and the rich heritage of these Caribbean islands.  The wildlife in particular is simply wonderful.  I've lost track of the number of pictures of hummingbirds I've taken in 9 years but I think this one below if my favorite.  This chap comes along every sunset when I get home in the evening to enjoy some sugar water - a bit like a hummingbird Happy Hour in Antigua!  You can buy hummingbird feeders right here in the Marina, so perhaps take one with you next time you are sailing Antigua.  You can pick one up with your provisioning when you're at the market here.

Hummingbird Happy Hour in Antigua

When I leave Jolly Harbour Marina to run errands in town, it's always rewarding seeing a farmer galloping along at speed on his preferred mode of transport - the Antiguan donkey.  I have a particular fondness for donkey's as a lovely lady I know in Australia used to breed them and had her own sanctuary.  We also have a donkey sanctuary right here in Antigua that is definitely worth a visit if you have enough time; especially great if you have kids on your sailing trip and they may not want to sail every day.  This picture below was actually taken in Nelson's Dockyard during the Antigua Yacht Charter Show last December.  Not sure of the relevance of a donkey at a Boat Show but it added some authenticity to the event!  He/She seemed totally ambivalent to the millions of dollars tied up on the dock.

Happy donkey ambivalent to the mega yachts around him.

If I photograph hummingbirds like they're going out of fashion, then lizards come a close second in my photograph albums.  What I like about lizards is that they eat mosquito's which makes them heroes in my book.  When you're sailing the Caribbean - in particular Antigua & Barbuda with its laid back charm - it's nice to step away from the computer, laptop, DVD, iPad and just watch nature at its best. If you're now tempted to explore sailing Antigua & Barbuda, do check our special offers from time to time as we quite often have some great last minute deals.  

Lizard keeping the mosquito population down in Antigua.

For my next blog, I'm going to share with you some of my "heritage-rich" photographs that I've taken around Antigua & Barbuda.  The heritage experience here is not like the States or the UK that is super polished; here you can be hiking on a trail and stumble upon an old sugar mill, or an old school dating back to 1879.

In Antigua & Barbuda, you don't have to step very far off the beach to enjoy wonderful wildlife and enjoy an experience that is uniquely Antigua.  Take a look at some of our sample sailing itineraries right here.  

Bucking the trend - sailing Antigua & Barbuda

It has been such a busy high season in Antigua that is always comes as a shock when Antigua Sailing Week is over and many of the larger charter and private yachts depart for the States, the UK or to charter in the Med for their summer season.

The stunning North Sound area of Antigua

But the action in Antigua lives on - if you choose to find it.

We tend to attract the more 'independent' traveler or sailor at this time of year; people who like to buck the trend and not sail when everyone else is here!  Sailors who love getting to know the island and the people at it's most peaceful time.  When we do our charter check-ins and I'm talking about all of our brilliant contacts in Barbuda, they are always impressed that they could go and sit on Aunt So and So's veranda and be served fresh fish with rice and beans; all washed down with 'plenty rum'!

This weekend we have the Fishing Tournament.  We went along last year for the weigh-in and there were some pretty impressive fish up there on the scales.  The best bit is getting to eat it at one of many fish stands in Nelson's Dockyard.

One happy fisherman!

At this time of year the sun sets much later so you have more time for swimming after a day at your desk.  Or if you're on a sailing charter, that's more time to mix those cocktails and enjoy the perfect sundowner.

For many of our guests, they choose to sail in June because they can be at an anchorage with perhaps just one other boat.  The shot below is Low Bay in Barbuda but many of the anchorages in Antigua are also this peaceful at this time of year.  What a fantastic place to escape to!

Low Bay in Barbuda - pink sand at sunset

Of course, the other benefit of sailing after the busy high season is the pricing.  For example, we have our last minute sailing offers now on our website.  We're offering 10 nights for the price of 7 in June or 15% off 7 nights minimum.  Take a look at our current fleet selection showing the pricing before the special promotion:
http://www.horizonyachtcharters.com/antigua/antigua_fleet.html

For many of our bareboat guests, the sail down to Guadeloupe is a great attraction.  In fact, with more time, many of our guests sail further south to Iles de Saintes and even Dominica.  Take yourself away from your desk for a while and have a read of our sample itineraries.

As I write this, I am looking at the perfect sailing day through my window - can just about hear the seagulls as they beat the head of the nearest pelican trying to retrieve their well earned fish.... life in Antigua... it is good.

Ready to buck the trend and sail Antigua & Barbuda this Summer?  See you here!

Contact us in Antigua

Last minute sailing charters for Antigua holidays and cruising

It's hard to imagine layering on the clothes to keep out the chilly weather.  It is easy to be romantic about the snow when you are fortunate enough to live in the Caribbean year-round. The reality though is very different when you're trying to commute, or persuade your dog that actually walking in the snow can be fun!

Bob and Suzenne Fearn sent us this just last week from the UK

Many of our guests send us photographs of their snowy scenes when they get home after their sailing holiday and wish they could return.  From time to time, we are able to offer last minute charter deals to make that wish a possibility for some.  There is also something about Antigua that has sailors coming back time after time.  Always one anchorage they didn't get to, or a hike they didn't make.

If you need to feel the sand between your toes and enjoy a healthy dose of Vitamin D, take a look at our newly released, last-minute sailing charters from our base in Antigua.  Click here to read about those. Remember that these are bareboat charter prices, you can add a Skipper at US$150 per day.

In a few short weeks, you could be looking at this sunset instead of checking the boiler!

Check out the sunsets instead of checking your boiler!

First time sailing charterers with Horizon Yacht Charters in Antigua?

It's always exciting sailing from a new Caribbean island but there's also some apprehension about what will happen when you arrive. "Where will we eat?",  "What are the facilities like?", "Is it a good start point for my cruise".  Our base in Antigua is a brilliant place to start your cruise!

I thought I'd put together a mini-Guide that highlights what you can expect when you charter with Horizon Yacht Charters in Antigua.  Your first night!

Well firstly, we are located at Jolly Harbour Marina on the west coast of Antigua.  It's a 300 acre marina surrounded by waterfront Condos and small canals full of privately owned motor boats and sailing yachts.  Here's an aerial view of the entire development.  Just as an aside, if you stay in one of the 2 bedroom, waterfront condos through JoAnn of "Keeper of the Keys" do book a golf cart because you could be way around on the north side of the Marina and it's a long walk to get back to our office for your check-out.

Jolly Harbour Marina excluding the golf course and pool.

As you can see from the pic above, there are four distinct docks.  Horizon is located on Dock B; second dock from the left on the left hand side. Our fleet is located right there.  Our office is located behind Melini's waterfront restaurant.  As you depart the taxi, just turn along the covered walkway to the left and our office is just 1 minute walk along on the left.

Horizon Yacht Charters has two offices here in the Marina

There are some great places to eat in the Marina; so if you are here for your first night, there is lots of choice. Here's just a selection:

Melini's Restaurant - Italian and International Cuisine - Located at the head of your dock, this well-established restaurant has a wide selection of fish specials, pasta dishes and pizza.  Remember you can get everything to go, so if you want to eat on board under the stars, just get the order to go. While you are waiting, enjoy a cocktail at the bar with Barman Romeo; he can make anything!  If you buy a drink, you can get wi-fi too.

Melini's Restaurant and Bar

There are four other restaurants right here in the Marina; Peter's Steak and Seafood BBQ, The Dogwatch Tavern, The Crow's Nest and Al Porto.  Al Porto is a short walk around the dock and is located next to Customs office.  A great place to enjoy live music on Thursdays, 2 for 1 pizza on Tuesday and complementary desert served to Horizon guests!  The Crow's Nest is also open for breakfast from 7.30am and also lunch.  They are located alongside the pool.

If you are looking for something a little different; you can try the Greek restaurant just outside of the Marina gate. This is a family run restaurant where the mother cooks in the kitchen (lamb shank, souvlaki, home made hummus) and the son serves at your table.  The name is "Akropilis".

If you are want a vacation away from the stove and don't want to cook breakfast the following morning, say hi to Terry in Starfish Coffee Shop and, as an ex-chef in the Royal Airforce, he'll make sure you're full of all yummy things before you set sail.  Terry is also good for local knowledge (and gossip) so plan for a large coffee as he likes to chat!  Wife available too.

For Happy Hour, try Dogwatch Tavern, Crow's Nest and the West Point Bar in the heart of the Marina.  West Point is owned by Dutch George, you'll enjoy a great view of your boat and a cold beer.

West Point Bar

Speaking of beer, the local beer is called Carib and Wadadli.  I only say this because you can sometimes buy it in a bucket at Dogwatch for a great price.

For those guests with more energy, you can take a walk to Castaway's Bar and Restaurant right on the beach.  This bar has a loyal, happy hour crowd and is a great venue for watching the sun set.  We took these pics a few weeks ago:

Stunning sunsets from the beach that is 5 minutes away

The supermarket "Epicurean" is very large and is located 1 minute walk from our dock.  The staff help you with packing and will then bring your cart to the dock with you.  Give them EC$5 or US$2 per cart. Epicurean is open from 8am to 8pm every day; fresh baguettes made daily.  Ice available at check out.  Of course, we offer a full provisioning service so that you can just turn up, check your items, and get on with the business of having a great sailing vacation.  Remember that we include a Welcome Starter Kit including a nice bottle of Cavalier Rum... see more of what we include for you here.

There is also a well stocked pharmacy that pretty much sells everything from painkillers to tennis balls.  Miss Warner is the charming owner and will help you.  Onsite pharmacist most days.

Quin Farara's is the liquor store just behind our office.  They sell cigars and also a great selection of rums.  They also sell Saki if that tickles your tastebuds!

This should give you a taste of what to expect when you arrive for your charter.  For the best views of the Marina, take a look at this great website that has an interactive map of all the stores and places to eat:  www.jollyharbourantigua.comwww.jollyharbourantigua.com

If you are chartering with us out of Antigua, and have any questions, please just email us and we'll be delighted to help.  info@antiguahorizon.com

Horizon Antigua T Shirts - the Holidays are over but the gifts keep coming.

It's always nice to get presents, don't you think; and to have a keepsake from your trip. With the Holidays just over and everyone heading back to work, packing kids off to college or digging your car out of the snow, we'd like to offer a small token of our appreciation to our Captains who will be chartering with us this March.  Don't ask us why March, we just picked that month at random!

For every charter start we will be presenting each Captain with a Horizon Antigua T Shirt as a 'thank you' for chartering with us.

West Coast of Antigua sunset

We can't promise you sunsets like this when you get home, but we hope the memories that you take with you will keep you warm throughout the Winter months.

Remember for the month of June 2012, we are offering our charter guests a special promotion of 10 nights for the price of 7 nights.  Which means you get to see more sunsets!  You can keep up to date with sailing offers on our website. Horizon Antigua Special offers

Horizon Antigua celebrates "Operator of the Year" awarded by Latesail yacht broker

Prize giving at Jolly Harbour Marina, Antigua

Our Horizon Yacht Charters base in Antigua has been awarded "Operator of the Year" by Latesail, the charter yacht broker.

In a special ceremony at their base in Jolly Harbour Marina, the owner of Latesail, Dan Lockyer, and two of his team Dave and Candice, flew into Antigua yesterday and awarded Alastair and Jackie Ashford, the base owner-operators, with a wonderful champagne prize.

Thank you to the team at Latesail and thank you so much to our loyal staff who are integral to the success of the operation.

We're off to celebrate!