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.

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

Year round paradise here in Antigua and Barbuda

One of the many questions guests ask us when they arrive (when they quickly learn that I am not originally from Antigua!) is "where do you go in the summer?".  That's a curious question because people assume that we leave the island and live somewhere else.  That's not to say if someone offered me a penthouse in Manhattan or a condo in Colorado that I wouldn't jump at it, but we do actually charter right up to the first few days of August each year, and then open again October 1.

We love the summer here.  From a sailing perspective, the weather continues to be wonderful - right now we have 10 to 15 knots, bright sunshine, and if my temperature gauge did not deceive me yesterday, it reached a heady 100 degrees in the sun.  Perfect for swimming but don't forget your sunscreen!

It's certainly not a crowded time of year for sailors:

Uncrowded Antigua and Barbuda - summer sailing

For those looking for nightlife and action at every anchorage, you won't find casino's and nightclubs, but you will, in most anchorages, find a nice restaurant where the welcome is as warm as the sun and the beer suitably cold.  Whether you choose bareboat or a crewed charter, you can decide how many nights you want to dine onboard.

Summer is also a good time to Learn to Sail - the winds are typically lighter than our traditional high season and the marina's are uncrowded so you can practice your docking skills in peace.  Perhaps consider taking your ASA (American Sailing Association) certification next year with us.

Learn to sail in the summer and enjoy peaceful marinas in Antigua

Our seasons' pricing reflects the popularity of our sailing destination - we have four seasons here in Antigua so do take a look and see which feels right for you.  

West coast Antigua beach

South coast Antigua beach

West coast Antigua beach

There are so many beaches to choose from that you wont' be disappointed - each one more pretty than the last.  A yacht charter of up to 10 days in Antigua will have you visiting a different beach each day.  Who could resist these?

Our sample sailing itineraries will give you a flavour of what you can experience when you book a sailing holiday here in Antigua and Barbuda.  Take a look if you get a moment....

Capture Antiguan sunsets on charter

Different seasons bring different weather and cloud formations, which make for some great sunset shots.  We took these just two nights ago:

Stunning sunsets during your sailing holiday

As for us, we are counting down the days until we welcome our first guests for our new season, in just two weeks time.

Sailing... just for fun! Four days on the water... right here in Antigua.

We're now offering a four day sailing vacation for fun loving people who want to experience life aboard your very own yacht; giving you the freedom to enjoy the beauty of life afloat.  Why not tag this on to your hotel vacation and have the best of both worlds?  Open dates are May 1 - July 31 2013.

Your vacation, your way.  

Your yacht awaits!  Step on board.

Have you always wondered what it would be like to go sailing?  Have you looked at boats in Marinas and thought "I wish I could step on board".  We are now offering you the opportunity to get on the water in a relaxed and fun environment.

Who will be on board?

You can bring along three friends or family with you as you will have two double cabins and a bathroom for your group.  Remember they are double cabins so the maximum is four people sharing the two cabins.  Your Captain will take the third cabin.

A vacation afloat tailored to you.

What will I experience?

Step on board at 10am on your first day and you will have your boat orientation with the Captain.  All of your provisions will be stowed for you in the galley; leaving you more time on the water.  Following your orientation and safety briefing you will cast off the dock lines and set sail.  You will sail to a different bay and harbours each day.  This is a fun experience so your Captain will ensure you have plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling and, of course beach time!

Depending on the time of year, look out for pods of dophins, turtles and even whales!

Whales, dolphins and turtles!

You can do as much or as little as you like.  You will be given the opportunity to take the wheel or act as one of the crew; assisting the Captain with various tasks around the boat and learning what it's like to be part of the team.  Sail back into Jolly Harbour at 4pm on your last day.

Glorious sunsets and sundowners!

For more information on Sailing for Fun with Horizon Yacht Charters in Antigua, call us or email to the details below:

Jackie Ashford

Horizon Yacht Charters Antigua

Telephone toll free:  866 439 1089

Telephone +1 (268) 562 4725

Email:  info@antiguahorizon.com

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

Enhance your sailing experience in Antigua with our new live aboard course

Sailing should be fun!  That is our belief at Horizon Yacht Charters - we hope it's yours too!  You have enough stress and worry in the real world - sailing can be a great stress reliever - after all, you can't exactly think about share prices or spring cleaning if you're trying to anchor in 20 knots!

With this in mind, we sat down with our Instructors over the past few weeks and said "how can we make sure our guests have the best possible experience on board when they charter with us or at any of our other bases?".  

The result? Our new 5 day live aboard sailing course for groups of friends or family.  

The aim of the new course in Antigua is to provide the practical tools you will need to sail more confidently and competently in the future either as the Skipper of your 'own' boat or as a valuable crew member.  The course will help you work better together as a team; not just with the people you are sailing with on this charter, but for all of your future bareboat holidays or daysails on the Chesapeake or the Solent, or wherever your sailing ambition takes you.  There is nothing better than having an experienced and fun Instructor to learn from and be able to ask the questions you might feel stupid asking at your local Sailing Club.  

Instructor Dave Buller with happy students!

The course outline covers an initial assessment by your Instructor.  He will watch how you interact as a yacht crew and how you handle yourselves around the boat.  It's not a test just a good way for him to analyse your strengths.  From this, the Instructor will have a good understanding of your competency level and can then tailor the course content just for you.  

There is a focus on the Captain with this course.  You will learn how best to manage your crew for great results considering their level of experience or non-experience, for that matter.  You will discover new ways to communicate with your crew for maximum effectiveness.  

A happy crew is what it's all about.

As a team, you will learn about passage planning - from where to cruise given the sailing conditions around Antigua at that time, to plotting your course as a team and reviewing your course under way.  

Docking always seems to be a headache for crews; lots of hard wood and concrete ready to jump out at you.  On this course, your Instructor will have you docking stern to and alongside as if you were born doing it.  As a team, you will discover more about sail trim - both on and off the wind - how to get the most out of your boat.  In Jolly Harbour Marina, we have stern-to docking right here as a test ground.

Stern-to docking can be conquered - without any gelcoat damage.

Safety is an important element of this course and it runs throughout the 5 days but there will also be a focus on keeping everyone safe on board, man over board and dinghy handling and safety.  

Sailing around Antigua you will find very few mooring balls, so an element of the course will be a masterclass in anchoring for your whole team.  

Finally, the correct use of the VHF radio will have you sounding like professional yachties on this course.  

This course is designed to enhance your sailing experience; whether that's in Antigua, elsewhere around the Caribbean or your home port. 

For more information, call or email me:  Jackie +1 866 439 1089 or +1 268 562 4725.

Email is info@antiguahorizon.com

So, what do you want to know?

As a charter business with our feet firmly routed in Antiguan soil/sand/floor tiles, we are always asked plenty of questions by guests and budding guests before they arrive for their charter.  I suppose it is because we are in the heart of the action and live and breathe this sailing destination.

We get back to guests quickly because we know the frustration of emailing hotels or restaurants, for example, and getting diddly-nothing back.  How does that work?!  Perhaps their customer service person is paid whatever they do so its easy to delete emails and pretend they never arrived - I honestly can not think of another reason why I would not get a reply that could generate business.

Of course, we could simply direct people to our FAQ section on the website but each person who sails with us probably has their top 5 questions that THEY would like answered, not anyone else's questions.

Having looked after so many people in the last 8 years, I can reveal to you my personal Top 5....

What time does the supermarket stay open to? {This really gets number one position)


Can I leave the dock early? (That is an all-time favourite! Why, I don't know, as there are plenty of bars and restaurants here but then, that's just me!)


Can I bring in my own frozen food? 


How long have you lived in Antigua? (And why not! Closely followed by "Whereabouts in Australia are you from?... er.... London)


Where can I get fresh fish? (Don't even think about trying to get this beauty on the yacht's BBQ!)

It is interesting that I get very few what I would classify as "sailing" questions.  Perhaps that is because our guests have diligently reviewed the sailing area, asked their own friends, and applied their own learning strategies before they actually decide to sail Antigua and the Leeward Islands.  All credit to them.  But if you have questions, or anxieties, or whatever, just ask.

So, what would be your Top 5 questions? Drop me an email at info@antiguahorizon.com and test our 24 hour response time.  If you don't hear back, it's probably because I'm at the supermarket waiting in line to buy fish!