Antigua and some Learn to Sail questions

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

Here are some tips for the novice sailors...

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

Learn to sail in Antigua... Unspoilt paradise.

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

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

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

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

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

News Flash

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

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

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

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

Paul - Your Captain, Guide and Entertainer

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

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

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

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

The experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul and Migs aboard Aftica

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

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

www.horizonyactcharters.com

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