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

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.

Horizon Yacht Charters Antigua & Barbuda January specials

Horizon Yacht Charters Antigua & Barbuda January specials

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

Sail in the slow lane - turn off the TV and step away from the laptop.

When I first arrived in Antigua back in 2003, we absolutely refused to have a television (I think I'm showing my age by calling it a television as opposed to a TV!).  Having spent 30 years working in London the very thought of transferring that lifestyle to an island as beautiful as Antigua in the Caribbean was fairly appalling.  Nearly 10 years on, and now the proud owners of a flat screen TV, it pretty much stays off apart from turning on from time to time to get a healthy reminder why we live here; deep in the heart of the Leeward Islands.

It is easy to forget about the real world but it's absolutely crucial to remember for the purpose of understanding what your sailing guests are experiencing day to day.  As I sit in our Horizon office in Jolly Harbour Marina, my view is a lush, green palm tree and some pretty tropical flowers.  I remember being very excited about moving to a new office in a smart part of London where my view was the back of the company restaurant and the garbage bins!

Tropical flowers make a delightful view in the Marina

It's at this time of year that I used to be most miserable back in the UK.  I was forever lamenting the end of summer (and the sailing season) and dreading the first Christmas/Holiday advertisements.  It almost seemed downhill until Spring-time when boats would be launched and the first daffodils popped through the frosty ground.  To be cruising on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day is such a treat and a sure way to make all your shivering friends jealous back home.

Sailing Antigua for Christmas - such a treat

The real world is such a hectic place; rushing from kids school to grocery shopping and all stops in between.  That's why you need time to recharge your batteries and breathe some fresh air.  Sailing the Caribbean - either on a bareboat charter or taking professional crew with you - is the perfect place to do this.

Couple this with some excellent sailing conditions and you have a charter vacation made in heaven.

Typically, from November to April in Antigua, we have breeze of 15 - 20 knots and very little tide to speak of.  Sea conditions tend to be around 5 - 7 feet with a long period between waves as opposed to short chop that you might be used to.

A cruising vacation is the perfect way to reward yourself for all of your hard work throughout the year.  The island of Antigua is full of delightful bays and coves - just a day or less sail away - that are perfect snorkelling spots and swimming spots (no excuse for not exercising on your trip!).  Dinghy ashore and tie up to the nearest palm tree and enjoy a well deserved cocktail as the sun dips.

Antigua offers you the perfect reward for your hard work

When you are sailing a group of islands as rich in heritage, people and experiences as you could hope for, there's no need for TV or being attached to the laptop as if your life depended it.  You have your very own movie theater right there in front of you.  A great shot below shared by a lovely family who have chartered with us each year for as long as I can remember.

Now showing in Antigua - cruising heaven!

If you want to experience what's showing at Antigua's natural movie theater, give us a call or email info@antiguahorizon.com.