Learning to sail without oilskins and four layers of clothing - hello Antigua!

I was recently back in the UK during Cowes Classic Week and boy did I know it!  Although I didn't get to race and enjoy the bracing (!) Solent breeze, I was amazed at the amount of clothing the crews were wearing just to keep warm.  The rain certainly didn't help, I'm sure!

That is not to say there aren't beautiful UK sailing days; I just got unlucky with my timing.  Now, this is all well and good for the likes of Musto and Slam; both doing a roaring trade with new oilskin sales and extra warm neck scarves (I know, I own about four!), it doesn't always offer the 'new to sailing' adventurers the best total experience.

Palm tree-lined beaches await you

Flying back to Antigua's steady temperatures of between 26 and 34 degrees Celsius, I thought I'd encourage more sailors from the UK (and possibly Canada who tend to get quite a short sailing season up there) to come and experience this kind of sailing with us here in Antigua.

The biggest difference, apart from the temperature of the air and sea, is the fact that it is non-tidal here. So, if that's always been a concern of yours, you will love sailing here.  We do get a range of about 12 inches which is nothing to the multiple feet you experience in places such as Chichester Harbour.

Racing in the UK - our craft - note blue sky!

At this time of year, the water temperature is a very pleasant 82 degrees I was told yesterday.  It doesn't quite feel bath-like, but it's certainly very pleasant for a splash around with your noodle and a cold Carib on a Sunday afternoon after a day on the water.

Some of you may have taken courses in the Med where you can get quite flooky wind.  I remember heading out to race a few years ago in Chichester Harbour and it was looking like a perfect Force 3. Well, by the time the hooter went for the start we were hanging on for dear life and pretending to have fun!

Here in Antigua, we tend to get around 15 - 20 knots and always from the East (ish).  It always makes people smile when I print the weather forecast for our charter guests and they see a steady stream of arrows from the right depicting the Easterlies.  Some people, new to the Caribbean, will ask me if the wind is greater in the morning or the evening and I have to say that it doesn't really change.

Sailing our Bavaria 33 "Vixen" from Barbuda to Antigua

I personally think that Antigua offers the best of all worlds if you are considering a 'new to sailing" or "discover sailing" charter experience.  You can choose to stay on the protected west coast which is the Caribbean Sea, you can also work on your passage planning skills by sailing up to our sister island of Barbuda, or you could even explore the coastline with a trip to the East coast of Antigua which takes you into slightly bigger seas at times.

Whatever you decide sailing Antigua, you won't need your cosy neck scarves or oilskins!

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!

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

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

Antigua & Barbuda Cruising with Style

Introducing the Dufour 45 E "Heartbeat IV".  Built in 2010, this performance cruiser is now available for your next yacht charter from our Horizon base in Antigua & Barbuda.

Heartbeat IV at our base in Antigua

This superior sailing yacht can sleep up to 8 people in three double cabins and a large saloon that converts to a spacious double berth.  Located in Jolly Harbour Marina at our Horizon base, this is the perfect start point for your next Caribbean charter.  This would make a wonderful choice for a vacation cruising Antigua & Barbuda or further afield, island hopping to Guadeloupe and our one way trip to St Martin.  

Drop down transom 

Heartbeat IV is fully equipped with the latest navigational and safety aids including Raymarine Chartplotter, Furuno Navtex and EPIRB.  

She has two carbon wheels and main boom.  The removable cockpit table is great for creating even more space in the cockpit when you are sailing.  She has a fixed helm bimini and a large, removable bimini to give you extra shade from the tropical Antiguan sun whilst at anchor.  

Saloon converts to a spacious double berth

Two bimini's provide shade from the sun in Antigua & Barbuda

Are you ready to experience performance sailing in Antigua on your next charter?  We promise you, you won't be disappointed with Heartbeat IV.  

Read more about this yacht by clicking here.

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

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.