All hands back on deck

Nothing feels more like freedom than the wind in your hair, powering through turquoise translucent waters and deciding where to drop anchor to have a secluded picnic on a beach.

Whether you choose a sailing yacht or motor yacht, people from all over the world have been dreaming about this for the past year. And now with the yachting season hotting up in the twin islands, that dream is becoming a reality again for those who just aren’t truly living without being out on the water.

2020 hasn’t been a normal year by any stretch of the imagination, but in Antigua & Barbuda protocols are in place and the islands are very much open for business and that includes for the yachting sector. December is traditionally when the boats start arriving after leaving the waters of the Mediterranean where they’ve been based for the summer. And it seems that this year is no exception with sailing-hub, English Harbour, beginning to get that true yachtie buzz about it. According to Eloise Green of Anchor Concierge, in a normal year their company alone can expect to receive 250 or 300 yachts per season, and although their numbers are down slightly on an average year, as to be expected, the 200 vessels expected is still a very respectable number.

So, why are the twin islands so compelling for sailors and yachties? Well, you’ve only got to take a look at some photos of the islands to see what makes it attractive for visitors the world over. As Eloise explains, “Antigua sells itself as a sun, sea and sand destination, but it is so much more than that.” And so it is with its historical UNESCO World Heritage Site and truly cosmopolitan culture.

But of course, for yachties, there are other considerations at play. The most important of course, are the perfect sailing conditions with consistent and steady north-easterly trade winds. And with the tropical, balmy climate hovering anywhere between 24-32ºC, packing light is the order of the day (not forgetting the deliciously warm seas for when you decide to jump in for a refreshing dip). And with countless bays and offshore isles in which to drop anchor and live the Robinson Crusoe experience, or where you can get out the water toys to play, no day is ever the same. There are world-class restaurants, golf courses and pampering galore available in luxury spas around the island when you want some terra firma under your feet. But getting to Antigua is also key. Its location in the middle of the Caribbean means it’s easy to get there.

It is certainly no coincidence that many cross-Atlantic races finish in the twin islands. And not only is there an international airport with daily flights from Europe and North America (definitely not something that every sailing destination in the Caribbean enjoys), but there are also private jet facilities to cater for charter flights when guests want to pop in at a moment’s notice. But it is even more than that. As Eloise says, “Antigua is very well organised for yachting and has been in the business for over 30 years. This means that not only do we provide all the services that superyachts need, but we have them down pat.” And those services include three superyacht marinas which provide all the maintenance, logistic and provisioning services that any boat regularly requires. Top-class concierge services are on hand, where the client’s whim is their command, whether it’s making a restaurant booking, organising a helicopter to a neighbouring island, or getting a masseuse onboard to ease those sail-weary shoulders.

So, with so much experience to hand, it’s fair to say that Antiguans know a thing or two about yachting and sailing – especially since the island’s National Sailing Academy offers sailing as part of schools’ national curriculum, getting them started early. And it would also be fair to say that with the long tradition of the luxury tourism market in the twin islands, that they also know something about good service. Not only that, with Antigua known as the “Varnishing Capital of the World” their artisanal, refit and refurbishment skills are in high demand onboard. With the islands open for tourism and yachting, all the exciting and high-profile yachting events are back on track for the 2021 season. This includes, of course, the worldfamous Antigua Sailing Week held at the end of April, but there are also countless other events such as RORC Caribbean 600, the impressive Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and the Superyacht Challenge. Exciting for both participants and spectators alike, these events add to the buzzy atmosphere that the winter season always brings to this paradise island. So, give a wide berth to 2020 and take to the water in Antigua in 2021.