Antigua: the varnishing capital of the world

Antigua & Barbuda is one of the principal yachting and sailing centres in the Caribbean. The economy derives considerable income from the yachting industry and the trickle-down effect of this income is felt across numerous sectors of the community.

As any yacht owner knows, buying a yacht is just the beginning. The inevitability of its upkeep and maintenance, means that an estimated 10% of the boat’s value needs to be factored in for yearly maintenance costs. When you are talking about yachts often costing tens – or indeed hundreds – of millions of dollars, it is obvious that these costs are not to be sneezed at. It is also evident that with the extensive maintenance needed, and the knowledge that continual painting and varnishing is required, yacht owners must find the right guy for the job every time. With the arrival of yachts from all the world at the start of the season and with some of the safest harbours in the region - including Falmouth Harbour with its mega-yacht capacity - Antigua has become the go-to place for extensive refit and maintenance works. Antigua’s recreational yachting industry really came into its own in the 1950s and with it, the need for yachting services. In the early days, many of the yacht workers honed their skills by learning on the job through trial and error in their use of materials and chemicals. In more recent years, their knowledge has been complimented by formal training from the paint and varnishing manufacturers themselves. Today, this second-to-none expertise has become sought after worldwide. It isn’t for nothing that Antiguan craftsmen are flown to the far-flung reaches of the globe to carry out valuable work on yachts after the season has finished in the twin islands.

With the arrival of yachts from all the world at the start of the season and with some of the safest harbours in the region - including Falmouth Harbour with its mega-yacht capacity - Antigua has become the go-to place for extensive refit and maintenance works.

Undeniably, a yacht’s exterior paint or shining brightwork is one of the most visible parts of an outstanding design, and Antigua’s master varnishers and carpenters show a flair for finding that difficult balance between the scientific aspects of their work and the aesthetics required to create true works of art. Talent alone doesn’t cut it. A real passion and pride for the work is required, without which, the attention to detail and reliability that Antiguan artisans are famed for just wouldn’t be possible. It is this passion which is allowing the skills to be passed on to the younger generation who are learning from the best of the best. It is not only in the field of varnishing and carpentry where Antigua holds it own. The island is also internationally renowned for the quality of its canvas work and sails.

Furthermore, quality concierge services are available, often run by ex-captains who have chosen Antigua as their forever home and who know exactly what services are required. Combining all these factors, it’s not surprising that Antigua has become the perfect one-stop shop for the yachting industry. Studies show that Antigua’s yachting sector contributes more to the economy than cruise ship tourism, and rough estimates are that the refitting industry represents 10-15% of this total. It is therefore no wonder that Antigua is proud of its consummate professionals in this sector and expects a bright future ahead.

Varnishers in Falmouth Harbour

Photocred: Danielle Jacobsen