It’s July 28th, but we’re looking back……April 14, 2011: Forecast:
Thr 4/14 NE/ENE winds 15-17k with squalls
Fri 4/15 E winds 12-15k early and dry then less than 10k NE
In my next life I may try to be a weather forecaster, of course I will model myself on Steve Martin from “LA Story”. We left St. Barts heading for Antigua with 80nm in front of us not a big trip but an overnighter, and we always wish to have good handle on the weather when we have to make an overnighter. Good news, the weather guys got it more or less RIGHT!!! Boto manages a comfortable 4.5k for the entire trip, we cover 78nm and although we see thunderheads throughout the evening we are spared the punishment of squalls.
Many sailors love to sail at night; others avoid the trek as much as possible. The crew of Boto is somewhat indifferent, although practical. Sailing through a single nights crossing is no big deal, extended nights tend to rob one of a good night’s sleep. When we are faced with 24, 48 or 72 hours under sail we have a nice meal before we depart and prep our other meals; then we hug and kiss and it’s on watch for one while the other tries to sleep. Long distance sailing is not a joy ride, it is an endurance test and as we are “Cruisers” we try to avoid the long hauls whenever possible. We make Jolly Harbor, Antigua at 0830 on 4/15 and it is time to check in once again; new country new rules. We find out later that many sailors have had a hell of a time checking in at Jolly Harbor, however for us it was more or less easy!? After anchoring, we drop the dinghy and off to customs, immigration and port authority we go. Upon presenting our papers to customs we are asked, “Where is your boat”, to wit we respond, anchored outside in the bay. Apparently, the rules require all vessels to present themselves at the dock so that customs can visually inspect them. While not a big deal, it is always problematic to approach an unknown warf in an unknown bay. After a few kind words, and an offer to bring “Boto” to the dock the officers “took pity” (as Mom always says smile and be nice, of course nobody wants to mess with Mom, so she has it easy). We didn’t have to come to the dock! So after visiting Customs, Immigration and Port Authority (by the way all three offices are housed in the same trailer) and paying the appropriate fees we entered into Antigua. We later found that numerous other vessels had a hard time clearing in, having to bring the boat alongside for inspection. Either we were lucky, or we simply have an endearing quality!?
We are now legit, so off to Falmouth Harbor by way of English Harbour. Ed’s a WEENIE! English Harbour is a quaint old harbor with restored boat works all along the docks. It’s also fairly small and on the 15th of April it is packed cheek to jowl with boats, nary room to swing a dead cat let alone a 40’ boat. Although there may have been some possible spots to drop anchor, Ed’s a WEENIE and we head off to Falmouth Harbour.
Of course Falmouth is larger with lots more space. Of course there is a squall our first night
and boats drag all over the bay making for a lot of fun, that is unless you are on Boto watching the larger yachts drag toward you. Things quite down and we are finally off to a good night’s sleep. Crews must rest well as the start of the Antigua Classics Regatta is at hand and that means full days of race watching and fuller nights of eating and rum tasting (the rum is gratis so be assured there will be lots of tasting).
Thr 4/14 NE/ENE winds 15-17k with squalls
Fri 4/15 E winds 12-15k early and dry then less than 10k NE
In my next life I may try to be a weather forecaster, of course I will model myself on Steve Martin from “LA Story”. We left St. Barts heading for Antigua with 80nm in front of us not a big trip but an overnighter, and we always wish to have good handle on the weather when we have to make an overnighter. Good news, the weather guys got it more or less RIGHT!!! Boto manages a comfortable 4.5k for the entire trip, we cover 78nm and although we see thunderheads throughout the evening we are spared the punishment of squalls.
Many sailors love to sail at night; others avoid the trek as much as possible. The crew of Boto is somewhat indifferent, although practical. Sailing through a single nights crossing is no big deal, extended nights tend to rob one of a good night’s sleep. When we are faced with 24, 48 or 72 hours under sail we have a nice meal before we depart and prep our other meals; then we hug and kiss and it’s on watch for one while the other tries to sleep. Long distance sailing is not a joy ride, it is an endurance test and as we are “Cruisers” we try to avoid the long hauls whenever possible. We make Jolly Harbor, Antigua at 0830 on 4/15 and it is time to check in once again; new country new rules. We find out later that many sailors have had a hell of a time checking in at Jolly Harbor, however for us it was more or less easy!? After anchoring, we drop the dinghy and off to customs, immigration and port authority we go. Upon presenting our papers to customs we are asked, “Where is your boat”, to wit we respond, anchored outside in the bay. Apparently, the rules require all vessels to present themselves at the dock so that customs can visually inspect them. While not a big deal, it is always problematic to approach an unknown warf in an unknown bay. After a few kind words, and an offer to bring “Boto” to the dock the officers “took pity” (as Mom always says smile and be nice, of course nobody wants to mess with Mom, so she has it easy). We didn’t have to come to the dock! So after visiting Customs, Immigration and Port Authority (by the way all three offices are housed in the same trailer) and paying the appropriate fees we entered into Antigua. We later found that numerous other vessels had a hard time clearing in, having to bring the boat alongside for inspection. Either we were lucky, or we simply have an endearing quality!?
We are now legit, so off to Falmouth Harbor by way of English Harbour. Ed’s a WEENIE! English Harbour is a quaint old harbor with restored boat works all along the docks. It’s also fairly small and on the 15th of April it is packed cheek to jowl with boats, nary room to swing a dead cat let alone a 40’ boat. Although there may have been some possible spots to drop anchor, Ed’s a WEENIE and we head off to Falmouth Harbour.
Of course Falmouth is larger with lots more space. Of course there is a squall our first night
and boats drag all over the bay making for a lot of fun, that is unless you are on Boto watching the larger yachts drag toward you. Things quite down and we are finally off to a good night’s sleep. Crews must rest well as the start of the Antigua Classics Regatta is at hand and that means full days of race watching and fuller nights of eating and rum tasting (the rum is gratis so be assured there will be lots of tasting).We Have become fans of the Dark and Stormy:
2 parts rum
4 parts ginger beer
slice of lime
serve on ice
2 parts rum
4 parts ginger beer
slice of lime
serve on ice
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