Jolly Harbour Antigua
Imagine Of Falmouth Online Log
Jon Constantine
Sun 16 Dec 2007 18:17
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Sunday 16th December. We have now been in Antigua for a week and I must apologise for not updating the blog earlier. After the Atlantic crossing, it was time for some R & R and the week seems to have flown by. The original plan was to leave here on Friday 14th and sail round to English Harbour with many of the other Blue Water Rally boats. A number of yachts decided to stay here in Jolly Harbour until the strong winds and rain we have been having abated and sail round next week. As our plan is to head to the BVI next week, we decided there wasn't much point in bashing to windward round to Nelson's Dockyard and then having to come back west to go to Tortola BVI. We therefore decided to stay here in Jolly Harbour and leave at first light on Tuesday for the 180 mile crossing to Tortola. We have spent a week relaxing here in Jolly Harbour. On Monday evening, we were hosted at Castaway's Beach Bar by the Ocean Cruising Club. Many boats had not yet arrived but those of us who had, seemed to manage to make a large dent in the supplies of rum punch before the heavens opened.  Lets go inside - it's raining again. On Wednesday, the Ministry Of Tourism had arranged an island tour for BWR participants. We visited St John's (the capital) before stopping at Betty's Hope Sugar Mill. Although mostly now in ruins, the mill itself has been restored and a small vistors centre opened, which manages to impart the terrible conditions the slaves worked under in order to cut and process the sugar cane before it was transported back to the England to satisfy the growing demand for sugar.   We then travelled on to the Devil's Bridge on the east coast. In calm weather you can walk across the rock bridge but it was out of the question when we were there.  Anyone for a swim? Next stop was the main tourist attraction on Antigua - besides the hotels and beaches - Nelson's Dockyard, now restored and maintained as a National Park. After touring the dockyard and viewing the super yacht moored up, we had time for a beer before continuing on to OJ's Beach Bar for a late lunch.   Nelson's Dockyard ............................................................ Super Yachts on the Quay.   Remember these? ........................................ Sam checks out the new boat.   OJ's Beach Bar ................................................................... Sam soaks up some sun at OJ's Coming next ............ party night at the Jolly Harbour Golf Club and the Shirley Heights Experience. Stay tooned ................ |