English Harbour was as congested as ever and in the late afternoon you have to chase the charter catamarans that anchor too close!

We had a long list of boat jobs to work at but we also did a bit of walking and socialising.

Several yachts were preparing for the Antigua Super Yacht Challenge (http://superyachtchallengeantigua.blogspot.co.uk/ ) and I managed to blag a crew position ( well mobile ballast ) on the 114ft carbon ketch “Sojana”. An amazing sensation powering to windward at 13 knots and the evening socials were good too!  First night coincided with Burns night and for the ‘cook-off’ Mark produced lobster and haggis flamed with Lagavullin! It did not win the food prize but got an honourable mention!

 

   

                                                                                                           Fender duty

 

   

 

   

 

Adela                                                                                                    “J” being painted afloat English Harbour

 

   

 

   

 

John and Jane MacInnes arrived Saturday afternoon and we went to the crew’s BBQ in the evening. John was able to come on “Sojana” for the Sunday race – an eye opener for the rigger!

Back on Sunday afternoon in time to take the “long way” hike to Shirley Heights for the view and steel band music.

 

   

 

   

“Sojana” “Visione” “Unfurled” “Adela”

 

   

 

   

 

Eventually we had to go sailing but unfortunately wind and swell conditions ruled out the proposed trip to Barbuda so around the west side to Mosquito Cove then into Parham Sound and the peace of Great Bird Island.

 

   

 

Then a night in Jolly Harbour Marina followed by a night in Carlisle Bay with “Stormbird” RHYC and the Fife ketch “Mariella” which was being used for a photo shoot.

 

   

 

   

 

Five Islands                                                                                                                      Carlisle Bay

 

Saturday theory was to head for Nonsuch Bay on the east coast but the headwinds recommended a stop in Falmouth Harbour to ogle super yachts of all sizes.!