We are still here.  Why?  Well it is a combination of things.  First, best excuse, is we are waiting for parts to clear customs.  Actually we needed to have the engine and generator oil changed as well as have the sea water impeller on the generator changed.  While I can do these items myself getting rid of the waste oil is better done by the local mechanic.  As usual the Onan saltwater impeller was trash, several blades gone after about 100 hours of use.  The Onan generator uses a Sherwood water pump and it is junk.  Reading several internet sites is seems everyone is asking questions about these impellers.  Real solution may be to install an electrical pump that uses a centrifugal impeller like all the air conditioning pumps.  March make very reliable saltwater pumps.

The customs waiting was to clear through the new dinghy which we bought locally.  The existing dinghy was a Zodiac Yacht Line and the glue kept failing in different part.  The locals have experienced several Zodiacs sinking after the glue failed.  So we gave up on repairs and just bought a new Apex dinghy made in Costa Rico, hopefully with better glue.

Anyway, we are enjoying the island.  The marina is very calm.  The great white sand beach is just a few minute walk.  We also took the dinghy over to another absolutely secluded beach for an afternoon swim.  This is the best place we have visited yet for a beach.

Also the marina is well equipped with restaurants, great supermarket and a good chandlery.  With all the resort villas around the marina it is a secure place and no issue at all with theft or crime.

We took a taxi over to the south side to see Falmouth and English Harbors.  Great history there including the famous Admiral Nelson (not at the time) was in charge of things and was not well like for enforcing the law to forbid trade with the renegade USA.

Antigua is just different than the other islands we have visited.  Beaches and beaches are prevalent.  Of course for a sailing boat the shoals and reefs are an issue.  Most of the charts are still based on the British Navy soundings from the 1800’s.  This have changed a bit since then as the coral grows and the volcanic activity changes things.

So now is getting close to Sail Week in Antigua.  First established as a fun event for charter boats to race each other at the end of the charter season in the Caribbean.  That was now 45 years ago.  One of the founders still participates in the event.

The classic yacht event is re-instated and looks to have a good turnout.  Then at the end of April is the big race for the new boats.  We will not hang around that long here but it should be a great event.

This is getting to the end of the tourist season here.  Come May the tourist can go other places that are warm and the Caribbean becomes more quiet.  We will still be around for another moth or two so is should be great for us, hopefully.

Still looking at heading north to Florida in June from the British Virgin Islands.  About a seven day trip not too bad.

Sail loft in English Harbor.  So after hundreds of years the sail loft is still an active business thanks to the cruising sailboats.

Center of town at Nelson’s dockyard.  Not sure who the cannons are going to shoot at since they are pointed in different directions.  Tourist beware.

One of the classic sailboats here for race week.  This is Nelson’s Dockyard.  Stern-to berthing and they suggest the use of your anchor in addition to the moorings.  Could be better to have just a mooring but does not seem to be.

This is M/Y Leander.  IT is a great motor yacht that was at the same quay as us in Mallorca Spain.  It had a good refit then to refresh its exterior.  It was getting ready for the upcoming season and its use by the Queen for the Olympics I think.  Interestingly the owner’s business is parking lots around London.  Maybe something else also but there must be money in parking.

Nice little cove which apparently has a house owned by Eric Clapton, maybe true but nice to see.