Falmouth, Antigua - A guest's perspective!

Serafina
Rob & Sarah Bell
Mon 13 Feb 2012 01:46

17:00.91N 61:46.52W

 

Sat & Sun – 11th & 12th Feb

 

Arrived at Jolly Harbour marina to find Rob and Sarah waiting for us as if they knew the local bus timetable. Fact is that having left Gatwick at minus 9 to arrive in Antigua at plus 28 meant that we had undergone rather more than a local bus journey.

 

Our hosts made us feel very much at home with education and rules regarding the “heads” – toilets to fellow landlubbers –  early and important information. Travelling clothes were quickly swapped for swimming costumes and we walked for our first experience of the Caribbean Sea, palm-fringed beaches, white sands, warm water and enough exercise for the first sundowner. How quickly the dourness of an English winter can be forgotten. Bell catering then took over.

 

The quartermaster had been busy provisioning Serafina. Not a cupboard was unfilled and the winestore was well stocked with Tarapaca from Rob’s private store in Guadeloupe. Curtii were ordered to relax – easily done with a rum punch or carib beer in hand. Rob had described sailing as upmarket camping. Well, my experience of camping suggests cold bodies, wind-whipped tents and queues for lukewarm showers. We luxuriated in our teak lined cabin, steady at our mooring having been wined and dined in style. Sleep was much needed after our extended day. The forepeak was wonderfully comfortable and Laura seemed to sleep well on the ‘sofa-bed’ in the living area.

 

The next day brought the first sailing education as Tim attempted his first Knot – a bowline – he’s still trying. Nevertheless, we managed to cast off and head off for Carlisle Bay only using the mainsail to keep Serafina from rolling too much as we motored into the wind. An unusual southerly wind made for a lively swell whilst we were at anchor. Swimming was enjoyed with sarah winning the round the boat race only to find that she was the only competitor. Laura and Tim lingered in the water, the first indication that the swell was starting to find out those without sealegs. Sure enough Captain sarah decided that lunch would be best served in the shelter of Falmouth Harbour. After an hour flat on their backs Laura and Tim  came round on the quieter waters of the harbour.

 

Lunch was enjoyed as we ogled the superyachts and toured Nelson’s dockyard before returning for sundowners – wonderful rum punch featuring coconut milk, pineapple, nutmeg and rum as far as I could tell. Rob reckons they never taste as good when you try to recreate them back at home and I reckon he is probably right. Drinks gave way to 5* catering again much enjoyed by sturdy tum Pips, so known because her stomach has so far stayed in