We arrive in Antigua..
Timeless
Sat 22 Feb 2014 18:19
Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua
We radio'd into the marina several times before we received an answer and then when we did the answer was a simple "just arrive and we'll look after you".
Amazing how the waves recede as you get into the harbour.
It's actually quite a tiny anchorage/harbour. Just room for a few boats lying at anchor, but if you get a good anchor spot the water is so calm and tranquil.
Nelson's Dockyard marina was just ahead of us.
We arrived - no one there!
We can handle 'island time' but there are times when you need action sooner rather than later - like when the space is limited, there are hard objects all around and the wind is blowing.
Finally the dock master radio'd us and said "berth here. I'm' waving my arms at the correct spot." There he was arms flapping.
"Drop your anchor over there, Timeless!"
What? No one mentioned about having to use your own anchor at this marina. Nothing was ready.
John scrambled from the helm up to the bow to release the anchorage and ready it for dropping and then scurried back to the helm to both drop the anchor and reverse the boat into the spot - all whilst the wind took the boat out of position!
We looped around the tight marina to make another entry.
"Drop the anchor way over there tithe east Timeless!", shouted the dock aster.
We dropped our anchor.
Actually we did a really good manoeuvre astern into the small opening (it looked REALLY small). All we now had to do was secure the stern lines to the dock and pull on the anchor chain - easy.
The stern lines were secured whilst we pull a little forward thrust on the engine to hold everything solid.
We pulled in the anchor.
"Oh! Sh.....ugar! "
As the anchor pulled in it was clear that it had caught on the anchor chain of the boat next to us. SOLID!
"Captain, you either have to go out and try again or you have to pay for a diver to re-site the anchor - it's $60 US."
Les was in NO mood to try again - nor was I. $60.
In went the dive team with all the dingies, airlift balloons and their crew.
The anchor was moved way over to the eastern (port) side of 'the dock and Timeless'.