Well, we finally arrived at the Customs dock in Jolly Harbour at 0800 yesterday. 3043nm in 21 days 21 hours 15 minutes.

We arrived off Shirley Point in the dark, despite my best efforts to slow the boat down over night. We had a right royal stiff breeze and big seas for the last 24 hours. Then as we passed English harbour in the pre-dawn light, the wind just died and we motored the remaining few hours in to Jolly Harbour.

It was then time for that emotional moment of raising the Antiguan courtesy flag (plus Q flag) that really brought it home that we had just crossed the Atlantic Ocean!

We slowly motored down the entrance channel into the Marina.

  Jolly Harbour Entrance

Passing all these pretty houses with their own personal docks!

As we came in, the crew from several of the boats that were already here, notably Jeremy and Pat from Hakuna Matata, and Kamil from Pank came to take our lines. There were hugs and kisses all round and then the crews of several other boats turned up to congratulate us. All very emotional stuff I can tell you.

It felt very strange standing once again on Terra Firma. I found I was staggering around like a drunk, and that was before I got to the Rum Punches.

Then Tony Diment from BWR arrived and assisted us with the formalities, which still took over an hour to complete. Tony’s wife Christine then arrived with a basket of fruit to welcome us formally to Antigua. Tony went on to help us in all manner of ways. Given we were both exhausted, this support was invaluable.

Finally we moved off to our own dock, and we were then greeted by others from the Rally who had already arrived. It was a fantastic party atmosphere.

Taking of which…….There was a beach party last night hosted by the Ocean Cruising Club. Here I was introduced to Rum Punches. Very nice too. So much so Jennie decided one glass was not enough…………..

     Pat Cage from Hakuna Matata & Paul Bennet from Anahi with Jennie

Needless to say, I awoke this morning with my first Hangover in a while………………….