About Antigua

When Lord Nelson first sailed into English Harbour in 1784 on HMS Boreas, he could never have imagined how the view would transform centuries later with 200+ professionally crewed yachts arriving annually at the start of winter season!
Beautiful, naturally protected harbours (such as English Harbour) played host to the start of recreational yachting in the 1950s across the Caribbean – with Antigua becoming the region’s prime base for professionally-crewed yachts. Present times now see yachts also based at several other islands; though Antigua still remains the ‘home port’ for many.
The island is usually a hub of yachting activity with events such as: the annual Charter Yacht Show (the largest collection of superyachts in the Caribbean) in December; a selection of ‘world renowned’ and exciting regattas; the Superyacht Challenge and the RORC in February; and Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and Sailing Week in April / May – which herald the yachts’ departure for East Coast U.S and Mediterranean waters.
With yachting being such an important industry in Antigua for so long, it is no surprise to see the depth and breadth of locally-based services that cater to visiting yachts. 

Extensive refit works in Antigua are increasingly popular due to expanded services coverage and the island’s efficient geographical proximity around Falmouth Harbour, English Harbour, Jolly Harbour and North Sound Boatyard.
A choice of quality project management / refit / repair companies are on hand – boasting major works on some of the largest yachts, with a broad base of technical skills that include: interior joinery, topside repainting, mechanical engineering, new teak decks, marble polishing, welding, lathe work, and even gold-plating of interior fittings. Some of these companies have also executed some of the most respected paint refinishing services throughout the Caribbean – on numerous large and high-profile yacht – over the past few years.
Duty-free fuel is available for visiting yachts; the marina facilities in Falmouth Harbour are amongst the best globally (for yachts of any size); and Nelson’s Dockyard continues to see a large number of major yachts ‘home-porting’ there for the season.
Antigua Slipway’s haul-out facilities give them the ability to haul yachts up to 200 tons (and up to 140ft LOA); a 150-ton Travelift is available at North Sound Boatyard with smaller 70-ton lifts available at Bailey’s Boatyard and Sammy’s Boatyard (both in Falmouth); and a there is a 75-ton lift at Jolly Harbour Marina Boatyard.

When the work is done, Antigua offers a great selection of fun-filled activities for all...visiting guests / crew members can enjoy: sport-fishing in search of blue marlin; kitesurfing and windsurfing on the North coast; diving on the East coast; a weekend get-away to Barbuda via the high-speed ferry; or galloping along a beach on one of the horses from the Spring Hill Riding Stables.
There is a great selection of bars and restaurants for all tastes and occasions. Great crew parties at Abracadabra’s; and a visit to Shirley Heights for a ‘sundowner’ while enjoying an amazing view and live steelpan music, is a ‘must do’ for all!

For Antigua & Barbuda, its natural beauty, history and culture, and warm welcome still remain its greatest attractions!