WE MADE IT!

We pulled into Falmouth Harbor, Antigua at approximately 9 a.m. on Thursday, 950 nm from Bermuda, and after 7 days of sailing. Jay dropped DT off at the Antigua Yacht Club to clear Customs. All of the entry instructions clearly indicate that the Master must go ashore to clear, and the crew must stay on board. DT went ashore only because her name is on the title to the boat. Alas, the Customs official sent her scurrying back to the boat to secure Jay's signature in three places. A very long process that cannot be easily accomplished if the folks who need to the sign the documents are required to stay on the boat.

The various marinas in Falmouth Harbor were preparing for the charter boat show. There were incredible mega yachts on the docks and at anchor from all over the world. Paid crew were scrubbing and polishing is an effort to book additional weeks. Their income is tied to the number of weeks the boat is chartered. We were definitely the poor cousins in WELCOME. Because of the boat show, docking options were limited. The only marina that could keep the boat for three weeks was Catamaran Marina, and they offered us a space off of the parking lot without any security. We docked there, but during our stay, we were approached by several people asking to watch our boat for us, and we determined that the amount of foot traffic near the boat did not bode well for a three week stay. Jay contacted Jolly Harbor Marina, on the northwest side of Antigua, and we headed to that port. Despite the fact that we did not finally get settled until nearly 4 p.m. that day, we were glad we made the change. The folks at Jolly Harbor are friendly, and they have set us up with Peter Glasgow, a fellow who will redo the bright work on the boat during the time that it sits in the marina without passengers. North Sails picked up all three sails for repairs. Jay and DT went to the local marine store, which is the best we have seen in the Caribbean. The local supermarket is also excellent. DT walked to the beach for a well deserved swim. We had to tie up bow against the dock, and the stern tied to a post. There are no other boats next to us, and we think that it is a fine spot.

Friday was filled with many many chores, including cleaning the boat, greasing the ram drive for the autopilot, stowing the fuel containers, replacing the staysail furling line, replacing the lines for the lazy jacks, packing, laundry, etc. Jay left for Seattle via San Juan and Orlando on Friday afternoon. DT leaves for Boston on Saturday. Jay and Liza return on the 18^th for two weeks, and will sail the boat to Rodney Bay in St. Lucia. Donna and Kate will arrive on the boat at the end of January for a tour of the islands in that area. It is likely that the boat will be in Grenada in storage for the summer, and at sea in the Caribbean again next winter. If it gets a lot of use, then this area may offer an indefinite home. If the boat is not used, then, very sadly, it will be sold.

This has been an excellent adventure. We really appreciate the support of those who have read the blog. Knowing of your interest is half the fun. Thank you!