By Paul Shard, copyright 2016. All rights reserved.

From Falmouth Harbour Antigua we set sail in 18-20 knots for one of those dream Caribbean sailing days. Perfect breezes aft of the beam, sparkling blue seas, sun and the dramatic coast of Antigua in the background.




We are on a broad reach and then jibe to come in closer to admire the coast past Jolly Harbour and the beaches on the west side of Antigua.

We drop anchor in Deep Bay on the west of Antigua.


In the mouth of the bay is the wreck of the Andes, and we dive to investigate.

The Andes was carrying a load of pitch, which caught fire as she was approaching Antigua. She was denied permission to enter St John's (so as not to set others on fire). She sank in nearby Deep Bay in 1905 in less than 10 meters of water. Her funnel breaks the surface and she is easily seen by snorkelers.

Deep bay is a very calm and pretty anchorage.
Overlooking Deep Bay are the fortifications of Fort Barrington, built in 1779 to defend the approaches to the harbour and town of St John's.

Its a relatively easy 10-minute hike to the well-preserved fort…

Friends Ken & Lynn on Silverheels III shot this as we sailed along the coast of Antigua.


Anchored for the night off Bird Island on the North Eastern corner of Antigua. A wild and remote spot where the reef and these tiny islands break the big Atlantic swell for a nicely sheltered spot. There is a lot to see sailing Antigua!


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