Whether you’re looking for tranquillity or a great nightlife, Antigua is a great place to find it and a hive of the yacht charter activity. Although Antigua is a good starting point for sailing either north or south, you may find it difficult to leave the glistening beaches and wonderful anchorages of Antigua itself. The largest of the British Leeward Islands, Antigua is renowned among sailors for its incomparable air of nautical history. The coasts are ideal for chartering, with constant trade winds and many harbors to explore.
Nelson’s old naval dockyard at English Harbour is a spot of historic beauty and interest. It is the only working Georgian dockyard in the world and apart from including a museum dedicated to Admiral Nelson who hid his fleet at English Harbour, Nelsons Dockyard is an active yachting centre.
The coasts of Antigua are ideal for yacht charter, with constant trade-winds. Easily a week could be spent cruising around this picturesque island of the Caribbean. The sister island of Barbuda has shell laden beaches so long that they dip below the horizon.

Barbuda is one of those very few islands that remains undeveloped. The population, aside from the islands small number of guests seems to largely consist of the frigate bird. Activities on Barbuda are relaxed including beachcombing, snorkeling or simply soaking up the sun.

Antigua offer all the types of yacht charter such as bareboat charter, skippered, crewed yacht charter, catamaran, sailboat, motoryacht and luxury yachts charter.

Antigua, Marina & starting point
English Harbour set in Nelson's Dockyard built by the famous Admiral Lord Nelson and provides bareboat yachts from 35ft to 60ft and crewed up to 90 ft to choose from. This historic area is known as much for its lively pubs and restaurants as its fascinating historical background. Nelson’s Dockyard has some great nightlife throughout December to May, while nearby Shirley Heights is a popular gathering place for the famous “Jump Up”, BBQs and punch parties with dancing and live music. Local Creole and good international cuisine can be enjoyed on Antigua.

Antigua regattas
In April : Classic Yacht Regatta, hosted by the Antigua Yacht Club.
In may: Antigua Sailing Week: This has become one of the top three regattas of the world. It is run under the auspices of the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association.
If you want to charter a yacht during one of these two regattas click here.

Antigua airport
Antigua V C Bird International Airport (ANU): daily flights from London and from the main cities of the world. The airport is located on the northeast corner of Antigua, 5 miles (8km) north east of St. John's

Local Language
English

Currency
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the main form of currency, and it is tied to the US Dollar, with US$1 equal to EC$3. US Dollars can be used nearly everywhere. Major credit cards may be accepted in hotels, restaurants and some shops. There are many places throughout the sailing areas to exchange money from cash, Travellers Cheques and Major Credit Cards.

Climate in Antigua
Sailing conditions around Antigua are excellent with an annual rainfall averaging only few inches, making it the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands. The northeast trade winds are nearly constant year round, wavering only in September. The average daily temperature drops a few degrees in winter (December to March) from the usual high of around 86°F (30°C).

Antigua strong points
Places to visit include any one of the 365 beaches, Jolly Harbour - the largest marina, golf and beach resort in the Caribbean, Clarence House, and Shirley Heights to watch the sun set over English Harbour. Nelson’s Dockyard includes a museum donated to Admiral Nelson who hid his fleet at English Harbour.
The reefs surrounding Antigua and Barbuda are a source of pure enjoyment for yacht charter guests. Snorkel or dive amidst a wonderland of colorful marine life including snappers, blue tangs, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish and brilliant corals.

Sample cruise
One week cruise around Antigua

One way from Antigua
Tortola (British Virgin Islands), Saint Martin, Guadeloupe, Martinique.