Some guests prefer the more sedate Classic Yacht Week, which occurs the week before Sailing Week. Following their final race on Sunday afternoon these beautiful sailing yachts parade into English Harbour where all the competitors are introduced in the order they finished the race. If you are lucky enough to get a table at Catherine's Cafe you can enjoy a fabulous afternoon of food, wine and beautiful classic yachts.   The decks at Blue Moon Villas also afford a spectacular view of yacht entry into English Harbor.

The guest season in Antigua opens in early December with the arrival of the world’s most spectacular motor and sailing yachts.   These yachts arrive for Agent Week but most of them use Falmouth Harbour as their Caribbean base throughout the winter.

Pictured to the left is the Maltese Falcon which made its debut in 2006. It is the most expensive private yacht in the world.  An elaborate computer system rotates each mast (yardarms are fixed) and raises each of 15 sails independently.  Composite construction of masts and yardarms eliminates the need for standing rigging.   Between the months of December and April a favorite guest activity is to dine in one of the many exceptional restaurants in the Falmouth and English Harbour area, enjoy a post-meal gelato or espresso on the dock, then stroll by these magnificent vessels.

It is said that there are 365 beaches on the island of Antigua. Even if this is a slight exaggeration, there is no disputing the fact that Antigua is home to some of the finest white sand beaches in the world. What makes them even more enjoyable is that they are seldom crowded. Those inclined to pair a (40 minute) hike with a day on the beach can pack a lunch and head to Rendezvous Bay Beach. Chances are you will have this magnificent mile long crescent shaped beach to yourself.  Most all other island beaches may be accessed by automobile.

The quarter-mile beach at Galleon Beach Resort is the perfect sunbathing beach, although there are plenty of shaded areas for those who prefer to nap or read. The water is clear, calm and warm.  Facing Galleon Beach, just 75 meters out, lies an excellent area for snorkeling, and just outside of Freeman's Bay there is an excellent dive spot.

In the capital of St. John's you'll find duty free shopping at Redcliffe Quay next to the cruise ship port. While in St. John's visit the National Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, where in a half an hour you can learn quite a lot about the history of the “sister islands”.

No where is Antigua's English heritage more evident than in its passion for cricket. The Cricket World Cup was held here in 2007. The state of the art stadium will likely draw many more international cricket events to Antigua.

www.cricinfo.com - www.windiescricket.com

Golfers may enjoy the USGA certified course at Jolly Harbour located on the West coast.  It is a 5587 yard course with seven lakes and a 67.8 course rating.

English Harbour, with its rich maritime history, draws international boating events in addition to Antigua Sailing Week and the Classic Yacht Regatta.  Pictured to the right is Roz Savage just after crossing into Freeman's Bay after completing the  Row the Atlantic Race.  She had set off from the Canary Islands on November 29, 2005 rowing 2800  miles in three months!  ( Click on the picture to go to Roz's page.)

www.antiguaclassics.com - www.sailingweek.com

Nelson's Dockyard is the only Georgian Dockyard in the world to survive until the present day. The Antiguan National Parks Authority is hopeful that it will be declared a World Heritage Site in the near future. There are several casual restaurants, a few shops, a day spa and a small museum located in the restored buildings. Everyone should spend an hour or more learning what it might have been like to be a member of the British Navy stationed here 200 years ago.

Seasonal water taxis will ferry you from Galleon Beach Resort to and from Nelson's Dockyard throughout the day. It is only a five minute walk from the dockyard to Falmouth Harbour. Along the way you will pass the Italian restaurant Abracadabra, where authentic Italian cuisine may be followed by a lively party and music stretching far into the wee hours. Just beyond Abracadabra is Trappas Restaurant.  Trappas has an extremely diverse menu and is a less expensive favorite of locals.

If you prefer to treat yourself to a spectacular view of the some of the most magnificent super yachts in the world while dining on great Italian cuisine, you may enjoy dining at the Antigua Yacht Marina Restaurant in Falmouth Harbour.  Three open sides afford an excellent view of the harbor.

Catherine's Cafe is definitely a “must dine.”   It is located on the water with views of Galleon Beach and Nelson's Dockyard.  Your hosts Claudine and Guillaume will stop at no measure to ensure excellence in French dining.  Catherine’s is noted for extended lunches, fine wine and its beautiful nautical setting.   Save room for the tarte tatin!

There are many other fine restaurants sprinkled around the island, but one deserves special mention - it is truly a "destination restaurant.”   Harmony Hall is a restored plantation house replete with a windmill tower bar and observation point.  It is located on the eastern coast, overlooking Nonsuch Bay.   It is definitely off the beaten path, but the outstanding Italian food makes the drive (or sail) more than worth it.  The restaurant also provides a private powerboat enabling its diners to swim or snorkel in the protected waters of Green Island, just 10 minutes away by sea.  We suggest you go before lunch!  Also, one of the most spectacular beaches in the world, Half Moon Bay Beach, is just off the main road while driving to Harmony Hall – don’t miss it!

There are three trails to Shirley Heights Lookout from Galleon Beach Resort. One may be accessed directly from the Blue Moon Villas. Lunch is served at the Lookout daily. If you are not hungry you will still want to stop in for a cool drink and enjoy the view.  There are also trails in the rain forest that you can explore on your own or with a guide.  If you would like to go "off-road" without hiking there are jeep tours - some combined with snorkeling and kayaking.  Another option is to see the island by helicopter.  No matter which way you choose to explore the island, don’t forget to relax in the Jacuzzi at the end of the day and watch the sun set over Montserrat!