Antigua classics

We came to Antigua to watch the Classic Yacht racing and volunteer for anything we could do. Devin got a job as a dinghy wrangler which was helping out in his dinghy to get boats in and out of their slips. As lots of the smaller classic boats do not have bow thrusters to help keep them pointing the right way, we acted as propulsion to keep then going straight in cross winds. 

Volunteers - Renee, Tom, Lee & Devin

Pre-race practice in the harbour

It was a huge surprise to be asked by s/v Nirvana to join them on the course as guests on their beautiful 64 ft catamaran, 

So pictures from Day 1 aboard Nirvana

s/v Guiding Light

Committee boat m/v Flying Buzzard

A full view of the start outside Falmouth Harbor

They're off!

A well heeled spectator!

Next start

The teak boat is from Scotland

s/v Mereva

s/v Elena

Great action

Mark on Nirvana

 Day 2 on the course

The smallest and last entrant - s/v Sally B from England

Our Host - Lindsey

They are off again 

Lots of guests enjoying the race

The spectators on the hills

Rounding the mark

Spectacular sail plans

Pretty close for huge 100'+ boats

 Day 3 from Moosetracks anchorage inside Falmouth harbour.

s/v Rainbow

s/v Rebecca

 After race parade of classics around English Harbor.

s/v Elena

s/v Kronos

English Harbour

Leaving English Harbour

Nancy at Fort Berkeley

Jo at Fort Berkeley

After race party at the Yacht Club

 At the end of race week the cruisers had a small dinghy party behind m/v Partners, it was started last year and again this year White Chocolate (Dave and Trudy from s/v Persphone, entertained us after Gavin opened.

Dinghy raft up party

The host boat and band

Well attended with food and drinks

Photo from s/v Allegro masthead - by Lee

At the end of the race week the committee boat m/v Flying Buzzard held an open day. We had met Jules and Mike  & became friends with last summer in Grenada so it was great to attend open day on their tug. They are restoring Flying Buzzard, she was built in 1951 and worked as  a steam tug on the River Clyde in Scotland. (you can see photos of her restoration and blog at hhtp://flyingbuzzard.com/wordpress)

Devin touring the tug

The crew showing us around

Some beautiful art work by Tom

Relaxing on the Buzzard

Well we are here a little longer to wait for friends and the race week of the new boats.

We hope all our friends are well and enjoying the start of  summer.