ANTIGUANICE YACHTING INSIDER NEWSLETTER

In our winter wonderland, that is Antigua, it’s a kind of reverse season that means Spring cleaning takes place in October and early November, as everyone readies their business for the start of the new international yachting season.

A quick drive around this morning on what is a classic blue sky, breezy day in paradise, we can confirm that this year is no different to any other. So here are a few of the updates taking place, in getting ready for the arrival of more than one hundred super yachts for the Antigua Charter Yacht Show in December, kicking off what is set to be a season that will go down in history.

First off at Antigua Yacht Club - upstairs, Angie has extended her bar, Club Sushi & Steakhouse so that the happy hour & later crew have more space at the bar. A really nice extension is in place and so far so good with the local crowd.

Downstairs, the biggest challenge is going to be what we used to call 'The Lawn' at the Antigua Yacht Club. To be fair, the piece that usually remains as lawn is preserved but a lot of the space is now being covered by pavers. It's looking great and there is no doubt that those of us involved in events for the upcoming season are going to be delighted with the ability to party, even if we've had a sprinkle of rain early in the day without destroying the lawn, and standing in mud, so a great addition.

And inside Bar-B's has changed from oranges to lemons although a l little lime has remained to make sure the AYC has a Caribbean twist.

And yes that is Plan B already here in Antigua, including helicopter on board! (below)

Over at the neighbouring property the Antigua Yacht Club Marina, aside from the gym which opened at the end of last season a smart new extension with lovely shaded gallery upstairs has smartened up the front with paving stones, fencing, and small walls are being replaced. The whole place is getting a lick of paint, hotel frontage included.

Further along the road a brand new building is finalising renovation and for many residents is going to be the best thing to ever happen in the area - a one stop shop for paying bills - rumours so far are Inland Revenue, MBS, Education Levy, Social Security and maybe a few others thrown in. If you live outside of the area it will probably be a much nicer place to pay your bills and with the time saved you can head out to lunch with a view of the boats!

As you turn towards the Dockyard, Flatties restaurant have smartened up the front of the restaurant with a new gravel driveway, extended the kitchen so we can eat more peri-peri chickens, and next door is getting ready for a new tenant.

As you head toward the Dockyard on the left hand side the old 'Carib Marine' building is finalising preparations to open as The Covent Garden, a provisioners paradise, top quality food for yachts and residents who are interested in organic meats and don't want the drive to town or heck, make the sail to another island to pick up what they can't find here!

A little further down is the old Anchorage Building now called Harbour Walk, sister organisation to Village Walk in town, this will soon boast a brand new  office of Premier Beverages meaning fine wines, rums and much more will be on the door step. In the same building the new Antigua Sailing Week office opens soon and upstairs already in place is Mainstay Caribbean which hosts the secretariat and offices for the Antigua and Barbuda Marine Association and the Caribbean Sailing Association.

A final drive out of the area will take you past Falmouth Harbour Marina who continue to do what they do really well - they are upgrading the exterior wall which really helps enhance what is already a world class facility.

What did we miss?  Email us and let us know and we can add it in our next update!