Falmouth and English Harbours are the sailing capital of the Caribbean
by Erin Carey
With its turquoise waters in varying shades of blue, Antigua is a popular island destination of the Eastern Caribbean. It’s said the island has a beach for each day of the year and enough anchorages to spend a night in a different bay for two weeks straight. Located on the southern side of the island, Falmouth and English Harbour lie side by side and are two of the most popular locations for yachts. Almost touching at the closest point, these separate harbors attract thousands of cruisers, charter boats, and super yachts each season. With some of the most extensive marine facilities in the Caribbean and host to some of the best yacht races in the region, visitors to the area will find the docks and anchorages bustling with skippers and crew hailing from ports all over the world.
English Harbour, the more attractive of the two, is an idyllic anchorage lined with a white sandy beach and boutique resorts. With Shirley Heights towering above, visitors can merely hike straight up the goat trail to arrive into the grounds of the magnificently restored 18th-century military lookout and gun battery. Every Thursday and Sunday evening, the venue attracts some 500 tourists and locals who come to enjoy the famous steel band and barbeque; it’s arguably the best party in Antigua. Perched upon the hill, and with its magnificent view over the two harbors, Shirley Heights is guaranteed to provide a great night out.
Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is nestled between the two harbors and has been beautifully reconstructed to house numerous classy restaurants, hotels, and boutiques. Its ancient stone walls and attractive buildings were once a base for the British Royal Navy during the 18th and 19th centuries. Arguably the prettiest marina with the richest history in the Caribbean, it accommodates 54 yachts up to 200 feet in length and is a popular choice for luxury vessels and superyachts. With 24-hour security, customs, and immigration facilities and a full concierge service, guests to the Dockyard will be pleased with the facilities on offer, not to mention the full range of skilled labor and marine services the yard can provide.
Located to the east of English Harbour is Antigua Slipway. This full-service marina also sports a chandlery and fuel dock. The stern-to visitor’s dock has room for 35 boats and takes yachts up to 150 feet. There is haul out capability and the yard is popular for summer storage, providing tie-down rings set into a concrete base, and stands welded together to create a ridged cradle. With numerous services in the area including sail lofts, mechanics, electricians, carpenters, riggers, canvas workers, metal fabricators, and refrigeration mechanics, English Harbour is a great location to carry out yacht maintenance and upgrades.
