At 1010 UTC-4 this morning we anchored in Freemans Bay, English Harbour, Antigua after a 27 day 3 hour pasage from Mogan in Gran Canaria. As required, on approach we contacted Nelson's Dockyard Marina on VHF ch 68. They had us change to ch 11 and confirmed we should anchor in Freemans Bay and stay on channel for advice on when we should go ashore for clearance.
Free Pratique please!
While waiting to go ashore we were flat out: extracting, inflating and preparing the dinghy; transferring diesel from jerries to main tanks; cleaning below; cleaning s/s on deck; and mopping up a little sea water in the bottom of the cockpit lockers.
At about 1500 we were called ashore. All crew were required to go. We secured the dinghy under the flag pole as instructed and then walked the short distance to the Netson's Dockyard Marina office (to the right, just around the corner of the building). There we filled out health declarations. Having been at sea for over 14 days Covid testing was not required.
From the marina office we were directed to Customs & Immigration, a short walk away. There we did the usual clearing in processing which was slow but painless. We received 3 month visas. The only fees payable were for staying in English and Falmouth Harbours, which are part of a national park. That cost us US$135 (EC$365) for a week, calculated by boat length.
We returned to the boat to strike our Q flag. Then we went ashore to the Antigua Slipway where we could buy fresh water at modest cost (EC$13.50 for 80 litres).
The final 24 hours of our passage was a mixed bag. Yesterday afternoon was slow going amongst the rain clouds. At 1735 the cry of Land Ho! went up - Desirade Island to the NE of Guadelope. We saw several large fishing buoys in water several kilometres deep. Overnight was patchy wind-wise and we motored for an hour. In the morning a good breeze came in and we had a nice sail to English Harbour, tramping along under single-reefed main and single-furled yankee.
Zen Again in Freemans Bay again!
It's great to be back in Antigua. We'll do a full passage summary post in a day or three - after a few Rum Punches!
Trust all's well where you are.
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