ST. KITTS & NEVIS
Quill volcano, Statia
After departing St. Bart, we cruised past the Quill volcano on St. Eustatius and on to Majors Bay in St. Kitts. As the only boat in the harbor, we dropped our anchor in 10 feet of crystal clear water and enjoyed the view of Nuestra Señora del las Nieves (Our Lady of Snow), in Nevis, while enjoying our evening sun downers on our bow. Majors Bay is located just west of the narrows between St. Kitts & Nevis, and is a good place to stage before heading to Antigua. Another sunrise departure and we were on our way!
ANTIGUA
The day we cruised to Antigua was perhaps one of the calmest days in the Caribbean Sea that we have encountered to date with zero to one (0-1) foot seas. The clouds reflecting in the mirror-like water, as the Pilot’s Discretion cruised along slicing the sea like a hot knife through warm butter, was yet another one of those surreal moments that will remain forever etched in our minds.
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- Calm Caribbean Sea on route to Antigua
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- Calm Caribbean Sea on route to Antigua
NELSON’S DOCKYARD
After the calm day at sea, we cruised into English Harbor and tied up at the historic Nelson’s Dockyard Marina. The marina is situated in the heart of a restored 18th century naval base and is named after Admiral Horatio Nelson who gained notoriety in the battle of Trafalgar. While the old naval vessels are long gone, replaced with private yachts, one cannot help but sense the immense history of this working maritime monument while strolling around the grounds.
The old Officer’s Quarters now houses the marina office & other yacht service providers
Ryan & Ronan pushing the replica capstans (used to careen British naval vessels), Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua
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- Georgian Architecture Arches in the Courtyard in the Old Copper & Lumber Store which now houses a Hotel & Restaurant, Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua
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- The Admiral’s Kitchen is now home to Nelson’s Dockyard Bakery
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- The Admiral’s Inn is housed in the 18th century Pitch & Tar Store & Engineer Office
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- The Admiral’s Inn is housed in the 18th century Pitch & Tar Store & Engineer Office
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- The 18th Century Pitch & Tar Store & Engineer Office / Pillar’s Restaurant
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- The Remains of the 18th Century Boat House Pillars, Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua
FORT BERKELEY
The historical Fort Berkeley is just a short stroll from the restored naval base and is well worth the hike.
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- Ronan, Ryan & Patton checking out the Gun Powder House, Fort Berkeley, Antigua
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- Hiking the grounds of Fort Berkeley, Antigua
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- Patton taking Randy for a hike in Antigua
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- Gun Powder House, Fort Berkeley, English Harbor, Antigua
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- Ryan & Ronan, Sásta (happy) at Fort Berkely, Antigua
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- Patton, Fort Berkeley, English Harbor, Antigua
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- Ryan, Fort Berkeley, English Harbor, Antigua
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- 1805 Cannon Stamp, Fort Berkeley, Antigua
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- British Insignia on Cannon, Fort Berkeley, English Harbor, Antigua
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- British Insignia on 1805 Cannon, Fort Berkeley, English Harbor, Antigua
Patton taking in the view from his jet pack perch at Fort Berkely, Antigua
CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA
We had the good fortune to have arrived at Nelson’s Dockyard just in time for the 2016 Classic Yacht Regatta. At the conclusion of the regatta, the classic yacht parade sailed right past our boat giving us front row seat viewing to the spectacular vessels from a different era.
Classic Yacht Parade, Antigua
ANTIGUA SAIL WEEK
The Classic Yacht Regatta was followed by Antigua Sail Week with week long festivities that rivalled the Classic Yacht Regatta.
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- Ronan & Ryan watching the Antigua Sail Week races from atop Fort Berkeley
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- Antigua Sail Week 2016
SHIRLEY HEIGHTS
We had been told that no trip to Antigua would be complete without a journey to Shirley Heights. Cruisers and locals gather there every Sunday night to enjoy the the spectacular sunset views, complete with BBQ, and steel drum reggae and calypso. The night that we were there was no exception. Mother nature painted the sky in vibrant colors as we watched the sun set over the horizon with the Pilot’s Discretion in the harbor below.
Shirley Heights, Sunday night BBQ, with steel band reggae & calypso, Antigua
Shirley Heights, Antigua
Our next adventures will have us continuing to cruise south, including stops in Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique and St. Lucia. We will continue to post as both internet and time allow. In the meantime, wishing a very happy Mother’s Day to the most wonderful and inspirational woman I know, my Mom! We are looking forward to seeing you very soon.
pilotsdiscretiondotcom 
Great photos–following your trip with delight–
Todd Sudick
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Thanks for sharing. Beautiful photos. Always fun to get these. Barb and Tom Hébert
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I can’t thank you all enough for sharing all your wonderful adventures! Your pictures are spectacular and your descriptions make me feel as though I’m there!
Happy Mother’s Day and continued safe travels! Sylvia
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If you are ever looking for a new career, you really need to consider writing cruising guide books! As always, your pictures and words tell a beautiful story of both your present adventures and the historical past of your destinations.
We wish you safe travels as you continue your journey. Duke sends a friendly “woof” to Patton and is impressed by his “hiking” technique. Bob and I have already told Duke not to get any ideas!!!
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What wonderful pictures. How long are you planning on sailing through the Caribbean? And just wondering, how old is Patton. I remember him when you visited my folks in California. Your boys will have such wonderful memories.
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