PAGE 4 • AUTUMN 2006 THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SAILING ASSOCIATION
FEATURE STORY
continued from page 3
soca-induced band (jump-up
style band), with the dance
floor coming alive - true down-
island flavor!
Days were spent relaxing by
the Caribbean sea, the pool,
or for those looking for
action, there were daysail
opportunities aboard the
Oceanis 473s, windsurfing,
small boat sailing, snorkeling,
hiking, sightseeing, shopping
- whatever you wanted, it was
there. An absolute delight for
a spouse or partner looking
for a break from sailing!
Those avid sailors looking for
more time on the water were
delighted even more when it
was announced that an
The Beneteau Oceanis 473 provides a great ride for both new and experienced sailors.
overnight sail was available -
just add your name to the list - a true experience in the
array of foods from Club Colonna pre-cruise, I’m sure
cruising lifestyle. The chance to navigate through those
many of the crew would have jumped at that burger. Not
beautiful waters to a new destination, spend the night on
the case for us. They provisioned us with fresh meats,
the Oceanis, and sail back to Club Colonna the following
fish and vegetables; and meals were prepared by the crew
day! Talk about time at the helm! Two Oceanis 473s set
and skippers. Why is it that food always tastes better
out for Jolly Harbor, located on the west coast of
while cruising? Is there a reasonable explanation? The
Antigua. Each boat had (up to) eight people onboard,
same hunk of fish just wouldn’t be as tasty at home!
and it was an exciting journey. (Amazingly, the ages
ranged from late 20s to a couple in their early 70s).
After dinner, our boat had a special dessert for our
Charlie Nobles was the skipper/instructor of an Oceanis,
buddy boat, accompanied with a special song and dance:
and I was on the other. We had a “buddy boat” cruise. It
“Dove Bar in Paradise.” Sung to the tune of, well, you
was a hoot for each boat, watching each other under sail,
know. They were quite surprised, and I was quite proud
and taking in the beauty of the Antigua coastline.
of the crew’s talent! Post-dessert found several of us at
the casino. Talk about meeting great people; I met a guy
Enjoying the local flavor
who could have been out of a Caribbean novel - a true
Making landfall, (it was a relatively short sail - two
“local” Antiguan. He has a friend in the import/export
hours), we motored up the Jolly Harbor channel, and
business and had many stories to tell about navigating at
pecked around for an anchorage. There wasn’t much
night, sans charts or running lights! (Not a class found
opportunity for a comfortable anchorage, so Charlie
in the ASA curriculum!) He was very friendly and
contacted the harbor master for options. We found our
directed us toward the Dog Watch pub, a laid-back place
option: Tying up to the dock, we had access to
with a predominant English (U.K.) clientele.
restaurants, pubs, showers - even a pool! The general
consensus amongst the crew: “This is cool, and I’m so
Morning came once again, and it was time to get the crew
happy to be here! If this is what the sailing lifestyle is
and the coffee going, and the boat ready for the trip back.
like, I am definitely hooked!”
First stop was the fuel dock. The trip back was true-
spirited sailing; we sailed under a double-reefed main with
Friends and acquaintances were made at Jolly Harbor.
a little jib rolled out, and still had plenty of power. Talk
Charlie made a friend at the pool and named her, “Jolly.”
about getting your money’s worth! The Oceanis 473s
She was one of the sweetest dogs you’ll ever meet. He
provided by Sunsail were fun! When visions of the
went as far as ordering a cheeseburger for her - talk about
Caribbean are conjured, we think of warm water, flat seas,
a dog’s life. Had we not been set up with an incredible
continued on page 10
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24