by Kent St. John on May 15, 2012
Sailing out of English Harbour in a procession of some of the world’s best sailboats is a thrill but the nine foot swells out farther was the real thrill! Thanks to On Deck we had a chance to see the races up close and personal. I’ve hada a small sailboat for a few years and always found it difficult to rig the Bonita to head out on the Hudson. When I saw the amount of work it takes to get one of these racing boats rigged I flipped, dedication needed in huge supply. To just dingy out and take off shear lux. Thanks to On Deck for making the Antigua Sailing Week that much better…
by Kent St. John on May 8, 2012
I often neglect mentioning the other side of my occupation and that is the chance to meet a number of interesting people. Some are in my heart forever, some just passing ships, yet all leave a mark. For example on my last trip to Antigua I had a chance to meet Mar Jennings, TV host, author and lifestyle expert found frequently on Fox CT/Ct1, the Today Show and Food Network. These are just some of the places he pops up. Mar’s first book, Life on Mar’s has done great, and his second is now out.
Best though is his attitude about life; he enjoys the world and you can see and feel it and it is catching. Trish, one of his assistants, also shares that vibe and it was a pleasure to meet her also. Often though it is an unknown person that can really make your travels run smoother. I have one on this trip who really came through–the United employee who went above and beyond.
I rushed through customs at EWR praying that I would catch my connection to ALB and home. I asked a gate agent if it would be possible. “Not very,” his eyes showed. My eyes must have flashed extreme disappointment because he said, “Follow me and step lively.” Bottom line, he got me through security on the crew line and then on an employee bus to the far away correct terminal. Seconds to spare and on board, I felt an extreme relief, and he will never know just how important he was.
Today, I thought a lot about all the travels I’ve done and the amazing places seen, the experiences that many dream about and how lucky I am to have had the opportunity. I wondered just how many unknown people have given something of themselves to make that happen. Then all of the wonderful people who have really become friends, caring and understanding, It’s a Small World After All!
by Kent St. John on May 7, 2012
Stand down Los Escapados, Aita Pea Pea, Scarlet Oyster and Escaped Aussies the 2012 Antigua Regatta is over. It was a fantastic time and an obvious success on that piece of paradise called Antigua. Already dates are picked for the NEXT five years, a sure clue that all went well. I sure enjoyed my time there.
It isn’t often that I get to sail the perfect waters or stay in a place where Prince Albert of Monaco just recently has (Inn at English Harbour). To swim amongst stingrays, amend that to swim and hold. Seafood so fresh and tasty that I though about having lobster for breakfast a rare thing. The chill out Caribbean vibe that after your first day that makes you feel that all is right and the way it should be, a , in my case, return to life!
If you have even a slight interest in wind fueled cruising move now and put Sailing Week Antigua on the list. Move fast and book now, things book quickly for this event and it is one highly recommended by me. I spent many years growing up and every year I would join my family down in the Islands. I then spent many years not going to them. That is a crime, pure and simple.
by Kent St. John on May 4, 2012
I had an extra bonus when I accepted a ride to the town on St John on Antigua with PR honcho Derede for Antigua this morning. An unexpected look at a new mega project going on here in Antigua. Low and behold a resort located on Nonsuchbay, shhhhh, there is non such place. There is and it looks amazing, big bucks put down.
The place is quality done and if being far from beaten track and lots of sailing is your thing then, Bingo! The villas I did get to see well one anyway way outfitted with all you could need. It was a two-bedroom beauty and wow could see my family or a few friends really get into staying. The main lobby area and restaurant well set and sailing area ready for new comers and top deck riders. I’m going to follow this one a bit as it is so new and unexpected for me, sharing the tip right here cause the feeling is very good for the right visitor. In fact could see doing a sailing/family piece from there and ASAP. Till then here is the website to wet your whistle, Non Such Bay.
http://nonsuchbayresort.com/location_antigua/
Sailing out of English Harbour in a procession of some of the world’s best sailboats is a thrill but the nine foot swells out farther was the real thrill! Thanks to On Deck we had a chance to see the races up close and personal. I’ve hada a small sailboat for a few years and always found it difficult to rig the Bonita to head out on the Hudson. When I saw the amount of work it takes to get one of these racing boats rigged I flipped, dedication needed in huge supply. To just dingy out and take off shear lux. Thanks to On Deck for making the Antigua Sailing Week that much better…
