Antigua arrival events. 

Stick around, we have planned nearly three weeks of fun with the Dawgs!

Upon arrival of the fleet in Antigua we will be sharing updates on the SDSA app and the daily morning net.  Many events have been scheduled already but are dependent on the arrival of the fleet.

As you approach Antigua we will reach out to you with any updates on entry procedures and the day's activities.  Fast boat or slow, be assured that there will be something happening when you arrive.

Any questions about events or what you need to know about your arrival can be addressed to me, [email protected]

And, consider having family and friends fly down to join in the fun.  All events are open to all and not limited to those in the rally.  Lodging is available at pre-season rates at the Admiral’s Inn, noted below.

Daily events will begin on or about November 12^th, run through Thanksgiving and beyond.  Most of these are low cost or free and the paid ones, such as the arrival dinner, are very reasonably priced.

These events are scheduled with dates below and are subject to change.  Our partners in Antigua have enthusiastically supported us from day one and every year the opportunities for the Dawgs in Antigua get better and better.

In addition to the following list, there will be informal events, hikes, get-togethers on the beach, sundowners aboard fellow Dawg boats, and lots of fun dining out at the many restaurants in the vicinity of Falmouth and English Harbors.  These events will be announced on the SDSA app and via the morning VHF net as noted below.

The arrival of our fleet in mid-November is a big deal for the island as the fleet shows up several weeks before the “official” season begins which makes our arrival very special.   Charles “Max” Fernandez, the Minister of Tourism, generally makes a point of welcoming us in person as we celebrate our arrival and I expect that this season will be no different. 

To reserve a slip in Nelson's Dockyard, reach out to the dockyard. To book a slip, follow this link.   They will need a deposit and an idea of when you expect to arrive and how long you plan to stay.  They will understand that your planned arrival date is, at best, a guess.  Rates begin at $1.25/US/ft for monohulls so this is a deal not to be missed.  These are special SDSA rates and a list of all participants will be shared with them so she will know you are a Dawg when you check in.  

Nelsons Dockyard Marina

Tel: 268 481 5035/5033

Cell/WhatsApp: 268 764 5022

Fax: 268 481 5029

Email:  [email protected]

The following describes a few of our key partners for many of our arrival events.

Our Partners

Antigua Yacht Club:  The Antigua Yacht Club is an important part of the yachting community in Antigua.  They have been very supportive of the Dawgs and continue to welcome us with open arms.  In addition to hosting a member-guest event, free to the Dawgs, they hold many sailing events and maintain an excellent small boat fleet available to members.  Consider joining at special rates for a month or the whole season.   Support them as they support us.

There are many other events at the AYC Clubhouse restaurant, quiz night, all you can eat sushi, steak night and live music.  (check out the board in the Clubhouse, above the office in Falmouth harbor for dates and details)

Admiral’s Inn:  Siblings, Paul and Astrid, whose parents founded one of the first resorts in Antigua are hugely supportive of the Dawgs and we will have several events at the Inn, located in the heart of Nelson’s Dockyard.  The facility includes both the Admiral’s Inn and Boom poolside restaurant across the harbor via free ferry.  Consider a bit of shore time or have friends and family come down to join the fun.  The inn is offering special rates for our members and friends so consider booking “shore time” upon arrival.  You will not be alone as I understand that many of you have booked rooms.  If you have not, it is not too late.  Face it, you need time ashore after a long voyage.  Follow this link to the rates and how to book your room.

Nelson’s Dockyard:  An important part of the National Park’s system of Antigua and Barbuda, the park has been designated as a UNESCO world heritage site and has been beautifully restored to its former glory when it was the Caribbean home port for the British Royal Navy.  It is beautifully maintained under the direction of director, Ann-Marie Martin.  Most of our events are to be held within a short walk of the Dockyard.

The dockyard is the “official” docking location for the Dawgs.  To book a spot on the dock, follow this link.

Arrival events calendar: 

The calendar is nearly full now but continue to check back as we may be adding events, changing times, and making adjustments as needed.  We will also be setting up some events in December and into January when many Dawgs continue to be on-island.

For the fast boats, no need to worry.  In case you arrive before the 12^th, other Dawgs will be in Antigua and we will set something up so we can celebrate with the “early birds”.  A number of us will be heading north to Antigua from Trinidad and points south, and should be on-island by November 10th or so.   Listen to the Morning Net, led by Bill aboard Kalunamoo for all the news, weather, and entertainment.  The net will be easily heard in both English and Falmouth Harbors on VHF 72 at 08:30.  If you are considering making landfall in Jolly Harbor, DON’T.  It will be hard to participate in events and will not be able to hear announcements directed at the fleet on VHF.

NOTE:  In most of the Caribbean islands the VHF hailing channel is 68 while 16 is reserved for emergency traffic only. 

Early Dawgs, Pre-November 12^th:  Informal events will be planned “ad hoc” depending on when the fleet begins to arrive.   Leave your VHF radio turned on to catch any updates and news.

November 12^th:  17:00 to 19:00.  Antigua Yacht Club Early Arrival Happy Hour.  This will be held at Club Sushi, located above the club office adjacent to the Antigua Yacht Club Marina.   It will be an informal event for any Dawgs in the area along with interested cruisers.   You might want to stick around for dinner after cocktails.

November 13^th:   TBD based on fleet arrival.

November 14^th:  17:00 to 19:00 Welcome cocktails at the Admiral’s Inn:  By this time most of the fleet will have arrived so join the gang to raise a glass and toast your successful voyage to Antigua.  The Inn is located in the heart of Nelson’s Dockyard.  Cash Bar/happy hour prices. 

November 15^th: 17:00 to 19:00.  Rum in The Ruins, at the capstan in the Dockyard. Our host, Dr. Chris Waters, Director of the Antigua Heritage Department, is an expert on the history of Nelson’s Dockyard and will share the colorful history of the Royal Navy on the island.  This was a very popular event last season and one that you won’t want to miss.  The tour will include two traditional “stiff” rum drinks featuring locally distilled rum.  $20US/pp

November 16^th. 17:30  La Brasserie French dining. Join fellow Dawgs at this lovely authentic French restaurant located adjacent to the Slipway in English Harbor, across the harbor from The Dockyard.   The view is amazing and the food, perfect.  You will think you are in France, but with a better view.  Our host, Isabella, is excited to have the Dawgs visit again and I am sure that she will have something special for skippers to keep you coming back.  They are known especially for their fabulous croissants and baguettes which they will deliver to you in Falmouth and English Harbors every morning.  Dawgs get 10% off except for 2-for-1 pizza.
[email protected]  Or WhatsApp  +1(268)721 9420.

November 17^th:  17:00 to 19:00   Nelson’s Dockyard  Welcome Event.  This will be quite an event including cocktails, dinner, live Caribbean music and even dancers and stilt walkers.  The event will be held on the lawn adjacent to the Dockyard Marina where the Dawgs will be tied up.  Our host will be Ann-Marie Martin, Commissioner of National Parks Antigua.  Reservations can be made at Copper and Lumber reception in the dockyard . (price TBD)

November 18th: 10:00-11:30 Cruisers Roundtable, Admiral’s Inn.  Join fellow cruisers and learn more about great places to visit around Antigua as well as other islands and harbors that are particularly worth visiting.

November 18^th: 16:00 to 20:00  Arrival Dinner at Pillars Restaurant, Admiral’s Inn.  The “pillars”, perhaps the most iconic image of Antigua, were the support for the English Harbor, Royal Navy sail loft.  This will be the location for our arrival dinner, the “big event” to mark the arrival of the fleet and a celebration of what will be for many their longest ocean voyage to date.  Enjoy cocktails and dinner at Pillars Restaurant at the Inn overlooking the harbor.  (See reception at the Admiral’s Inn for reservations.)

November 19^th, 17:00 to 19:00  Antigua Yacht Club member guest reception  (free appetizers and a welcome rum punch, cash bar available)  Catered by Angie of the Clubhouse restaurant over the AYC office, she always puts on a great spread.  Join fellow Dawgs and AYC members.  Consider joining AYC and enjoy the small boat fleet, discounts in the restaurant and other club activities.

November 20^th: 17:00 to 19:00  A&F Canvas and Sails cocktail party and demonstration  Enjoy a beverage or two and some appetizers in the historic A&F loft near the entrance to the Dockyard.  Details are being worked out and we expect some interesting demonstrations to make the evening special.  (free)

November 21^st: 17:00 to 18:00  Marinaside Restaurant   Enjoy two-for-one pizza overlooking beautiful Falmouth Harbor.  Located on the pier adjacent to the Antigua Yacht Club Marina you will have beautiful views of yachts from all over the world.

November 22^nd: 17:30 to 18:30  Tot Club special tot for the Dawgs at Copper and Lumber in the Dockyard.  As a “card carrying member” of the Royal Navy Tot Club of Antigua and Barbuda, Bob of SV Pandora will be your host for this very special ceremony.  You will learn about Royal Navy history and share a “tot” of rum with fellow Dawgs.  For $2/US you get a dram, 3.5ozs, of “official” Tot Club Rum, made on the island, a deal that cannot be beat. The ceremony will begin promptly at 18:00.  There will also be happy hour prices at the bar. 

November 23^rd:  Time and details, TBA  Selfie/Scavenger Hunt, English Harbor and Falmouth.  Pigeon Beach

November 24^th: 4:30 - ?  Shirley Heights:  Shirley Heights, Barbecue and Steel Band.  This is perhaps the most popular event for locals and visitors alike in Antigua.  Enjoy a live steel drum band and local barbecue high on the hilltop overlooking Falmouth and English Harbors where you can enjoy the signature sunsets that make this such a popular event.   Cash bar and barbecue.

November 25^th:  17:00 to 19:00  North Sails Antigua open house.  Andrew Dove always throws a terrific party and this will be his “season kickoff” with live music. The details are being worked out but you will not want to miss this one.   Surely there will be nibbles and some “adult beverages” for all.  (Free)

November 26^th:  17:00-?  Happy Hour, Los Cabrones, Mexican dining.  This is a fun place to unwind after a tough day on the beach.  Enjoy a happy hour with the dawgs and dinner if you wish.  Located at the corner, near the gas station.  

November 27^th:     TBD

November 28^th: 09:30-Noon  Thanksgiving Day Regatta:  Join fellow Dawgs for a regatta at Antigua’s National Sailing Academy. Skippers’ meeting at 09:30.  SDSA is making a donation to the group and participants are encouraged to do so as well.  Let’s support a group that is so supportive of Antigua Youth.  And, there will be prizes.  Lynn, of Roxy fame, is organizing this and will surely make it a great event.

November 28^th:  18:00- 21:00  Thanksgiving dinner @ AYC Angie puts on an amazing spread that is not to be missed.  Thanksgiving dinner with “all the fixin’s as good as Grandma makes”. $TBD. Reservations required.

December 31^st: Midnight   Fireworks over Fort Berkley.  English Harbor, New Year’s Eve.  There simply is no better way to ring in the New Year than to sit on the bow of your boat while watching the fireworks over Fort Berkley guarding the entrance to English Harbor.  Try out this brief video tour of Fort Berkley and imagine what it’s like at night with fireworks ablaze!

Prepared by Bob Osborn,
President, SDSA
Rally Director
Antigua Port Officer
SV Pandora