Chartering in Antigua: clearing in, English Harbour and the reefs off Barbuda

Antigua lies in the Leeward Islands, in the trade winds, with many sheltered bays on its west and south coasts. It has long been a favourite winter destination for British sailors, and charter bases are mainly in Jolly Harbour, Falmouth Harbour and English Harbour. Antigua and Barbuda form one country, so a trip to Barbuda does not cross a border. Guadeloupe, Montserrat or St Kitts are different: you clear out in Antigua and clear in at the destination with customs and immigration, carrying every passport and the yacht's papers.

English Harbour, with Nelson's Dockyard, is tight, busy in winter and inside a national park where fees apply. Barbuda is low lying, a fair distance to the north and surrounded by reefs that not every chart shows accurately. Approach only with the sun high and good light, a lookout on the bow and the boat at slow speed. Many charter agreements allow Barbuda only with the base's consent or rule out night sailing in that area altogether.

Before booking, ask the base to confirm in writing which islands the cruising area covers, whether Barbuda is allowed and who handles clearance for trips to neighbouring countries. Keep the hurricane season in mind, as many agreements restrict cruising area and use in those months. Touching a reef gets expensive quickly, with divers, a lift and a surveyor on top of the repair. If you damage someone else's boat or property with the charter yacht you are personally liable, so your own skipper liability insurance belongs in the preparations in the Caribbean too.

Worth remembering

Off Barbuda you navigate with your eyes, not the plotter.