(Carol standing next to the pillars that used to hold up the old sail loft)

As Antigua was to weather (against the wind) on our sail down island, we were happy that we could sail there on our return trip. Falmouth and English Harbours are rich in history and the grounds of Nelson's Dockyard, now managed by the National Parks Authority, are absolutely gorgeous and meticulously kept. Here is an excerpt from the "Cruising Guide to the Leeward Islands" by Chris Doyle:

"In the old days it was hard to find secure ports that were easily defensible, with immediate access to the trade winds, yet protected enough to careen a ship and be safe in a hurricane. Falmouth Harbour and English Harbour sit side by side, almost touching at the closest point, and they meet all these requirements. Their potential was recognized as early as 1723 and work was begun on the English Harbour Dockyard. It was completed much as it stands today in around 1745 and was Britain's main naval station in the Lesser Antilles. Nelson was stationed here in 1784 under Sir Richard Hughes, who had recently blinded himself in one eye while chasing a cockroach with a fork. Nelson eventually took over as naval commander. He did not enjoy Antigua and did not get on well with Governor General Shirley or the plantocracy, who resented the boring way in which Nelson insisted on enforcing the Navigation Act. This meant he kept the port closed to trade for all but British ships. Nonetheless, the dockyard is now generally known as Nelson's dockyard in deference to Britain's favorite hero."

We're in St. Barts for Thanksgiving and plan on sailing back to St. Thomas by the weekend. Have a great Thanksgiving!