We are now anchored in English Harbour in Antigua. Andy is beside himself with delight as we are surrounded by some of the best sailing and yachts in the world including Paul Allen's boat (Bill Gates' partner) which is a 300' state of the art yacht with the weirdest sails. We are not allowed to go anywhere near it of course. It's anchored in Antigua Yacht Club at the moment but the big security man turned us away!!

We left St Martin last friday having spent two weeks there in the marina. Needless to say, work took a bit longer than anticipated. We were waiting for some electronic guy to come and fit a wire from the chart plotter to the auto pilot and he never seem to be available. We are learning fast about island time. However, it got done and we sailed around to Marigot and Grand Case and spent a couple of nights at anchor there. This is the first time we've sailed Drimia on our own and the first time we've anchored so a bit anxious. No problems though and the anchoring was fine. Thank you, Rod. We got the Brittany anchor and it's fab!! And I at last got my dream of jumping off the back of the boat into clear, green, WARM water.

We left St Martin on Saturday at midday and arrived here in Antigua at 11 am on Sunday. Not the most enjoyable night of my life I have to say. Got seasick as usual . The weather forecast was 15 knots rising to 20 from the East but was actually 15 knots rising to 30 plus a few storms during the night! Drimia was blasting along at 8 knots and, even when we put two reefs in and reduced the jib to the size of a pocket handkerchief, we were still doing 6. Andy was whooping with delight most of the way while I glared at him and asked to be put off at the next luxury island!

Of course, all that is forgotten now we're here. We had a few hours sleep once we got here and then went up to the Shirley Heights Lookout bar where, on a sunday night, they have a steel band playing, followed by a cracking reggae band. We had jerk chicken and far too many rum punches and ended up dancing, along with everyone else!! The bar overlooks the whole of English and Falmouth Harbours but we were too late to catch the view at sunset which means we'll have to go again!! Next time, Barb, Dali and Dan will be with us which will be fantastic (someone to help us into the dinghy!)

Don't seem to have taken many photos as yet but will try to get some on here soon. Have a fantastic Chistmas and a very Happy New Year. We have bought a month of internet so can use our Skype from here and will try and phone a few people over the festive period.

Thanks to all who are leaving comments. It's really good to hear from you. J&A xx