Antigua is an island who's windward shore is protected by numerous reefs resulting in some of the most beautiful anchorages...unlike most islands where it is just untamed surf pounding the shore. One of these protected areas is Nonsuch Bay found on the north-east corner of the island. Rounding Green Island we entered the bay by zigzagging around all the shallows and picked up a free mooring ball of which we had our choice of many behind the long expanse of reef in front of us. Ours was the furthest inside West Bay on Green Island and over the next few days while the wind blew hard we enjoyed the protection the tip of the island provided us although even directly behind the reef was still fairly flat.

Not wanting to give up our perfect real estate we explored the sites of this bay by dinghy. Our first order of business was to search out some of the snorkelling spots mentioned in our guide book. We found the coral grey and lifeless with only green brain coral scattered here and there. Some deep wall ledges found in Ten Pound Bay on Green Islands south side were more interesting.

With the brisk winds the kite boarders came out to play in numbers. 40 Knot Kite Boarding School teaches newcomers to the sport and they can be seen flying back and forth from early morning until almost dark. One day a novice got too close to the sailboat in front of us and his kite got tangled in the boats rigging...ouch.

Several resorts and restaurants are found in the bay and one day we had lunch at Harmony Hall. It's a small boutique hotel with a great restaurant and art gallery. It's also home of the Antigua Yacht Club. The owners son was a crew member in the Americas Cup Challenge in 2014. During the Antigua Race week that cup will be displayed at the club for all to see. At the dock as we arrived sits eight beautiful fiberglass Dragon racing sailboats that are used only once a year during AR week.

A quick sail back to English Harbour for a big New Years party and fireworks and it was off the next day to Jolly Harbour located on the west side of the island. Here we anchor outside the harbour along the channel going in and we get a front row seat of all the boats coming in and out of the harbour...many under full sail. The water is a gorgeous colour of turquoise. As the wind continues to blow we fill our days with walking Morris Beach and took in a very good steel pan band one afternoon. One evening we went to shore to see a fellow cruiser play sax in a local band.

Jolly Harbour is a great place to provision which we do before picking up anchor once again to head to Deep Bay. In the middle of the bay, in about 30 feet of water, sits a sunken three masted iron barque that had caught fire in 1905. Today it's a splendid snorkelling site and it didn't take long for us to suit up once we arrived to take it in. Once back on the boat we lift our dinghy because in the morning we plan an early get away to Barbuda.

Our 30nm sail the next day is over all too soon. It's one of those perfect sailing days as we glide over the water between the islands. Twice sailboats pass close by in the opposite direction and we give a big wave and a smile...nothing has to be said.

Entering along the west coast of Barbuda is easier than expected and we finally drop anchor along this 11 mile beach with only two other sailboats to be seen. As the sun goes down and Mars appears in the SW we find ourselves looking forward to what adventures await us.