James has never seen so many vessels on the AIS before. We have no less than 77 superyachts showing within 0.5nm. This morning we went ashore to explore the "Worlds only working Georgian dockyard" and gasp at some of them. English Harbour itself seems to be for a select few - this area has the most 'cruising' fleet anchored in Freeman Bay near the entrance, then a collection of superyachts stern to at Nelson's Dockyard, and just a few intrepid visitors such as us anchored further up in the swamp. We are mainly accompanied here by the birds and yachts long abandonned and decaying.
The children have decided they will buy one particular yacht when they are old enough - two masts, about 150ft of glistening plastic complete with a "living room with sofas in the cockpit" and "a swimming pool on deck!" We would be happier with the three masted schooner Shenandoah who we were next to at Tobago Cays. She is next to another modern 44m yacht and then Icon - an immense luxury superyacht at 62m.
Across at Antigua Slipway are several vessels, recently shipped in and still plastic wrapped - J-class Ranger is among them as are several pretty and immaculate large classics.
Behind us is a forest of masts topped with the red lights that signify they are over 150ft tall. We chatted to the recent owners of 3 month-old 'deckhouse' Spirit yacht Spirit of Rani which is the first Sean McMillan has made with varnished topsides. James wishes to win the lottery and order one. There was also a large historic tallship weighing anchor before being towed out to sea and several immense gentleman's steamships. Maltese Falcon and Leopard are also is, but James prefers the Fifes Sumurun and local Antiguan Fife Mariella although these were dwarfed in the company. J-class Ranger is also here already as is Rainbow, and Athos who we saw earlier is nearby. The largest one I found on AIS is the 151m Parvati.
The afternoon was spent with the kids playing on Galleon Beach. Even Matthew is now enjoying the water, so long as the waves aren't too big.
good to see the children have impeccable taste in boats - cant beat a good piece of plastic lol.love mum x x
ReplyDeleteSofas and a swimming pool sounds good to me - let them dream. Lots of love Dad XXXX
ReplyDeleteAs nearly all my yachting experience and pleasure has been with old timber boats that can be adapted and altered, I do not wish a super plastic for you. The classic wooden have quality and owners also! Love Hxxxx
ReplyDeleteThe yacht in question was "Panthalassa" which Google tells me is a 56m superyacht design by the eminent building architects, Foster & Partners!
ReplyDeleteI received a card from Guadeloupe today with beautiful writing and lovely little drawings from E, M and S. Thank you very much Granddad XOXOXOXO
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