Ondeck - Antigua Regatta

[Ducati]

I recently viewed an Extreme or Outdoor Television show about a sailing charter company called Ondeck. They offer a week of racing in the Antigua Regatta on a Farr 65. It's for wannabe sailors who want to experience big boat regatta participation however the novice crew spent most of their time on the rail while the short French skipper (Napoleon?) screamed orders. I went to the Ondeck website and it looks pretty expensive for this week and participants travel from all over the world to do this. During one race there was no tactician onboard (injured) and the skipper gave a rookie crew member the GPS to figure out where the next mark was located. In another show a different skipper did an accidental gybe which almost seriously injured a crew member with the boom.

Not how I would spend my time off but it makes for interesting viewing during the long winter months.

Happy New Year!

 

[PrincessoftheLake]

In addition to an experience of that type I am pretty sure that some of the bareboat charter companies in that part of the world will charter you a boat to race in the regatta-I am thinking Sunsail and Moorings. It's been a couple years since I checked because I had fantasies of doing that one time. I still think it would be a hoot but a little on the pricey side.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

We were in Antiqua during race week a few years ago and it was definitely a busy place at the time. Yes, Sunsail has boats for charter specifically for entering the races. They have a special fleet for those folks and a lot of people do it. I'm guessing that reservations would need to be made well in advance. I also recall that the Race Week website has a forum established for folks who want to crew and are attempting to find a boat. I don't know how successful that route would be, as it seemed like there are A LOT of people who put their names in the pool! It's a party scene for sure! We went to the Shirley Heights BB Que and had a blast.

 

[Freedom77]

If and When you get to Antiqua go to Dickinsons Beach. It is an absolutely beautiful place as evidenced by the fact that Sandals is just up the way. White sand, topaz water. If you ever get to Phillipsburg Dutch St. Martin you can sail on the original Stars & Stripes, US-55. I got to steer her, I can die happy now. Happy New Year to all and Fair Winds and Full Sails...