Caribbean Compass Yachting Magazine - December 2020

Info & Updates
The SSCA Service
Award trophy
Compass News
• We’ve been busy in the lead-up to the high
season completely redesigning the Caribbean
Compass website! It is now launched and
sailing at
www.caribbeancompass.com.
The magazine you know and love is now
presented on a website with a fresh new look
— along with breaking news updates,
tantalizing photos, and much more. Have a
look and browse around. We hope you like it!
Feedback is welcome at sally@
caribbeancompass.com.
• In more Compass news, on November 14th
Caribbean Compass was presented with the
Seven Seas Cruising Association’s Service Award.
Founded in 1952, the Seven Seas Cruising
Association (www.ssca.org) is the oldest and
largest worldwide organization supporting the
liveaboard cruising lifestyle. The SSCA Service
Award may be given to any person or group who
has helped cruisers, particularly SSCA members, or
who has made a significant contribution to the
running of the organization. Caribbean Compass
was recognized for providing Caribbean sailors
with key country information for passages,
particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Caribbean Compass is honored to receive
this award, and is always glad to be of service to the cruising community, not only in
times of Covid, but at all times.
Antigua & Barbuda is Open
Antigua & Barbuda is ready to receive its yachting guests for the start of the winter
season and is sending a clear signal that the twin island nation is open. The docks are
well-booked and marine service businesses, restaurants, stores and yacht services are
gearing up to receive an influx of boats that have already set sail for the Caribbean.
The marinas are all implementing protocols to control access to their docks.
Wearing of masks, sanitization and social distancing are all key along with
temperature testing prior to being given access. Restaurants similarly have
reorganized their space to ensure that guests can enjoy a socially distanced
enjoyable dining experience.
There are plans afoot to execute all of the yachting events on the calendar
including the Budget Marine Hightide Series, Nelson’s Pursuit Race, the Superyacht
Challenge Antigua, the RORC Caribbean 600, the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta,
Antigua Sailing Week and some fun one-day races.
The Antigua and Barbuda Marine Association (ABMA) has worked with the Ministry of
Tourism and the Ministry of Health on a Covid-19 compliance training certificate for its
members to ensure that yacht workers understand the necessary precautions needed
to be taken to ensure the safety of all. Yachting, Cruise & Marine Development Officer
Tanny Rose Jr. says, “The Ministry of Tourism has been leading a concerted effort in
partnership with other government agencies, particularly the Ministry of Health, to devise
specific protocols and guidelines for our marinas and ports of entry. A major imperative
is training for all stakeholders. Taxi drivers, yacht workers, restaurant and bar staff as well
as vendors have all participated in health protocols workshops. The series of training
exercises is intended to ensure that our frontline ambassadors and our visitors can safely
enjoy the world famous unique and authentic Antigua & Barbuda experience.”
Work has also been ongoing with the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA)
to ensure that the world understands that Antigua & Barbuda is open for business.
Donyelle Bird-Browne, Senior Business Development Manager for ABTA for the USA,
says, “Antigua & Barbuda is undoubtedly the perfect year-round destination to
safely sail or charter a yacht with your family and friends. Given the logistical
challenges of the new health and safety protocols globally, we are encouraged by
the current level of interest in, and bookings for, our destination.”
In closing, the Minister of Tourism has said, “No effort has been spared in getting
the yachting industry ready for its re-opening. We were always confident that
favourable winds would hit this sector first before any other in our tourism industry. I
am pleased with the results of the coordinated effort by all involved to overcome
the prevailing challenges and equally as enthusiastic to join in the welcome of our
yachting family to our shores. Antigua & Barbuda has long been known as the
Mecca of Yachting in the Caribbean. We are eagerly looking forward to once
again putting this proud distinction on show. Come sail with us!”
The event calendar for the season is available at http://abma.ag/wp-content/
uploads/2020/11/ABMA-CALENDAR-2020_2021-final-8.5x11-update-nov-10.pdf
Travel advisories and protocols can be found on the website at http://abma.
ag/2020/09/update-on-antigua-barbuda-travel-entry-protocols-and-proceduresdue-to-the-coronavirus
Dockyard National Park in Antigua Reopens
Nelson’s Dockyard National Park in Antigua has introduced a phased reopening
with new tour passes. Sweeping views of English Harbour are synonymous with
National Park visits, and the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nelson’s
Dockyard has reopened with a range of new and exciting tours and events.
Expect the return of favourites like the Copper and Lumber Seafood Friday, the
re-launch of the Rum and Ruins tour, and the introduction of art and entertainment
activities including a WadARTli Paint and Sip event.
—Continued on next page
Caribbean Yacht
Transportation
DECEMBER 2020 CARIBBEAN COMPASS PAGE 5
Caribbean to Med Caribbean to Northern Europe US to Caribbean
March & April Sailings
Fort Lauderdale
Loading window 1st-15th March and
Loading window 1st-15th April
St Johns, AG (+5 days)
Loading window 5th-20th March and
Loading window 5th-20th April
Palma (+14 days)
Genoa (+3 days)
Post Antigua Sailing Week
Fort Lauderdale
Loading window 1st-15th May
St Lucia (subject to demand)
St Johns, AG (+5 days)
Loading window 5th-20th May
Palma (+14 days)
Genoa (+3 days)
Post RORC 600
St Johns, AG
Loading window 15th-30th March
Southampton (+14 days)
ETA 29th March - 14th April
Post Antigua Sailing Week
Fort Lauderdale
Loading window 1st-15th May
St Lucia (subject to demand)
St Johns, AG (+5 days)
Loading window 5th-20th May
Southampton (+14 days)
Bremerhaven (+2 days)
December Sailing
Newport, RI
Loading window 1st-10th December
Freeport (+5 days)
Fort Lauderdale (+1 day)
St Thomas/Tortola (+3 days)
Guadeloupe (+2 days)
St Lucia (+2 days)
Barbados (+1 day)
Other ports available on request, subject to demand. Transit times and port rotations are AGW, WP, subject to change.
We have monthly ‘mast up’ north and southbound sailings from US East coast to Caribbean.
Contact us for a quote today and mention “Compass2021” for a discounted quote.
Services we provide: Customs advice • Mast Up Vessels • Divers • Experienced Loadmasters • Customised Cradles • Surveyor • Insurance
For a quote, contact the team: US +1 754 263 3001 / UK: +44 2380 480 480 / Contact us by email. info@petersandmay.com / www.petersandmay.com