Q Magazine - Summer 2018

A ntigua is the archetypal Caribbean island - sun-drenched, fringed with dazzling white sand and set by a warm jade and aquamarine sea. There are some stunning hotels, a burgeoning selection of luxury villas, and the island has a long tradition of sailing, both in historic association with Britain (Horatio Nelson was stationed here) and sailing in its modern form, as the venue for the Caribbean’s major regatta and winter home to a number of mega yachts. However, it is for the easy life and friendly islanders - and the wide variety of beaches - that most people visit. 365 glorious beaches ...one for every day of the year There are believed to be 365 beaches across Antigua and Barbuda, one for each day of the year. The great majority rest inside the calm, protected waters of the Caribbean Sea, whilst others are positioned on the tempestuous Atlantic Ocean. All are open to the public and so the challenge posed to the visitor is not how to gain access to the best of them, but simply how to locate the beach that suits your mood. World-class sailing destination Antigua along with Barbuda is internationally renowned for having some of the best sailing conditions and premier sailing events in the world. With stunning bays, a variety of anchorages and clear blue waters this Eastern Caribbean island is a favourite for world class racing or laid back charters. For learners and amateurs through to seasoned professionals the waters around Antigua offer some of the best sailing conditions matched with unbeatable scenery. Water-based activities throughout the year Visitors can make a splash any time of year in Antigua with a range of water-based activities from diving and snorkelling, fishing, windsurfing and of course swimming with stingrays at the world-famous Stingray City. Antigua’s Naval Heritage In the early eighteenth century, the British Royal Navy recognised the strategic importance of English Harbour in protecting ships from hurricanes and in its position at the south of the island for monitoring French naval activity. Throughout the eighteenth century, the dockyard grew in importance, as it was the only harbour in the Eastern Caribbean large enough for safe naval ship repairs. From 1784 through 1787, the British Hero of Trafalgar, Horatio Nelson, served as the captain of the H.M.S Boreas, sent to Antigua to enforce British laws in the colonies. When the restoration of the dockyard began in the 1950s, it was renamed Nelson’s Dockyard in honour of the years he spent in Antigua. 16