The Captain had said “early” but I was surprised by the noises beginning around 4:00 this morning; the anchor being lifted, the hatches being closed and finally the group call and response of “and/pull” as the main sail was lifted. All this before I got up on deck at 4:45AM! For the next half an hour or so we traveled north with a few sails up, and under motor, and watched the stars, waiting for further direction. It was VERY windy and the ship was rolling and pitching forward more than any other day we’ve experienced.
By the time of first light, we had set all the major sails, and half the people on board were feeling sick from the ship’s movements. Some didn’t bother to come up to deck, others went back down to try to rest, and still others tried and failed to keep from throwing up over the side. I seemed to be ok; I did wear the sea bands that I swear make a difference, but it was a long 7 hours until we finally approached Antigua and were able to find calmer seas. I was fortunate to be able to avoid any seasickness, but it was still a very challenging morning. Just walking to the galley or down to the head took time and balance and some art. And the constant wind always makes a day outside tiring.
Once we set anchor in Jolly Harbor, the wind had calmed and the boat was less rocky and we were all ready for our late lunch. Nicole had to clear us with customs/immigration on shore before we could do anything. Sometimes this process is quick and easy and other times it is time consuming and difficult. This was one of the latter experiences, and she and her crew mate didn’t get back to the ship until 5PM with the news that we all had to appear in person tomorrow morning.
Jolly Harbor is first and foremost a big marina for sailboats, catamarans and yachts. There are some homes right on the water with slips for their boats, one big hotel, a couple really nice beaches and many services specifically geared for those coming in by boat. Not much of a town, but a couple shops and restaurants were close by, according to the guide book.
Dinghies took guests to shore and all we had time to do was find a place for dinner. Lilly, Karin and I discovered a nice Greek restaurant at the Marina, and soon enough several other groups from the ship appeared there as well. I think that mostly we were really happy to be on shore. Although the movement of the ship tends to stay with us even while on land!
