Leave the boat in Antigua or SXM?

[fnees]

We need to leave the boat in February and book a flight home for a couple of months. Which of the above sites would you use?

We are on a budget so costs are the main drive here. It's off hurricane season, so we would prefer to leave her in the water, it's much less hassle overall. In Grenada we rent a mooring, inspect it, pay its owner for the guardinage and we are set. Any chances of doing the same in that area?

Any input always appreciated!

[TheOffice]

Lagoon Marina in St Martin is pretty reasonable, and lots of flights out of SXM.

[barnakiel]

Grenada that marina in the Lagoon should be a good choice.


Jolly Harbour I think the place name.


Good access, all the services and well protected.


b.

[callistov42]

I kept my boat in both places for 20+ years. St Martin will have the least expensive air fares back to the US. Jolly Harbour Antigua is probably the best, safest place to leave it but St Martin will be fine too. Simpson Bay Marina is quite secure and close to the airport. If you are going to leave it in the water, I would leave it in St Martin. If you want to haul it, then definitely Jolly Harbour (Great yard).

[Zanshin]

I'd use St. Martin as well. Find a good anchoring spot on the French side of the lagoon around Explorer Island, and then someone to watch the boat. I know a number of people who could watch the boat - they are all liveaboards and anchored in the same area.

[fnees]

Great, thanks!

I will have a look at Simpson Bay Marina and Lagoon Marina. Jolly Harbor and North Sound both came well over US$1K/month, even on long term rates. It's a lot on top of all the trouble to comission and decomission...

[fnees]

Originally Posted by Zanshin

I'd use St. Martin as well. Find a good anchoring spot on the French side of the lagoon around Explorer Island, and then someone to watch the boat. I know a number of people who could watch the boat - they are all liveaboards and anchored in the same area.

Wonderful! Could you DM those people, please?? That's exactly what I am looking for!

[Zanshin]

The rates at Simpson Bay Marina and Lagoon Marina will run 2-3K$ per month in season; I know because I tried to negotiate good rates last season. I know 2 people very well, permanent liveaboards who are anchored next to Explorer Island, who would be reliable for guardiennage. Once you are there, the Soggy Dollar Bar (during daily happy hour) is where you'll find candidates. It is a pretty regular group of people - probably less trustworthy when it comes to non-boaters, but a solid group when it comes to fellow boaters!

Jolly isn't a great place to anchor out, but if you really want Antigua then I have some reliable contacts in Falmouth who would watch a boat for a period during the season. You can always send me a pm here if you need further information.