Starting December 1, 2008, a brand new sailing trip between Antigua and Montserrat will be launched.
The Antiguan based company, Ondeck Group will be facilitating the sailing trips on an ocean racing yacht. Ondeck reports that guests will be encouraged to take an active role in all the aspects of sailing, adding that full instructions will be provided for novices.
Ms. Ernestine Cassell, Director of the Montserrat Tourist Board (MTB), say, “The Montserrat Tourist Board has been working closely with the Ondeck Group for the past couple of months trying to make this sailing excursion a reality. Our goal is to encourage and increase day trippers from Antigua as well as give visitors an opportunity to add on a few days to their vacation in Montserrat. Equally important is that it also offers the opportunity for passengers who need to get to and from Montserrat another access option out of Antigua.”
According to the MTB, the return trip cost $189US and is “fully flexible”. Ondeck’s yacht trips can accommodate a maximum of 15 guests in addition to its professional crew. Trips are open to guests of all sailing abilities, from novices to the more advanced.
Peter Anthony, Chairman of Ondeck Group, say, “We are looking forward to providing a new and unique sailing adventure, giving visitors the opportunity to experience what Montserrat has to offer, whether it is for a few hours or a few days. The hospitality of the island is truly unique and the warmth of the people is second to none.”
The yachts to be used are Farr 65s, round the world yachts with wide cockpits that offer an ideal platform to enjoy the crossing.
The first privately chartered group scheduled to experience the crossing are students of the Island Academy in Antigua. They will be exploring Montserrat’s ecosystems as part of the school’s Outdoor and Environmental Education Program.
Joe Kennedy, the Head of the School, says, “I am hoping to see this trip become a quarterly event and maybe a big draw for our future summer school programs.”
The MTB reports that “stay-over visitors will be offered sight-seeing options in Montserrat including island tours, rain forest trekking, scuba diving or snorkeling, horse riding, a visit to this Montserrat Volcano Observatory, a boat tour around the island to see the buried remains of Plymouth, the former capital, or simply time to relax and enjoy the island’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.”
By: Karen ‘Lioness’ Allen
Freelance Journalist
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