The Leeward Islands — Antigua, St Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, and the outer islands of Barbuda and Redonda — form a scattered chain that requires inter-island passages of 30–80 miles between the main destinations. The pilotage combines the general Windward Island considerations (trade wind squalls, Atlantic swell) with the specific challenges of reef navigation around the northern Antigua coast and the approaches to English Harbour.
English Harbour: Entry
English Harbour's entrance is narrow (150m wide) and has a depth of 4.8m in the buoyed channel — accessible to most charter yachts but not megayachts. The approach from the south is straightforward in daylight: identify the headlands either side of the entrance, align on the leading line bearing 009°T, and enter on the red-over-red leading lights at night. The harbour bends to starboard inside the entrance; Nelson's Dockyard marina is to port. The Antigua Yacht Club marina and Falmouth Harbour are 1M further around the headland — a separate bay, less historical but better facilities.
The Northern Antigua Reef System
The northern coast of Antigua from St John's to the eastern tip has an extensive reef system that extends 2–5M offshore. The North Sound is accessible through a buoyed channel from the west but is not a passage route — it is a day-sail destination only. For passages around the north of Antigua (e.g. to Barbuda), stay well offshore (5M+) until clear of the eastern reef system. The shoals around North Sound and Long Island are poorly lit and not suitable for night passage.
Inter-Island Passages
Antigua to St Kitts (50M): a broad reach in the trade wind, 7–9 hours. The Narrows (the channel between St Kitts and Nevis) is the entry point; approach from the south-west to avoid the reef off Nevis Peak. St Kitts to Antigua: into the trade wind and north-east swell — motor-sail or wait for a lighter day. Antigua to Barbuda (25M north): an exposed passage on a north-south axis, into the swell most of the way north. The lagoon at Barbuda (Codrington Lagoon) dries and is inaccessible to deep-draught vessels; anchor in the main bay off the beach at Palmetto Point.
Hurricane Holes
Antigua has the best hurricane hole facilities in the eastern Caribbean — English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour are both enclosed, mangrove-fringed, and deep enough for boats to take four-point moorings in a major hurricane. The storage yards at English Harbour and the Antigua Yacht Club marina are the main storage facilities for boats left on the hard during hurricane season. Most charter operators require boats to be based in a hurricane hole from 1 June to 30 November.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is English Harbour accessible at night?
A: Yes, the leading lights on 009°T are reliable and the entrance is deep. In practice, most yachts approaching from the south time their arrival for daylight — the approach from Fort Barrington across the bay is straightforward and the harbour entrance is well lit. In heavy swells, the entrance can be turbulent but is not dangerous. Call English Harbour Radio on VHF 68 for current conditions and a berth assignment.
Q: What is the best season for the Leeward Islands?
A: December to April is the prime season — the north-east trades are consistent, the weather is settled, and the major sailing events (Antigua Sailing Week in April–May) make the islands feel alive. May and June are transitional, with lighter and more variable winds. July to November is hurricane season — not impossible to sail but requiring weather monitoring and awareness of evacuation options. Most charter companies restrict operations or require additional insurance outside the December–May window.