Nicholson Antigua Charter Boat Show Set for Registration

In light of recent stirrings about a December charter show in St. Martin, everyone at Nicholson, and especially Rodney Nicholson, wishes to thank you most sincerely for the overwhelming show of support that continues to pour in, for Antigua, and the Nicholson show, December 3 – 9, 2003. On-line registration, for the 42nd Nicholson Antigua Charter Yacht Show is now available. Kindly take a moment to register early at www.nicholsonyachts.com.

We plan to keep you continually updated on the progress of the upcoming Nicholson show. In addition, you will be kept apprised of the ongoing joint efforts of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Antigua Marine Trades Association to further Antigua’s position as a premier yachting destination in the Caribbean and the safest cruising area in the region.

Antigua’s Yachting Liaison Officer, Andy MacDonald, reports Duty-Free Provisioning for Yachts will be in effect in advance of the winter 2003-2004 charter season. Duty-free fuel is available now, and has been since summer 2002.

Falmouth Harbour: Hats off and congratulations to the National Parks Service for working overtime to have 15 new buoys in place, marking Falmouth Harbour’s entrance and channels, before the start of the Classic Yacht Regatta and Antigua Sailing Week. This effort was the first phase of reef marking and buoyage for the whole of Antigua and Barbuda. The program is on track for completion in November 2003 and expected to be ready for the Nicholson Show.

Pigeon Point Beach: Changing rooms and toilets will soon make this popular spot more enjoyable than ever – but please don’t tell the land tourists!

Nelson’s Dockyard: Did Lord Nelson leave a time capsule? Restoration of the seawall, jointly funded by the European Union and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, is well under way and on schedule. To Desmond Nicholson’s delight, many fascinating artifacts have been found while excavating the seawall, including a brass telescope and a 17-foot anchor. This summer, a group of archaeology students will be sifting for additional clues to the Dockyard’s maritime past. When the structural work is completed, the original facing stones will be reinstalled to preserve the seawall’s earliest appearance. Smooth paving stones and new lighting will make for an easier walk through this treasure of Britain’s naval history.

For more details, contact Nicholson Yachts, 2 Coddington Wharf, Newport, RI 02840, (401) 849-0344, www.nicholsonyachts.com.