Antigua SeaSafaris

Nauti Buoy · 04 January 2006, 08:50

Well went round Antigua on this 12m Ballistic Rib with 2 x 225 Mercury Opti's. The Carribean side was lovely, smooth and crystal clear, however the Atlantic side to the Island was a tad on rough side at 15'-20' swells.... and boy oh boy was it fun.

I have to say the ride was exceedingly smooth in those conditions, mainly down to the length of the boat (which goes to show "size does matter!!!")

It got quite wet at times which was welcomed as the temp was a cool 34deg.

Nauti Buoy · 04 January 2006, 08:54

Speed about 35 knotts

Nauti Buoy · 04 January 2006, 08:57

Sailed from Chichester, Brighton, Southhampton, Port Solent, to Antigua. Took them 11 weeks via The Canary's most said it had been a frustrating trip across due to.

a) Lack of Wind
b) Wrong type of wind

Anyway most impressed

Nauti Buoy · 04 January 2006, 09:14

Well there is always a Pot of Gold with every Rainbow

Simon Hawkins · 04 January 2006, 10:02

Richard

Looks better than the waters this side of the pond. Is is my imagination or doe they need some air in those sponsons.

By the way my new website is finished.

Simon

Nauti Buoy · 04 January 2006, 10:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon Hawkins

Richard
Looks better than the waters this side of the pond. Is is my imagination or doe they need some air in those sponsons.
Simon

No they had a heavy pvc type fabric over the tubes, I guess to protect the tubes from the heat, and people generally abusing them as they got in & out of the boat.

Tim M · 04 January 2006, 12:19

How many seats does that boat have?

Nauti Buoy · 04 January 2006, 12:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

How many seats does that boat have?

It had 25 seats, although the day we chose to go on it there were only 10 on board so had quite a lot of space on board, and it was absolute fun.

My other half Sarah asked if anyone was ever sick, to be told there has only be 1 person sick and that was a girl who'd had drank too much the night before and she was sat at the front of the Rib. After a getting into the rough seas of the Atlantic the girl promptly threw up over the side of the boat, he said he never forgot that one cos the wind managed to curl it back into the Rib and it missed all the rows of people in front of him and completely covered him at the back whilst he was driving. He then had to wait another 15 mins to finish the Atlantic Leg of the Island in the baking sun, before he could safely stop and take off his clothes and clean his face.

He did not seem that impressed at me when I found his story hilarious, still laughing now!!

Nauti Buoy · 05 January 2006, 20:07

1) Better Half holding a Starfish

2) Widali Cat Sunset Cruise

3 & 4) Sunset

5) 100' Blow Hole

The Jackeens · 05 January 2006, 20:38

You lucky lucky lucky peeps!!!!

Lovely foties.

Looks like ye had a great time Rich.

Us

Mike C · 14 January 2006, 13:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nauti Buoy

Well went round Antigua on this 12m Ballistic Rib with 2 x 225 Mercury Opti's. ~~~~

Hi Richard...

Very interesting. I take it you would recommend it then?

I'm off to Antigua in March and I did e-mail this lot for some info. No reply though!

When did you do your trip.... and how soon in advance did you book it?

Mike C

Nauti Buoy · 16 January 2006, 09:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

Hi Richard...

Very interesting. I take it you would recommend it then?

I'm off to Antigua in March and I did e-mail this lot for some info. No reply though!

When did you do your trip.... and how soon in advance did you book it?

Mike C

Hi Mike,

Booked it 2 days before I went out on it. Cost 85$US per person but well worth it, lasted about 5 hrs, I was up for going a second time just for the blast in the Atlantic cos to say it was fun and rough is an understatement.

Where abouts are you staying?

regards

Richard

Mike C · 17 January 2006, 19:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nauti Buoy

Hi Mike,

Where abouts are you staying?

regards

Richard

We're stopping in the Galley Bay Resort. I think I might have to work on persuading my wife to do this... Sounds good. Trouble is we are in the BVI for the preceding week.... Hiring a small boat there, so I may have had my allowable allocation of boats for the fortnight!!!! ....

Looks like fun though!

Do you think I'd get on if I left the booking till I got there?

Mike

Nauti Buoy · 17 January 2006, 19:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

Do you think I'd get on if I left the booking till I got there?

Mike

Yes, I did not book till I got there, plus they will pick you up off the beach, if your resort is on a beach. When I enquired from the UK I was told I would have to get to the Rib, as where when I booked it there they collected me off the beach.

Mike C · 18 January 2006, 17:37

Thanks Richard....

Yes, sorry mis-read your previous on that.

I'll let you know how I get on!

Mike C

Mike C · 20 March 2006, 22:35

Well I managed to get a trip…. And as you say Richard, well worth it. Those RIBs certainly eat up the rough seas on the East side of the Island!

Here are a few more pics for RIB anoraks like myself. I also stumbled across their base near the airport the day after my trip and found them out of the water. Apparently they are now using South African Ribs from a company called AQ Ribs????? It seems no-one else makes (or made) em big enough.

Mike C

Nauti Buoy · 20 March 2006, 23:02

3??3?e C]Those RIBs certainly eat up the rough seas on the East side of the Island![/QUOTE]

I know and whats more they are so layed back by it. When we went out I reckoned the swell was 10-12ft. Asked the driver and he very calmly said.."oh it's not that bad, only 15'-20' swell today" blimey imagine that in the solent

Glad you enjoyed it, absolutley awesome fun.

Mike C · 20 March 2006, 23:10

Yes, it was blowing about F4 - F5 on the day I went. Seas were not too bad but I'd be down to about 15knots in mine for comfort... They were still doing 30 odd and even my wife didn't complain.... WANT ONE!!!!

Mike C

Nauti Buoy · 20 March 2006, 23:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

Yes, it was blowing about F4 - F5 on the day I went. Seas were not too bad but I'd be down to about 15knots in mine for comfort... They were still doing 30 odd and even my wife didn't complain.... WANT ONE!!!!

Mike C

"Want One" That is exactly what I THOUGHT as I got off, to be told immediately "I know what you are thinking and No! you are not having one...... Thought they handled the seas very well indeed, considering how much weight they were carrying and in what conditions they were doing as you say 30 odd knots..... god I want to go back and do it again now..... what an absolute cool job.

The skippers really new the coast well, would you really take your Rib about 20'-30' away from a cliff face with 15-20' swells and at 30knots.

Did you see Eric Claptons Resort, made from imported Scottish Rock

ridiculous, but then if you have soooo much money what else do you do with it......

Mike C · 20 March 2006, 23:33

Mr Clapton could buy us both a 12 Mtr RIB!...

And I believe Mrs Clapton didn't like the sound of the waves in the sea!