Could Sailing in Antigua be the Ultimate in Family Activity Holidays?

Whether you want to try sailing for the first time or you’re a seasoned sailor looking for a challenging family activity holiday, you’ll thrill at the experience of sailing the stunning Nonsuch Bay on Antigua’s secluded southeast coast.

A natural harbour, Nonsuch Bay is protected by a barrier reef and enjoys a constant, comfortable, cooling wind that makes it a water sport paradise for sailors of all levels.

Professional Instruction

Confident sailors who just want to dump their luggage and set sail will discover everything they need for a great family activity holiday at Nonsuch Bay Sailing School. Meanwhile, those who have yet to gain their sea legs will find friendly, highly qualified instructors waiting to take them out and teach them the ropes.

Keel Boat Sailing

Small enough to be fast and responsive but big enough to fit a small family group of three or four, keel boats have fixed keels for stability. At Nonsuch they have both racing and cruising sails, so the boats can be adapted to your needs.

Dinghy Sailing

There are a range of dinghies (or ‘small boats’) available at Nonsuch Bay to suit all levels of sailor. Youth recreational sailboats are perfect for kids starting out on their sailing adventure, while catamarans or single-handers are built for exhilarating speed and excitement.

Dinghies at Nonsuch Bay include:

• RS Aero – a single-hander built for speed and agility• Hobie Cat 15 – a twin trapeze catamaran for up to four crew• RS Vision – a recreational sailboat perfect for family cruising• RS Feva – a 12 foot youth hiking asymmetric for adventurous kids with sailing experience• RS Quba – a 12 foot recreational sailboat, single or double hander• RS Tera – a 10 foot youth recreational sailboat perfect for beginners

Other Water Sports On Offer

Sailing the stunning waters around Nonsuch Bay will certainly keep you busy. However, if you or the kids are looking to try some other water-based fun in Antigua then there’s plenty on offer, including:

• Paddle boarding• Kayaking• Kitesurfing• Windsurfing• Snorkelling

And don’t worry if you haven’t tried these activities before - the instructors at the sailing school or the 40 Knots Windsurfing and Kitesurfing School will be on hand to offer professional instruction.

Where to Stay

Relax in your own private beach cottage, villa or apartment in the tranquil, secluded location of Nonsuch Bay with its own private beach. The perfect base for family activity holidays, you can enjoy all the advantages and privacy of a family villa holiday with the benefits and facilities of a hotel.

After a long, exhilarating day on the water, relax on the beach or by the pool before joining friends or family for a leisurely meal at the hotel’s restaurant with its stunning terraces overlooking the bay.

The Perfect Sailing Package

Sailing adventures in Antigua make for great family activity holidays, so why not let me put together a fantastic package for you, incorporating all the sailing you want and a range of other water sport activities as well? Whether you’ve come to learn with our 3-day ‘Get Going’ beginners’ programme or you want to explore the area on your own, my team and I can create the perfect package for your family.

Richard Edwards is the Managing Director of Summit & Blue, an adventure holiday company offering independently crafted family activity holidays to exciting destinations around the world, including France, Italy, Portugal, the USA and Canada. With unique itineraries and exciting activities like biking, hiking, white water rafting and canoeing, we create holidays for those looking for an experience a little more off the beaten track.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.