This is a sample itinerary only showing some of the possible options for the route from Antigua to Nassau in the Bahamas. The wind and weather at the time will shape what we can actually do and when.
Where are Antigua and Nassau in the Bahamas?
Antigua is an island located in the Eastern Caribbean, in the northern sector of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. It’s known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and numerous stunning beaches. Nassau, on the other hand, is situated on the island of New Providence and is the capital city of the Bahamas, an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. It is approximately 1000 miles northwest of Antigua and 180 miles east of Key West.
Join the yacht, sailing and training in Antigua
Crew members join the boat in Falmouth Harbour, Antigua. This is one of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles and is full of maritime history. Its corrugated coasts have hundreds of little coves lapped by the turquoise water, while the sheltered bays have provided refuge for everyone from Admiral Nelson to buccaneers and modern-day sailors.
There will be a real sense of excitement for the voyage to come as we help everyone get their belongings packed away and ready to start the sailing lifestyle. After safety briefings and lunch, we’ll slip lines and head out onto the water to learn new skills, revise any existing ones, and get up to speed for the sailing to come. We will practice tacking, gybing, rescuing a casualty who has fallen overboard, and all the other skills we’ll need. We’ll likely be in this area for a couple nights.
Day 2: Antigua to St Kitts & Nevis
The sail from Antigua to St Kitts and Nevis is a fast downwind charge and will make sure we are ready for the offshore passage to come. Saint Kitts and Nevis is a gorgeous Caribbean destination to visit, even if only briefly. It is an island of rainforests, Mount Liamuiga volcano, and pristine sandy beaches. Its capital, Basseterre, is full of well-preserved colonial architecture and historic landmarks like Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park.
Days 3-6: St Kitts to Hogsty Reef, Bahamas (700nm)
Our major offshore passage is a fast and exhilarating sail that, with the powerful trade winds pushing us along, should take just over 4 days and nights at sea. Our first task is to navigate our way north of the British Virgin Islands. Depending on the wind angle, this first section can have more challenging conditions, but then we turn west for a fast and utterly exhilarating downwind sail past the north coast of Puerto Rico and on to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. In between the Turks & Caicos and Cuba is the Hogsty Reef Atoll. Atolls are rare in this part of the world, with most found in the Pacific, where there is more volcanic activity. It is one of the most remote attractions in the Bahamas. Stretching three miles wide and five miles long, it curves around a shallow lagoon. To be anchored there, in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, is a magical experience.
Days 8-11: Hogsty Reef to Nassau, Bahamas
Leaving this small paradise behind us, we have a final 400-mile passage to cover to get to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, right in the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. This passage is more of the same gorgeous downwind offshore sailing powered by the trade winds. We will pass Acklins Island, Rum Cay, the Pineapple Cays, and finally, Eleuthera Island en route. On arrival into Nassau, we will have a well-deserved party ashore in this special town before we say goodbye to the crew, the local sailors who are always so welcoming, and many new friends.
The difference between Rubicon 3 and a yacht charter
This is not a luxury yacht charter vacation on a private yacht but a proper sailing adventure.
- Tailored Experience: Unlike many yacht charters, the Rubicon 3 team works daily to tailor the experience to your interests and skill level. Whether you’re interested in learning advanced sailing techniques, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, or focusing on particular activities like snorkeling or fishing, we look to help you achieve it.
- Expert Knowledge: Yacht charter companies will send you off with minimal instruction. Rubicon 3 has extensive local knowledge and expertise. We can find hidden gems, secluded anchorages, and the best spots that might be off the radar of the charter companies. This insider knowledge significantly enhances the sailing adventure.
- Learning Opportunities: Sailing in the Caribbean with Rubicon 3, you don’t need any previous sailing experience. If you’re interested in learning about sailing, navigation, or seamanship, the expert Rubicon 3 instructors ensure a hands-on, educational experience. This is ideal if you see your sailing trip as a vacation and a learning opportunity.
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