Our First Caribbean Christmas

December 4 – January 2, 2024

After leaving the calm, remote beauty of Barbuda, we set sail south toward one of Antigua’s top kiting destinations—Green Island. It didn’t disappoint. The anchorage was stunning, and we reconnected with a couple of fellow Dawgs, spending time snorkeling the clear waters around the bay. Our first anchorage was well-sheltered but lacking wind, so after a few days, Nikki and I moved to the windier side of the island—ideal for kiting.

Despite 20-knot winds, the water remained impressively flat, thanks to the massive reef protecting the area and Nonsuch Bay. A small beachside restaurant called The Reef caught our eye—it looked like the perfect spot for a drink, but sadly, it wasn’t open during our stay. One for the list next time.

With Christmas fast approaching, we made our way back to Falmouth Harbour by December 8 to reconnect with more Dawgs and secure a good anchor spot for the holidays. Nikki had been planning a Christmas Eve caroling event and we wanted to be close to friends and festivities. Falmouth also meant hiking trails, and we couldn’t resist the Middle Ground Trail—though after a few rounds, even Zorro (our loyal but stubborn companion) put his paw down and refused to go again!

We also tackled the longer Shirley Heights Trail all the way to The Blockhouse ruins, looping back via the scenic Carpenters Trail with a refreshing pause at the Mermaid Pools.

A friend of ours had moved their boat into Nelson’s Dockyard, which turned out to be the perfect venue for Nikki’s caroling event. The Dockyard was glowing with Christmas lights and a beautiful tree, already buzzing with holiday spirit. Instead of going boat to boat, Nikki hosted the event dockside with free rum and eggnogs and printed song sheets. It turned into a magical evening—truly like a United Nations of carolers. People from all over the world joined in, and the more eggnog we sipped, the better we all sounded. By the end of the night, we joked about forming our own "We Are the World" chorus. Nikki pulled off an amazing night—bravo!

Christmas Day was just as unique. We joined a champagne lunch at the Dockyard, then opted for something different that evening—a dinghy drift with a dozen other boats. We tied our dinghies together, shared food and drinks, and floated under the setting sun swapping stories. A nontraditional Christmas for sure, but an unforgettable one.

New Year’s Eve brought a delicious dinner aboard a friend’s boat in Nelson’s Dockyard. We even managed to stay awake until midnight and catch the fireworks show. It was the perfect end to our first Caribbean holiday season—warm, festive, and full of good friends.

Looking ahead, we’ll begin making our way south through the islands starting January 2, 2024. No rigid schedule, but we’re planning to be in Dominica by February for a Salty Dawg meet-up. First stop: Guadeloupe, just a day’s sail away and our first taste of French Caribbean culture.

Stay tuned for more stories of year two aboard Momentum 42. Here's to a new year of adventure, connection, and calm seas.

Happy New Year!— Momentum Crew