Good Morning from English Harbour, Antigua. It’s another fine Caribbean morning with sunshine and fair winds.

Veteran Yachting and Radio personalities Joel and Judy Byerley began the  regular 9 a.m. broadcast on English Harbour Radio (VHF Channel 68) with news that two Humpback whales were jumping clear of the water off Falmouth Harbour. Apparantly they were heading for the entrance of English Harbour. I wanted to jump in my dinghy and head out myself but my inflatible is not large enough or fast enough for the task. I’ll try and get some photos.

The Fleurtje crew last night held a well attended charity event at the Mad Mongoose Bar in Falmouth Harbour, Antigua. The event was held in aid of the Amazing Grace Foundation in Antigua. Amazing Grace is a small home for children with special needs or disabilities.

Skipper Bill Bailey generously gave his head of hair to charity. Everyone got a chance to snip for a donation of a few dollars. The sissors were blunt but the enthusiasm wasn’t! Eventually it was left to crew member Brett to complete the job with shears. Fleming, a locally based Engineer, got into the act and left bald.

Little is known about the giant squid, hardly seen, in danger from increased shipping, fishing, pollution.  It was only last year that the first specimen was filmed underwater, at 2950 feet.

Beth and Ken Cone report in their post on  “Cruising World” that their friend, Shigeo Kitano, on his sloop, Akitshushima II, told them of the difficult voyage he had undertaken from the Galapagos to the Marquesas recently. He had been unable to steer, his engine water intake had clogged, something serious had slowed his speed to 2 knots.

The lovely little watering hole run by Mani turned 5 years old on Saturday night. She celebrated by throwing a party for her regular customers and friends. Mani turned out in her Austrian costume together with her German friend Annette (now renamed ‘Heidi’). They served Schnitzel and other Austrian foods. Of course, we all drank like fish. Here are some pictures of everyone having a good time. Thanks, Mani!

I’ll send copies to anyone who requests them. ant@yachtbuddy.com

Angela, Paulo, Adam, et al have done it again and hosted a fun costume party. Rain tried to stop play but the crowd of yachties and locals were determined to have a good time on Saturday night. The theme was “Gangsters and Molls” and many of the costumes were great. A couple of the gangsters just turned up as themselves. You decide who’s who.

I’ll forward pictures to any who request at ant@yachtbuddy.com .