Magnificent Frigate Birds

I took a day trip on a 82 feet catarman the 35 miles or so up to Barbuda from St John’s, Antigua. Rum punch all the way at 20 knots with spray flying. Beached the cat and had a swim off the pink sandy beach. Lunch aboard, then into the boats for a fast passage to the MFB sanctuary a few miles into the lagoon on the other side of the beach. The magnificent frigate birds are magnificent. The adult male is all black, the female has a white patch on her breast and the babies have white heads. The males puff out their red throat to impress the girls. Wonderful, then 90 minutes back in the cat and a taxi from the dock back to Jolly Harbour. Great day.

Highlights:

82 feet of motor catamaran (emergency exits everywhere but do not pee over the stern).

Barbuda is a flat island mostly native (as yet undeveloped) but no facilities for yachts.

Cat on a beach

John on his boat in the lagoon (just the other side of the dune).

Girls in hats as serious party back home this evening.

Speeding to the MFBs.

Approaching the MFB sanctuary

Roosting

Great day.