Jamaica, Port Antonio

Created by val. Last modified on 2009-05-25 15:34:47
Contributors:
Countries: Jamaica

Posted 19 January 2009

Just visited Jamaica for a while.

The Montegobay yacht club and port Antonio marina are ok to visit, but not a pleasure in which to stay. This is mostly because the local boys in the marinas, who are supposed to do jobs etc. have sort of taken over power to make your stay almost impossible with their loud music and totally wrong attitude, which makes the area more unsafe than it aleady is.

They live in some of the neglegted yachts in the marinas. The only pleasant stop we had was in Discovery Bay where the coastguard was very helpful and allowed us to go through their yard.

Maria

Posted 25 May 2009

After 5 days in Port Antonio I must respond to the anonymous (Maria) comment earlier about loud music etc.

There are half dozen locals working on various boats - none of them are neglected as the boys are constantly polishing and working on them. The boys will also do their best to get work from visiting yachts (cleaning, repairs, gas fills, etc.). They are authorised by the Marina management to work in the marina and they are all reliable and friendly, though not employed by the marina itself.

There is music playing from both visiting yachts as well as from the yachts being looked after by the boys. On weekends there is loud music from the town as well.

Times are hard and no doubt everyone will want to make a buck from a visiting yacht. A friendly attitude towards them will be returned. The town is a little rough but we felt as safe as in any West Indies small town. (Jerk Chicken from Piggies is a must!). We did not visit Kingston.

The Marina management will go out of their way to assist visiting yachts. The facilities were clean and good and the marina felt very safe.

Lauri G Strengell
SY Aliisa
Cairns Australia