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On the rhythm of 'Ja's Heartbeat' Port Antonio, the place to be this summer A rare jewel, steeped in history

Port Antonio, the place to be this summer

The 47th edition of the Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament will be held at the Port Antonio Marina (Old Marina) from Saturday, October 9 through to Saturday, October 16. The annual event will feature four days of intensive fishing coupled with several days of serious partying and entertainment. The weeklong event also includes the 26th Annual Port Antonio Canoe Tournament for local fishing boats Wednesday, October 13, which is also the lay day for those in the regular tournament. For details and registration visit the Errol Flynn Marina and the Port Antonio Marina or call 876-927-0145 or email rondq@mail.infochan.com. Online registrations at www.jamaicasportfishing.com.

WHAT's it REALLY LIKE HERE?

It is truly amazing how a few segments of the mainstream international press have blown recent events in Kingston out of proportion in their attempt to sensationalise and embellish. In Portland, where the Errol Flynn Marina is located, it's business as usual. Portland not only enjoys the lowest crime rate in Jamaica, but the entire Caribbean!

'KNOTTY' PLACE

While most of the Errol Flynn Marina's yacht crew are pretty well into knot-tying, there is another kind of tying the knot now happening with increased regularity. Most weekends between now and September are booked for wedding receptions on the Ken Wright Cruise Pier. Several marina facilities are available for special events including weddings, receptions, family reunions, concerts, seminars and special events. The marina's abundant display of flora also makes for a colourful background for those cherished wedding photos. For details on availability and rates, call 876-715-6044.

HAULING FOR FIVE BUCKS!

No, that's not a typo - you can get your yacht hauled out and relaunched for just US$5 per foot. That works out to only J$200 for a 40-foot yacht. With a price like that it could be one reason the Errol Flynn Marina has nearly a full boatyard. For details, contact operations manager George Munro at 876-715-6044. The facility's West Harbour location, with its orientation to the northwest and protection from the east by not one, but two mountain ranges, makes Port Antonio an ideal 'hurricane hole'.

NEW CRUISING GUIDE READY

July 1 was the expected arrival date for the first edition of the Jamaican Cruising Guide. This very welcome online guide consists of more than 17,000 words and over 120 pages. It finally takes Jamaica from the "also ran" inclusions of many of the very early so-called Caribbean-wide cruising guides. Book can be found at www.jamaicancruisingguide.com. Author's name is Frank Virgintino.

"Naturally we are pleased by the many complementary references to Errol Flynn Marina," says Dale Westin, general manager of the marina.

ART SHOW EVERY SUNDAY

Check out the collection of original art pieces every Sunday around the swimming pool at the marina. The free show features a variety of works by up and coming local and regional artists. Local artists are always invited to participate and there is no cost to be included in the exhibit.

WEEKEND JAZZ HOT SPOT

Fast becoming a popular dig for some great jazz and superb food is the new Rusalka Restaurant on the first floor of the marina administration building. Don't miss 'Brutus and Friends' every Friday and Saturday night from 7 p.m. For reservations call 876-298-8773 or 876-715-5756. Rusalka is open every day from 11 a.m. to late evening.

NEW PARISH BOOK, WEBSITE

Canadian Author Ken Rouche's new book, Portland: The Other Jamaica will be released early this month. Details can be found on Ken's website: www.portland theotherjamaica.com. There should be interesting reading for those of us who have already discovered or are discovering this "other side of Jamaica". Subtitled 'Tales of Dreamers, Schemers and Crusaders', it is intended to convey the unique qualities of this most beautiful of parishes. Portland has more mountains, rivers, flora and fauna and rain, and perhaps has experienced more natural calamities than any other parish. That environment has shaped Portland's history and has also attracted many dreamers and a few schemers, and still does. As Errol Flynn once said, "Portland is more beautiful than any woman". The people and the places of Portland have combined to create a parish like no other.

GREAT HUTS!

Care to try something a little different in the way or dining and entertainment? Check out Great Huts over in Boston Bay on Saturday nights for their African drumming and dance exhibition from 7 to 9 p.m. For reservations, call 876-993-8888 or go to their website: www.greathuts.com.

DINGHY DOCK, YES! AT LAST

The pleas of our many good friends that ride the hook while visiting with us will soon be answered with the pending installation of a 40-foot by eight-foot aluminium dinghy dock and 20-foot aluminium access ramp. The new floating dock addition will be positioned on the waterfront by the marina administration building. With the ramp access, our visitors will even be able to take the dock carts directly down the ramp to load provisions, etc, directly into their dinks. It is expected the dock installation will be completed before November. Prior to the new dinghy dock, visitors had to bring their dinghies to the main dock and had to get up some four feet to the top of the dock to get off their boats.

Courtesy of the Errol Flynn Docklines, Errol Flynn Marina and Shipyard Tel: 876-715-6044 or 876-993-3209 Fax: 876-715-6033. www.errolflynnmarina.com - email: info@errolflynnmarina.com.