Racing plan gets a makeover in Antigua

The winter circuit for Caribbean keelboat racing annually begins in January and concludes with the Antigua Sailing Week in late April. But when the Antigua government was not happy in 2025 with declining participation, they revealed that changes were coming.

The government took back control, and now the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Investment has revealed how their new vision for yachting in Antigua and Barbuda is beginning to take shape. This begins with the launch of the Antigua Racing Cup that will take place next year on April 9-12.

Here is their announcement:
The Antigua Racing Cup is an event for racing purists—those who prefer high-energy, coastal racing with a fast-paced schedule and a focus on spirited competition. The event will feature 4 days of exhilarating races in conditions envied by most – balmy temperatures, trade winds, big seas at very short distances from shore.

Strategically placed in the calendar to allow teams to compete and then head off to their summer events, racers can expect finely tuned variations of the exhilarating courses they would usually associate with sailing conditions along Antigua’s spectacular southern coast, and spectators will still enjoy the breathtaking views from land, sea, or air.

Onshore, English Harbour will continue to buzz with energy, and the social calendar will certainly remain packed. Local vendors and artisans will be there to excite every appetite not to mention the bars, restaurants, and beach venues in and around English Harbor. All enthused to host nightly events, including live music, themed parties, and cultural celebrations that highlight the best of Antiguan hospitality

In contrast, Antigua Sailing Week, which will take place from April 22 to 26, makes a return to its traditional point-to-point courses, as each day’s sailing will conclude at a different scenic destination. Sailors will enjoy vibrant after-race socials infused with local culture.

ASW will entertain a mix of boat types and crews, and is tailored to cruisers, rally-style participants and bareboat charter groups. Courses will be point to point for ralliers, and for those who want to compete, additional marks will be dropped, tacking duels commence and courses timed as the competitors enjoy a different coastal course each day.

“The Antigua Racing Cup is for those on tight schedules who want a fast, focused, and fiercely fun regatta, while Antigua Sailing Week returns to its cruising roots. Having two separate events, each with a narrower focus, will allow us to deliver a more immersive and enriching yachting experience to a wider audience,” said Race Manager Jaime Torres.

On the repositioning of Antigua Sailing Week and the creation of the new Antigua Racing Cup, Minister of Tourism, Charles “Max” Fernandez says, “This exciting new and strategic direction comes after consulting with all our stakeholders, both at the community level and those directly involved in the yachting sector. We anticipate a period of sailing in Antigua that better serves everyone, dedicated racers and social cruisers—while celebrating everything we love about sailing in Antigua & Barbuda.”

In addition to Antigua Sailing Week and the new Antigua Racing Cup, the sailing calendar will also feature the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta with the introduction of a Model Boat Race which will be an exciting draw for the entire family showcasing boats built by the local yachting community. Encompassing an entire month of great sailing and parties where all can celebrate our rich maritime traditions where the various events and cultural activities showcase the true spirit of our islands.

Key highlights of The Antigua Racing Cup:
• A new platform for high-performance sailing in the Caribbean
• Convenient 4-day race schedule
• Ideal calendar position for campaigning boats, race charters, one-design racing & professional sailors as well as Corinthian crews on our core racer-cruisers and race charterboats.
Details: www.antiguaracingcup.com

Key highlights of Antigua Sailing Week:
• A return to destination sailing, point to point around Antigua
• A new, shorter format to better fit into people’s vacation schedules
• An option to cruise point to point or race!
• A focus on fun, fun, and more fun in the sun!
Details: www.sailingweek.com