Considered one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious regattas, Antigua Sailing Week is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Held annually at the end of April, the 54th edition is set to make waves on 29 April, followed by five days of competitive racing off Antigua’s rugged south coast. With sheltered harbours, a large number of anchorages and abundant natural beauty, Antigua and Barbuda have a global reputation as one of the world’s premier yachting destinations. Antigua Sailing Week draws nautical adventurers from around the world for an epic week of competition and celebrations.
Travellers don’t need to sail to partake in this incredible event. Discover the best of Antigua Sailing Week with this ultimate guide to one of the world’s most exciting races.
Best Vantage Points
Travellers looking for a bracing start to their day can hike or walk up one of the island’s natural trails to elevated points overlooking start areas for the races. Shirley Heights Lookout offers phenomenal views and a serviced bar where visitors can watch the racing with refreshment. During the English Harbour Rum Race, guests can also expect and savour a delicious Antiguan-style breakfast.
Follow the Races
You don’t have to compete to join in on the excitement. Antigua Sailing Week have organised a number of ways for non-mariner guests to get involved. For the thrill seekers who want to get close to the racing, the Chase the Race package allows them to board Wadadli Cat and experience the exhilaration from the starting line, watching the best sailors in the world competing for the win. Guests will then set off for a lovely sail along Antigua’s west coast, including a beach stop and a delicious Caribbean lunch on board.
New for 2023, Antigua Sailing Week and CalvinAir have partnered to offer aerial chases for individuals and groups of six. Tours are 30 minutes long and offer unparalleled views of both the competition and Antigua’s natural beauty.
Beach or bust
If the beach is more your style, Pigeon Point Beach is the place to be to witness or participate in the new Antigua Wingfoil Championship. Similar to wingsurfing, wingfoiling combines a hand-held sail and a surfboard for the ultimate adrenaline rush. Steady winds, crystal clear waters and temperatures of 25°C offer spectacular conditions for three days of fun. The event culminates in Lucky Eddi’s Lay Day, where the beach will come alive with games, dinghy races and stand-up paddleboarding challenges.
Food and Drink
A trip to Antigua is not complete without sampling local cuisine and socialising with the locals. Visitors can book a table at partner restaurants for lunch or dinner followed by a digestive in one of the many lively bars. From 3pm every day of Sailing Week, the Antigua Yacht Club is the best place to gather with fellow spectators to enjoy ice-cold Caribbean beer, English Harbour Rum and Day Chaser Cocktails. There will also be live entertainment from local artists include Dread & the Baldhead, Those Guys Again, 1761 Degrees and more.
For more information on travel to Antigua and Barbuda, visit visitantiguabarbuda.com.
