Perhaps you’re thinking about registering and want to be sure you’re entering the right event—or the right class. Or maybe you’d simply like to learn more about the updated schedule and the line-up of social events planned for the week.

Join us for a live Zoom Q&A session on Thursday, 19 March at 2:00 PM AST (6:00 PM GMT / 1:00 PM EST) where our team will explain the details and answer your questions.

We’d love to see you there and help make sure you have all the information you need.

If you’re unable to attend but would still like to receive a recording of the session, please let us know by contacting [email protected].

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81611960344?pwd=RhwaYf3TJXaCtjYrtkDGppjoct1MRS.1

Meeting ID: 816 1196 0344

Passcode: 191005

The post REGATTAS OVERVIEW – LIVE Q &A appeared first on Antigua Sailing Week.

Headliner LUCIANO. internationally revered as the “Reggae Messenger,” stands as one of reggae music’s most powerful and spiritually grounded voices.  Luciano’s music is deeply rooted in faith, unity, resilience, and social awareness. His timeless anthem It’s Me Again Jah became an international reggae staple, cementing his reputation as an artist whose message transcends borders and generations. Known for electrifying live performances, Luciano brings more than just songs to the stage, he delivers an experience. His shows are spiritual, high-energy, and deeply interactive, often transforming audiences into one unified chorus of positive vibration and upliftment.

For Reggae in the Park 15, his presence will elevate the event to another level and when Luciano takes the stage, expect timeless anthems, powerful vocals, and a powerful reminder of why reggae music continues to inspire the world.

Now in its 15th year, this premier outdoor event has become a cornerstone of the Sailing Week entertainment calendar, bringing together locals and international visitors for one unforgettable night of rhythm, culture, and connection, all before the racing begins.

Set against the lush backdrop of the Falmouth Rectory Grounds in Falmouth, this edition promises sailors, crews, and visitors an unforgettable evening of live reggae, authentic Caribbean culture, and signature island vibes. Showtime is 7:00 p.m. sharp, where island time meets world-class production.

The Lineup – A Night of Pure Reggae Fire

THE STRAYS – Soulful reggae fusion

ZAMBAI & FRIENDS – Smooth, irie, soft-rock reggae vibes

BLESS EYE – High-energy, conscious, cultural reggae

THE CLIMAXX BAND – Versatile live reggae excellence

Hosted by Ibis the Livest, Supa Dymond, and Jessi Fyah, with nonstop vibes from DJ Woodenfoot and DJ Nez, the energy will remain high from start to finish.

Executive Producers CATs Production bring their signature excellence in live event execution. The Principle players in this elite production team:

Climaxx Sounds – Renowned across the region for excellence in sound production

Azero Degrees Event Rentals – Stage, roof, trussing, tents, barricades and infrastructure

Theatric Lighting – Cutting-edge screens, lighting, and power solutions

The result? A seamless, high-energy production designed to match the prestige and international standard of Sailing Week itself.

Why Sailors Love It, Reggae in the Park has become a favourite among international crews, a relaxed yet electric atmosphere where competitors trade sailing gear for island wear and celebrate an incredible week in paradise.

Ticket Information

General Admission: EC $120
VIP: EC $300
At the Gate: EC $150

To book your GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET – CLICK HERE

When the sails come down and the sun sets over Falmouth Harbour, the music rises.

Reggae in the Park 15, The Park Is Calling.

The post START YOUR ANTIGUA SAILING EXPERIENCE WITH REGGAE IN THE PARK appeared first on Antigua Sailing Week.

Patrick Holloran (2nd from right) and his crew of family members on Caipirinha @Takumi 2024

While he may be among the older crew in this year’s Antigua Sailing Week fleet, Patrick Holloran, from Essex in the UK and who turns 80 in March, will be racing Caipirinha, his Beneteau First 40.7 in the inaugural Antigua Sailing Week regatta. The boat has lived in the Caribbean since it was purchased in 2000 and Holloran bought it in 2006 after his kids inspired him to race in Antigua following their first trip to the island in 2003. They stayed in a hotel and his daughter said to him one morning, “Do you know there is a race in April here in Antigua, I bet you would like to do that,” to which he  replied, “Yeah, I would.” The kids said, “Good, we’re coming with you.”

For the next two years the family chartered a boat and as Holloran notes, they had some pretty rough boats. “They were well-used!” he laughs.

Holloran’s Beneteau 40.7 originally had a different name; the purchase of an old derelict bar called Pina Colada with its own beach which the family found when they were sailing around the Antigua coast between Curtain Bluff Resort and Carlisle Bay inspired a boat name. They couldn’t keep the name of the bar for legal reasons and had to think quickly as they needed a name to get a liquor license. As Holloran recalls, he was in a pub with friends and said, “Give me a name quick that is sexy, that is Caribbean and that is a drink!” The name Caipirinha came up, it was a drink they used to regularly enjoy in Mallorca, and is the most popular drink in South America, so it seemed appropriate. He named the bar Caipirinha and called his 40.7 the same name to promote the bar.

Caipirinha lives in Jolly Harbor and the Holloran family use the boat when they are there on holiday for sailing around the islands and having fun with friends. They race the Heineken Regatta and are veterans of the former Antigua Race Week. While Holloran says he’ll have the oldest crew on board, he’ll also have a few young legs including locals Antiguan sailors who know the island coastal waters well. He notes that in the past the boat has been very competitive.

“Most years we make the podium in the regattas we compete in, but this is a new event with a different racing format and a mix of different boats racing so who knows how well we will do this time!”

Sophia Harper and her London-based crew of six friends do a combination of buoy racing in the Solent and around the south of England on mid-size keel boats and a little bit of offshore sailing. Antigua Sailing Week is the group’s first foray into Caribbean racing, and they’ve chartered Vildiur, a Sun Odyssey 45, for the regatta.

“We decided we’d like to do some racing outside of England and chose Antigua Sailing Week – we wanted to sail in Antigua and take part in competition,” Harper, an investment consultant, explained. “I thought the new format looked good, and we wanted to experience the social side of this kind of racing.”

Harper grew up sailing in Chichester Harbor on England’s south coast in dinghies – Optis, Toppers and Lasers – and her team-mates who are between ages 26-28 are also very experienced sailors. They’re not concerned about jumping aboard a charter boat.

“We feel very relaxed about getting on a boat we don’t know; we’re all good sailors so I think it’ll take us just a couple of days to get used to the specifics of the boat,” she says.

They’ll pick up their charter boat the day before racing and sail it down from Jolly Harbor to the start, which will be a good shake-down sail for the team. They have designated just one role – team-mate Charlie Whitaker will helm while the others will swap roles as they feel like it.

“We’re mostly looking forward to experiencing Antigua and the sailing conditions as well as some of the land-based activities and meeting new people besides it’s a bit cold and wet here so it will be nice to get away from that,” Harper smiles. “We have the boat for five days after the competition to do some cruising which we’re also looking forward to.”

Swan 65 – Ilios

When Sanne Lemmers-Bast and her husband Marijn found their boat Ilios, a Swan 65 designed by Sparkman and Stevens just two years ago, the boat had been on the hard in Trinidad for 16 years; one can only imagine the work that was required to bring her back to life. The couple had been looking for a similar boat for a long time but boats they were finding were always either way expensive or in very bad condition, and therefore still expensive, notes Bast.

“We were able to get her for a good price and got a good boat and although we had quite a lot of work to do on her, structurally, she was still in very good condition. We replaced all the standing rigging and most of the running rigging and of course, all the equipment; everything had just been sitting for such a long time.”

The Lemmers-Bast live aboard with their dog Heros, “the best ships dog ever who most definitely goes racing with us,” laughs Bast. They use the boat to take charter guests through the Caribbean cruising and racing. If they are racing from shore, they usually cater to 12 people on board but for Antigua Sailing Week, they’ll probably have just 7 guests on board as everyone will need a place on board to sleep. Originally from the Netherlands, the couple have lived and sailed in the Caribbean and other places for the past 20 years, and for the past 2 years since purchasing Ilios they have been based out of Trinidad where they are members of the Trinidad and Tobago Sailing Association.

When they are racing Marijn is the captain. He’s been sailing since he was a toddler and according to his wife, is an artist in how he sails. “I do believe good sailing is a true art,” Sanne smiles. They race Ilios hard but not without limits because it is their home.

“Nobody wants to break stuff, but we’re definitely not racing cruising style; when we’re racing, we’re racing, and we’re trying to squeeze every little bit out of the boat; we don’t like shouting, everything is calm and we like a fun atmosphere,” Sanne says. “But we are focused on getting the boat to go as fast as we can with the crew that we have and the resources that we have. Because that’s what makes it fun to race, right? You cannot think about anything else because all you’re doing is just trying to try to pay attention to all the small little, little details to make or just go like a 10th of a knot faster, right?”

Liveaboards Sanne & Marijn Lemmers-Bast on Ilios

The couple are looking forward to Antigua Sailing Week and hope that there are some similar size boats in the racing division to make the racing aspect more exciting for them and are open to welcoming additional guests.  Interested parties should visit their their website to explore the opportunity www.skylarkingilios.com

“We hope that we have some nice competition and other boats to sail against, and I like the concept of being somewhere different each day and seeing different places in Antigua,” Bast says. “I hope there will be some spots that I don’t know of yet and that will positively surprise us. We look forward to meeting nice people and just having a great time sailing.”

Antigua Sailing Week will start and finish from different locations every day, adding spice to adventure, notes Principal Race Officer Chris Mansfield. Mansfield’s been involved with racing events in Antigua for the past ten years both as a competitor and in the past five, he’s run different regattas held in and around Antigua and St Maarten. Safe racing while taking in the scenery is Manfield’s goal.

“We want to take people around the island so that they get to see the Atlantic coast as well so they can enjoy the coastline; the idea is to bring a fun element into the racing and give visitors an opportunity to see other parts of the island they may not otherwise see or be able to get to by road,” Mansfield says. “We’re putting a few marks with waypoints to keep the fleet off reefs and other obstructions for safe racing, and we’ll use a combination of natural marks and set marks – in some places it’s pretty deep water so laying marks won’t be possible, even anchoring a committee boat could be hard work!”

The post STORIES BEHIND THE 2026 FLEET appeared first on Antigua Sailing Week.

So when word began to circulate that Antigua Sailing Week would be changing its format in 2026, it was natural for eyebrows to rise. Change, especially to something so deeply woven into Caribbean sailing history, invites questions. Why now? Who is it for? And does “change” mean leaving the past behind?

The short answer is no. What’s happening behind Antigua Sailing Week is not a departure—it’s an evolution shaped by the realities of modern sailing, shifting demographics, and the simple truth that how people experience boats, events, and time on the water has changed.

Listening to the Fleet

The decision to evolve Antigua Sailing Week did not come from a single boardroom conversation or a sudden desire to fix what wasn’t broken. It came from years of listening—listening to returning competitors, to charter companies, to cruising sailors anchored in English Harbour, and to local stakeholders who understand both the heritage and the future of sailing in Antigua.

According to Antigua Sailing Week President Alison Sly-Adams, the shift has been a thoughtful and necessary one.

“Antigua Sailing Week has always reflected the way people sail now, not the way they sailed 20 or 30 years ago,” says Sly-Adams. “This evolution allows us to stay true to our competitive DNA while opening the door to a broader cross-section of the sailing community. It’s about preserving the spirit of the event while ensuring it remains relevant, accessible, and exciting for the future.”

Over time, a clear pattern emerged. While high-performance racing remains thrilling, the pool of sailors able to commit to multiple days of intense round-the-buoys competition has narrowed. Costs have risen. Crews are harder to assemble. Owners are increasingly balancing sailing ambitions with family life, work, and the desire for richer experiences beyond the racecourse.

At the same time, Antigua has become one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant cruising and charter hubs. Each season, hundreds of yachts pass through the island—many crewed by skilled sailors who may not identify as “racers,” but who relish sailing well, exploring new anchorages, and sharing the camaraderie that only life afloat creates.

Antigua Sailing Week’s evolution is, at its core, about meeting these sailors where they are.

A New Format, Rooted in Seamanship

Beginning April 22–26, 2026, Antigua Sailing Week will adopt a point-to-point, cruise-in-company format. Rather than returning to the same start line each day, fleets will sail purposeful coastal passages around Antigua, combining competitive elements with exploration, navigation, and the sheer pleasure of sailing from one destination to another.

This is not “racing lite.” Courses are designed to reward good seamanship, smart sail selection, and tactical decision-making—just expressed over longer legs and varied conditions. Think reaching along Antigua’s dramatic coastline, negotiating wind shifts around headlands, and finishing each day somewhere new. 

For charter operators, the shift feels both logical and long overdue.

“This format finally reflects how our guests actually want to sail,” says a representative from an Antigua-based charter company. “They want to sail real miles, drop anchor somewhere beautiful at the end of the day, and still feel like they’ve accomplished something on the water. Antigua Sailing Week 2026 allows charter crews to participate without having to turn their holiday into a hardcore race campaign.”

For many sailors, this style of sailing is closer to why they fell in love with boats in the first place. It values performance, but also perspective.

Expanding, Not Replacing, the Community

One of the most important things to understand about the new Antigua Sailing Week is that it is not abandoning racers. Performance boats, rating systems, and competitive divisions remain integral to the event. What is changing is the invitation list.

Cruising yachts, charter boats, owner-operators, and mixed-experience crews are now actively encouraged to participate. The barriers to entry—both perceived and real—have been lowered. You no longer need a fully stacked race crew or a stripped-out boat to feel like you belong.

For charter providers, this inclusivity is key.

“We see a lot of confident sailors who shy away from regattas because they don’t see themselves as ‘racers,’” the charter provider adds. “This format removes that intimidation factor. It says, ‘If you can sail well and love being on the water, there’s a place for you here.’”

This shift reflects a broader trend seen across global sailing events: success is no longer measured only by who crosses the line first, but by how many people feel welcome on the line at all.

For Sao Jorge, Harmony 52 charterer, Charles Bayer and his team of 19 from Michigan, a passion for sailing and the camaraderie that comes from a shared competitive racing spirit, and Antigua’s warm weather and beautiful scenery were elements all too enticing to ignore.

“It’s a great time to leave Detroit where it is exceedingly cold plus we’re curious to try the new Antigua Sailing Week format – we first considered other regattas but thought that the first time with a group this size Antigua Sailing Week with its point-to-point sailing offers more of a laid-back race that focuses on tactics and boat speed and not as much crew work/sail handling as buoy racing,” he said. “We intend to race the daily optional windward leewards but we’re on vacation and the format is not so intense.”

The Shoreside Experience Still Matters

Ask anyone who has sailed Antigua Sailing Week what they remember most, and chances are the answers won’t be limited to results sheets. They’ll talk about sunset prizegivings, music drifting across the dock, and conversations that start with sail trim and end with lifelong friendships.

That spirit remains unchanged.

In fact, the evolved format enhances the shoreside experience by spreading activity across different parts of the island. Each stopover becomes an opportunity to highlight Antigua’s diverse anchorages, communities, and hospitality—connecting sailors more deeply with the island they are sailing around, not just past.

For Antigua itself, this means broader economic impact and a more sustainable model that benefits multiple coastal areas, not only one harbour.

A Reflection of the Caribbean Today

Antigua Sailing Week’s evolution mirrors a larger reality across the Caribbean. Sailing here has always been about more than competition. It’s about trade winds and traditions, about learning to read the water, about respecting both the sea and the communities that live alongside it.

By embracing a format that values passage-making, exploration, and inclusivity, Antigua Sailing Week is aligning itself more closely with what Caribbean sailing has always represented—adaptability, resilience, and joy in the journey.

Looking Forward

Change can feel uncomfortable, especially when tradition runs deep. But sailing itself teaches us that resisting change rarely leads to better outcomes. Wind shifts. Weather evolves. Boats—and events—must adapt.

Antigua Sailing Week’s new chapter is not about leaving its past behind. It’s about ensuring that future generations of sailors—racers and cruisers alike—can continue to experience Antigua in a way that feels authentic, achievable, and inspiring.

In many ways, the event is returning to its roots: sailors coming together, sailing well, and celebrating the simple magic of boats, wind, and island life.

And that, perhaps, is the most Antigua Sailing Week thing of all.

The post Antigua Sailing Week: Evolution, Not Reinvention appeared first on Antigua Sailing Week.

After a brief hiatus, the renewed partnership marks a meaningful reconnection between two brands long associated with excellence, international reach, and a shared commitment to showcasing Antigua as a world-class destination.

As part of the sponsorship, Virgin Atlantic is offering exclusive  preferred rates for travellers flying from the United Kingdom to Antigua in time for the race — making it even easier for crews, charter guests, and spectators to be part of the action on the water and the celebrations ashore.

The UK has always been one of Antigua Sailing Week’s strongest international markets, and Virgin Atlantic’s direct service between London and Antigua plays a vital role in connecting the sailing community to the island.

“We are thrilled to welcome Virgin Atlantic back to the Antigua Sailing Week family,” said Rana-Jamila Lewis of Antigua Sailing Week. “Their return is not only a boost for the event, but also a strong signal of confidence in Antigua as a premier sailing and tourism destination. The special fares they are offering will make it even more accessible for our UK and European crews and supporters to join us for what promises to be an exceptional 2026 edition.”

Cruisers & Bareboats will assemble for fun relaxed racing from April 22 – 26

Sean Edwards of Virgin Atlantic commented, “We are proud to renew our partnership with Antigua Sailing Week — an event that perfectly reflects the energy, spirit, and global appeal of our brand. We look forward to welcoming sailors and supporters onboard as they travel to experience the excitement of the regatta.”

In a new format, Antigua Sailing Week 2026 will blend relaxed racing and point-to-point cruising  with a vibrant shoreside programme, drawing participants and visitors from around the world. With steady trade winds, spectacular coastlines, and a dynamic social calendar, the event remains a cornerstone of the international sailing circuit.

Travellers are encouraged to book now to take advantage of the exclusive Virgin Atlantic fares and secure their place at Antigua Sailing Week 2026.  Bookings and quote enquiries will be facilitated by the Caribbean sales team by sending an email to [email protected] along with the reference “ASW2026”.

For regatta registration and event information, visit sailingweek.com.

The post Virgin Atlantic Returns as Official Transatlantic Airline Sponsor appeared first on Antigua Sailing Week.

“Most of my crew are other racing skippers and at least 10 of my crew are boat owners themselves,” Bayer explained. “We will be about 50/50 women and men and have several world champions in several classes joining the boat. We are very serious racers sailing under the Bayview Yacht Club burgee. Most of the 21 will race at least one or two days as we rotate days off to enjoy the island, snorkeling, bars and restaurants around the island.”

Bayer sails primarily in North America – on the Great Lakes, the East Coast and Florida plus he’s done just a little racing in the Caribbean. He races Flying Scotts regularly in Florida but 40-foot sprint boats are Bayer’s optimal race boat. He’s sailed and raced it all in just the last 12 months including J-70s, J-111s; J120s, a C&C 41, a S&S 41, a Farr 45 turbo, an Italia 9.89 ( in which the team he raced won the Chicago Mackinac Race), a Lagoon 50 and a SunSail 42 ft catamaran. He’s excited to add a Harmony 52 to the list although he doesn’t know a lot about the boat – yet!

“We know very little about the boat other than I have her rating certificate and have sent it to my sailmaker to discuss it’s sail plan,” Bayer smiled. “At least 30% of the crew is racing the Heineken Regatta with me a few weeks earlier in Sint Maarten before we cruise to St. Barts, Anguilla and St. Kitts, so hopefully we’ll get to check her out there.”

Chuck Bayer has assembled a large & experienced group of racers from Detroit’s Bayview Yacht Club

It’s a good thing that Sao Jorge’s certificate allows for up to 3300 pounds of crew weight – depending on the wind conditions Bayer’s team will race with as many crew as possible. He’s hopeful that the team can become familiar with the boat and put some tacks and jibes on April 21 and 22^nd, prior to the event start.

“At the least it would be great to put up all the sails, put the running rigging through her paces, practice a few sets, jibes and takedowns,” Bayer commented.

A passion for sailing and the camaraderie that comes from a shared competitive racing spirit, and Antigua’s warm weather and beautiful scenery were elements all too enticing to ignore, noted Bayer.

“It’s a great time to leave Detroit where it is exceedingly cold plus we’re curious to try the new Antigua Sailing Week format – we first considered the other regatta but thought that the first time with a group this size ASW with its point-to-point sailing offers more of a laid-back race that focuses on tactics and boat speed and not as much crew work/sail handling as buoy racing,” he said. “We intend to race the daily optional windward leewards but we’re on vacation and the ASW format is not so intense.”

Several of his crew are also professional vacation planners who have helped Bayer with all the logistics which, understandably, have been daunting.

“We divide up the tasks; one group is responsible for groceries and beverages, another plans dinner reservations,” Bayer explained. “Crew uniforms have been a logistical issue, getting them ordered in the right sizes, having them embroidered with the team’s name then shipped.”

The teams base camp overlooking Falmouth Harbour

Antigua’s Bluff House will be the crew headquarters/base camp for the week, and with the recent addition of the Pink House at the same compound, there is plenty of space for husbands, wives, girlfriends and boyfriends who have decided to join and enjoy the fun – no FOMO (fear of missing out) for this crowd, Bayer laughed.

“The charter company, Sail Racing Academy, has been wonderful, entering the yacht and arranging logistical help, and we are renting 2 full size vans to transport the crew to various destinations such as The Hut at Little Jumby for an after-race regatta party,” Bayer noted. “From there we will go off to enjoy the nightlife before returning to our accommodations. It should be a great time!

The post Team Highlight – Sao Jorge appeared first on Antigua Sailing Week.

Now in its latest edition, the School Art Competition continues to be a cornerstone of Antigua Sailing Week’s community outreach, encouraging young artists to explore sailing, the island’s coastline, and the importance of protecting Antigua’s natural environment through original artwork.

This year’s competition is inspired by Antigua Sailing Week’s exciting new format –  a relaxed, point-to-point cruising experience taking place April 22–26, 2026. The cruise-in-company journey begins and ends at Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, with scenic stops at Nonsuch Bay, Maiden Island, and Ffryes Beach.

The theme for 2026, “Cruising the Coast, Adventure Around Antigua,” invites students to capture the excitement of sailing, island landscapes, and the sense of adventure that comes with exploring Antigua by sea. The complete competition brief is available on the Antigua Sailing Week website and via the ASW School Art Facebook page.

Antigua Sailing Week is also pleased to welcome Happy Kids as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 School Art Competition. A long-standing supporter of youth and community initiatives, Happy Kids’ involvement reflects a shared commitment to creativity, education, and giving back.

“Supporting the Antigua Sailing Week School Art Competition is our way of giving back to the community that has supported and shaped Happy Kids & Happy Kids Uniforms for more than 30 years,” said Elie Saoud of Happy Kids. “This island has played a huge role in our success, and investing in young people and their creativity is something we feel strongly about.”

Winners of 2025 School Art Competition ©Antigua Sailing Week

The competition is open to all students residing in Antigua and Barbuda in the following age categories: 5–8, 9–12, and 13–16. The deadline for digital submissions is March 30, 2026, and entries must be submitted via email (through a parent or teacher) to [email protected].

Submitted artwork will be featured on the ASW School Art Facebook page starting April 3, where the public will be invited to vote by liking their favorite pieces in each category until Saturday, April 6 at 3:00 p.m. The artwork receiving the most likes on the official ASW School Art page will be awarded the People’s Choice Award.

Winners in all categories will be announced at a prizegiving ceremony on Saturday April 18 at 3pm.

The post Happy Kids School Art Competition 2026 appeared first on Antigua Sailing Week.

Set against turquoise waters and powder-white sands, the beachside party will feature live entertainment, DJ-driven riddims, local food vendors, interactive beach games, and refreshing drinks for a festive, authentically Antiguan experience from noon to early evening. The event is proudly sponsored by Heineken Beer and Yamaha, Outdoor World, whose support will surely elevate Riddim & Tides into an annual Antigua Sailing Week signature moment where world-class sailing meets Caribbean culture, rhythm, and community.

Ffryes Beach will come alive to the beat of Riddim & Tides ©ABTA

“Riddim & Tides is a natural extension of what Heineken represents, bringing people together through shared moments, music, and a strong sense of that Caribbean feeling,” notes Germaine Serieux, Commercial & Marketing Manager, Anjo Wholesale Official Heineken partner. “Antigua Sailing Week already embodies excellence on these majestic waters, and this activation allows us to merge that energy with culture, community, and responsible enjoyment in a distinctly Antiguan way. Seeing boats from across the region rafted together is a powerful visual of unity proof that when people come together, the experience becomes something special.”

The event also extends a warm invitation to the powerboat community and party boats, which are encouraged to anchor off Ffryes Beach to enjoy the live entertainment unfolding onshore. With music carrying across the bay and boats lining the coast, Riddim & Tides promises a true sea-meets-shore celebration.

“This celebration will be a day to honor the lifestyle that Yamaha products unlock: daytime adventures, shared experiences on the sea, and unforgettable memories made with salt on your skin and wind in your face,” commented Stephen Shoul, Group Project Manager at Automotive Art. “In partnership with Antigua Sailing Week and Heineken, we’re creating a day that feels real, authentic, energetic, and driven by the ocean.”

Riddim & Tides takes place on Saturday, April 25, and welcomes Antigua Sailing Week event participants, spectators, and the general public. Standby for additional details on programming, access, and on-water coordination to be announced soon. Contact [email protected] for more information and to learn about volunteer opportunities.

The post Join the Riddim & Tides Celebration at Ffryes Beach! appeared first on Antigua Sailing Week.

• Crews seeking the excitement of a start line and buoy roundings will have access to optional racing courses announced each morning.
• Cruising yachts will be assigned a final start and arrival time for each leg, allowing flexibility and an unhurried pace throughout the week.
• Throughout the week, participants will explore Antigua’s breathtaking coastline, ultimately returning to where the journey begins—historic Nelson’s Dockyard.
• Departing from English Harbour, the itinerary follows a scenic anti-clockwise route, with each leg intentionally designed to be short, navigable, and enjoyable for charter crews, regional cruisers, and liveaboards alike. This approach maximizes time for swimming, relaxation, and curated shoreside experiences.

Here is a closer look at some details that will shape the event. 

English Harbour – April 22: The adventure begins as crews gather within the historic surroundings of Nelson’s Dockyard for registration and briefings. Once preparations are complete, participants are invited to celebrate the start of the journey with a festive cultural evening on the lawn, including a complimentary rum hour from 5-6 pm.

Base of the 57th Antigua Sailing Week – Nelson’s Dockyard © Takumi Media

Nonsuch Bay – April 23 :  Following an optional guided morning exploration of the National Parks hiking trails, the fleet embarks on an exhilarating opening sail along Antigua’s eastern coastline. The route passes Indian Creek, Mamora Bay, and Willoughby Bay before heading north past Half Moon Bay and Green Island to the entrance of Nonsuch Bay, the anchorage for evening.

Onshore, a welcome cocktail and beach barbecue hosted by Breeze at Nonsuch Bay will feature entertainment and local hospitality. Participants may choose to dine aboard their yachts or pre-book dinner at the Breeze Restaurant.

Destination East – Nonsuch Bay © Breeze Restaurant

Maiden Island Little Jumby – April 24 : The day begins with optional sunrise stretching, followed by morning activities including kitesurfing and reef exploration—both well-suited to Nonsuch Bay’s conditions. Once underway, the fleet enjoys a leisurely open-water reach northward before anchoring off Maiden Island.

Participants will dinghy ashore to The Hut – Little Jumby, a private venue renowned for its barefoot elegance. A 3pm beach party sets the tone for an afternoon of sundowners, music, and relaxed socializing. Dinner options include a casual beachfront barbecue or an elegant seated dining experience with fine wines; reservations are recommended.

Destination North – Maiden Island ©The Hut Little Jumby

Ffryes Bay Beach – April 25 :  Departing Little Jumby, yachts continue south along Antigua’s west coast, passing Dickenson Bay, St. John’s Harbour, Five Islands, and Jolly Beach. Widely regarded as one of the most picturesque sails around the island, this leg offers exceptional photo opportunities.

Moorings will be set off Ffryes Bay Beach, one of Antigua’s most celebrated beaches, where an all-day beach festival will showcase local food, music, and entertainment. Along this mile-long stretch of white sand, notable dining options include Tamarind Hills, Dennis Restaurant, and Sheer Rocks.

Destination West – Ffryes Bay Beach will come alive with an all day beach festival ©ABTA

Nelson’s Dockyard – April 26: The final day begins with an optional morning hike before the fleet makes a memorable return sail into Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Caribbean’s most storied maritime locations. The journey concludes with a final awards ceremony and closing celebrations, bringing the week full circle.

Return to Base – Final Awards at Nelson’s Dockyard © ABTA  ©ASW

CRUISING or RACING

With 15 entries and building, the 2026 edition reflects a global shift toward lifestyle-driven sailing events that prioritize discovery, connection, and celebration. Charter companies are invited to register their fleets, while regional cruisers and liveaboards are warmly encouraged to join both the sailing and the shoreside experiences that define this new chapter of Antigua Sailing Week.

Early entry fees of US$14 per foot have been extended until January 8, 2026 when they will increase US$16. To enter now, visit yachtscoring.com

To review the Notice of Race, visit www.sailingweek.com

For special requirements or accommodations, contact [email protected]

The post A New Way to Experience Antigua’s Stunning Destinations appeared first on Antigua Sailing Week.

Next year marks a significant evolution for the event, now reimagined as a 4-day destination sailing experience that traces the stunning coastline of Antigua in an exhilarating circumnavigation.  With the option of a cruise-in-company or easy, point-to-point racing, participants will depart from English Harbour and sail around the island with stops at some of the world’s most beautiful anchorages. Offering crews a taste of the varied conditions and sailing angles while they enjoy a different coastline each day, the schedule will visit Nonsuch Bay, Little Jumby Bay, and Ffryes Beach before returning to Nelson’s Dockyard.

                           Destination shoreside activities include Dinghy team challenges

The event promises not only champagne sailing conditions and fun activities but also the pleasure of enjoying Antigua’s renowned hospitality, culture, and natural beauty. Organizers are planning refreshing welcome events at each destination, including fun beach games, snorkel tours, private island sunsets, bespoke dining options, island-style beach limes, daily prize giveaways, and an unforgettable farewell celebration.

“Historically, Antigua Sailing Week has been about more than just world-class racing—it is about the complete experience, both on the water and onshore,” said Rana-Jamila Lewis, Marketing & Logistics Manager for Antigua Sailing Week. “Returning to a destination sailing format allows us to include the greater island in Antigua Sailing Week again, which we believe sailors and spectators, whether from overseas or right here in Antigua, will truly appreciate.”

                                           Post-sailing sundowners and beach parties

The 2026 Notice of Race outlines entry requirements, class divisions for those interested in racing, and the sailing schedule. With a diverse fleet expected—from those who customarily race their yachts but would like to engage in exploring the islands sailing grounds in company, to bareboat charterers who yearn to be competitive, to live aboard cruisers interested in a bit of adventure —this new format is designed to be inclusive, welcoming those who share a passion for sailing, adventure and dream of island beach life. Anchorages will be accessible to boats with up to 10ft draft and are ideal for liveaboards. Crews can also opt to bring their motherships or book local accommodation each night, and local boats and spectators are invited to pull up to the events each day.

Entries are open, and organizers invite sailors, families, and supporters from around the World to join in this exciting reimagining of Antigua Sailing Week, April 22–26, 2026. The current rate is US$14 per foot, but to mark the release of the Notice of Race, participants who enter and pay by December 1, 2025, can enjoy a special discounted rate of US$12 per foot.

For additional details and to review the Notice of Race, please visit: www.sailingweek.com. To Enter Antigua Sailing Week: https://yachtscoring.com/event_registration_email/50418

Campaigning yachts  & competitive crews which may be more interested in the newly developed Antigua Racing Cup from April 9 -12, can visit the website directly or check out this handy comparison of what to expect from each event.

The post Antigua Sailing Weeks Evolution: A Return to Destination Sailing appeared first on Antigua Sailing Week.