Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a sailing destination is already well established and it is often called the Sailing Capital of the Caribbean.”
As a home to the very best in Caribbean sailing, Antigua has a selection of events that need to be noted in the diaries of those who love the sport.
First up is the Jolly Harbour Valentine’sRegatta which next year runs from 7th to the 10th of February. This year the 20th in the events history will include significant changes to the scope and format of the event and the international sailing festival will take place from February 7-10, 2013. The first annual regatta was organised by Jolly Harbour Yacht Club in 1993 and the event has been held on the weekend closest to Valentine’s Day every year since.
The Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Caribbean 600 is now considered a classic race and the fifth edition is set to get underway on Monday 18th February 2013 in Antigua. The 600nm course encompasses 11 Caribbean islands and attracts a wide variety of yachts from all over the world, including ocean going performance cruisers and some of the world’s most magnificent yachts. Entries to date include:
- ICAP Leopard
- Rambler 90
- Athos
- Adela
- Hetairos
- Liara
- Nefertiti
- Nilaya
- Sojana
- Windrose of Amsterdam
- Scarlett Logic
- Northern Child
- Paradox
- Phaedo
Finally AntiguaSailing Week (28 April – 3 May) needs no introduction. With five days of competitive racing off the rugged south coastline of Antigua, it is considered to be one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious races with more than 100 yachts. It includes the Yachting World Round Antigua Race, the Guadeloupe to Antigua Race and is held annually beginning on the last Sunday of April.