The 47th Annual Antigua Sailing Week has come to a close. And superyacht lovers would be be forgiven for thinking that in Antigua life solely revolves around sailing, but there is good reason.
Considered the Sailing Capital of the Caribbean, the waters are crystal clear, safe and calm enough for beginners, but also deeper and more challenging towards the horizon for more experienced sea hands.
Carlisle Bay and Ondeck Sailing offer a three day course for novices which covers the basics and ends with a Royal Yachting Association ‘Start Yachting’ certificate.
Join an exclusive club of sailors by participating in one of the island’s regattas and becoming the owner of the coveted Antigua Sailing Week cap and sailing gloves!
Through the rest of the season, take advantage of Antigua’s fantastic tradewinds with other yachting events including the Jolly Harbour Yacht Club Annual Regatta and Caribbean Dinghy Championships in November and the Antigua Yacht Club ‘Nelson Pursuit’ in December.
For holiday-makers interested in other boating activities – returning for the fourth time is the Annual Antigua & Barbuda Marlin Classic which joins the 48th Annual Antigua & Barbuda Sports Fishing Tournament in June, the Francis Nunes Jr. Sport Fishing Tournament & Seafood Festival in late September, the Barbuda Independence Fishing Tournament in October, and the Best in the West Fishing Tournament in November.
Away from sailing, kitesurfing is gaining traction through the islands – those in search of an adrenaline rush will be pleased to know that www.windseekerholidays.co.uk have just added Antigua to their portfolio and are offering Kitesurfing holidays at Nonsuch Bay. Canoeing/kayaking, windsurfing and snorkelling are a great way to add a bit of activity to your beach holiday and are available through most hotels. For something a little different, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa offers paddle boarding and Aquatrikes.
Hybrid and land based activities for this year include the Annual Antigua Tennis Week at Curtain Bluff in May. Receive hands-on coaching, and training, from the likes of tennis celebrities Tracy Austin, Fred Stolle, Annabel Croft and Andrew Castle, followed by proam matches with the professionals.
In May, visitors can join fun and friendly runs such as the fifth Annual ‘Sir Reginald Samuel’ Track and Field Classic and Hurricane Power Athletic Club Annual 5k Run and Fun Walk Finals.
On 23 June there is the Olympic Day Fun Run. For a more challenging activity, swim turquoise waters, discover the tropical landscape and cycle scenic seaside views in the competitive Jonathon Rohr Wadadli Tinman Triathlon in October, or race in the Independence Sprint Duathlon.
Antigua’s national board game, warri, is one of the oldest games in the world and can be traced back to Western Africa. Visitors can witness the traditional game being played during the island’s National Warri Festival in October.
In November, international cricketing legend and Antigua’s national hero Sir Vivian Richards hosts the 20/20 Masters Cricket Festival. Jolly Beach Resort and Spa is a great place to base yourself around any cricketing adventure with the resort having their very own cricket pitch and a mile-long beach perfect for beach cricket games.