Warm and clear, the Caribbean waters swept by the trade winds are an ideal playground for racing. On the island of Antigua, the regatta culture is undeniable and world-class events are held here.
Thus, from January to May, the Anglo-Saxon island hosts nautical events that attract mega yachts, very fast cruisers, pure IRC boats, ex-Volvo racers and for some years now Class 40s. Even if the English are omnipresent, the fleet and crews are very cosmopolitan.
Antigua 360 Race
Period: Mid-February
It's a 52-minute race around the island counterclockwise. It's a fairly fast regatta format, but very demanding for the crews and boats. It's an ideal preparation before the major event of the season which takes place a few days later, the Caribbean 600. The main players in these regattas are there with their prestigious yachts.
RORC Caribbean 600
Period: End of February
This regatta organized by the Antigua Yacht Club has become emblematic. It attracts some of the most fabulous sailboats in the nautical world, but also a growing number of international sailors who are passionate about regattas. The start is given from Fort Charlotte at the exit of English Harbour.
The 600 nautical miles of ocean racing are a unique opportunity to travel the Caribbean arc and its mythical islands. It is probably one of the most fantastic offshore races to do, as technical as it is enjoyable, as exotic as it is sporty.
Antigua Super Yacht Challenge
Period: Early March
For this very special race, let's admit that the entrance ticket to the Nelson Yard pontoons is not given. Indeed, the race is only open to sailboats over 80 feet. Here, the competition is above all a pretext to sail these exceptional yachts in a fleet. Four days of regattas allow the teams to show the aesthetic or sporting potential of these mega yachts.
Classic Yacht Regatta
Period: Early April
This regatta is an opportunity to revive the glorious past of Classic yachts. The parade of these nautical works of art makes Caribbean waters elegant and poetic. Classic yachts of all sizes begin their parade with a competition of elegance. The event continues with 5 days of racing that ends with a prestigious awards ceremony in English Harbour.
Antigua sailing week
Period: End of April
It is certainly one of the most interesting nautical events to do for sailors with a passion for racing. This week of racing started 50 years ago in a festive spirit and has become a week of pure competition with sailors from all over the world on yachts of all sizes.
More than 100 participants meet in English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour to compete in two to three regattas per day. The races are only equalled by the festive evenings that may leave their mark on the crews, but will delight fans and visitors alike.
