orld W
ass Competitive Cl Sailing at it’s best!
Photos by Ted Martin
F
or many people for many years there has been one regatta synonymous with any mention of the tiny island of Antigua Antigua Sailing Week. And for an island just 9 miles by 12 miles it certainly punches larger than its weight when it comes to first class yacht racing. Although Antigua Sailing Week is the oldest Caribbean regatta, started in 1968 by a group of friends, it is still one of the most prestigious regattas that finds its way onto most people’s bucket list, as well as being a regular for countless skippers and crews each year. The regatta offers competitive racing for all boat types and ensures all competitors will be on the water for between three and four hours of racing a day. Aside from that being just enough racing for sailors to be completely enthralled by the trade winds and near perfect racing conditions of Antigua’s south coast, it’s also short enough to ensure they still have energy for the legendary parties that take place each evening after racing. From international reggae bands and DJs, to the best of local entertainment and after-race prize givings, Antigua Sailing Week consists of five packed
days plus a lay day for participants to pour their energy into. And believe us they will need it. For those who prefer a different kind of poison, however, Antigua can literally serve up whatever anyone wants. Lovers of classic and traditional yachts won’t want to miss the unique Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. It features a wonderful variety of yachts including traditional craft from the islands, classic ketches, sloops, schooners, and yawls which make up the bulk of the fleet, combined with the stunningly beautiful Spirit of Tradition yachts, J Class yachts, and Tall Ships. All of these yachts make a wonderful spectacle of sail and, when combined with Antiguan hospitality, plenty of rum, sunshine, and great camaraderie in a friendly relaxed atmosphere, places the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta in a class of its own. If offshore racing is your raison-dêtre then the RORC Caribbean 600 is now one of the top five offshore races in the world and continues to increase in its appeal. Why wouldn’t you want to race 600 m ??????????????????????????????????????????
??????????????????((??()
??????e? ????5 ?e
!QL?????()???????????????????????((0