FROM THE 26TH OF APRIL TO 2ND OF MAY 2025,
YACHTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD WILL ARRIVE IN ANTIGUA TO PARTICIPATE IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S
MAJOR SAILING EVENTS, ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK.
From small beginnings, this regatta has developed over the past 50 years to become one of the preeminent yacht racing events in the Caribbean and one of the most prestigious in the world.
The regatta attracts over 100 yachts ranging in size from 24 feet to over 100 feet with everything from state-ofthe-art, high-tech racing machines to a variety of performance cruising and cruising boats well represented.
The event begins with 52-mile, independently-scored Peters & May Round Antigua Race. This preliminary race offers an excellent training opportunity to shake out the sails for the week that follows.
ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK ITSELF
CONSISTS OF RACING OVER SIX EXCITING DAYS
with a variety of strong trade windpowered courses around the buoys in the Caribbean Sea. Daily post-race social events and prize-givings are held at Antigua Yacht Club. Sailors can claim bragging rights by collecting burgees for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes each day. When the daily post-race social events wrap up, sailors, friends, and family can move on to bigger parties taking place at many locations in the area, including Shirley Heights, Nelson’s Dockyard and at Pigeon Point beach on Lay Day.
AFTER AN ACTIONPACKED WEEK, ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK DRAWS TO A CLOSE ON FRIDAY EVENING IN ROMANTIC HISTORIC NELSON’S DOCKYARD.
The final awards presentation features a large display of silverware and keeper trophies. It’s a great evening of celebration where locals join visitors dancing the night away.
On Saturday, it’s Dockyard Day. The Beating of the Retreat as the Antiguan flag is lowered signals the close of Antigua Sailing Week for yet another year. A truly fitting end to a week of exceptional racing.
PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE FOR 2025
APR 26
APR 27
APR 28
APR 29
Peters & May Round Antigua Race & Prize Giving & Official ASW Opening Party
English Harbour Rum Race Day 1 & Prize Giving
Y2K Race Day 2 & Prize Giving
Race Day 3 & Prize Giving
Reggae in the Park 14
APR 30
MAY 1
MAY 2
Lay Day on Pigeon Point Beach
Women’s Race Day 4 & Prize Giving
ABTA Race Day 5 & Prize Giving Final Prize Giving Party
RACING INFORMATION
We offer the largest variety of racing courses from two different start areas to provide the perfect racing experience to the huge assortment of racing classes, accommodating all boat types, size, rating bands, and sail configuration. These will be further divided if our fleet grows to over 120 boats.
All participating vessels must be rated using Caribbean Sailing Associations (CSA) Rating Rule. Find out more about the CSA and the measurement process online at www. sailingweek.com
CSA High Performance Race Boats
CSA Race Boats
CSA Performance Cruising Boats
CSA Cruising (Spinnaker or Jib and Main)
CSA Sport Boats
CSA Cruising Multihull
CSA Bareboat Charters (Jib and Main)
Club Class (daily variable rating fun racing)
Dragons / RS Elite
Volvo 65, TP52, Melges 32 J 122, GS43
First 40 J 30
Melges 24, J70, RS 21
Gunboat, HH 66, Lagoon 45
RACE YACHT CHARTER OPTIONS
Race yacht charter options vary from single berths in all-out carbon race yachts to whole-boat racer cruisers to comfy stay-aboard bareboats and everything in between. Please refer to the website at sailingweek.com/charteroptions/ for current charter availability. The listing is continuously updated, so please check back regularly for more options. If you can’t find a boat to suit you, please email us at jaime@sailingweek.com for suggestions.
MARINA INFORMATION
Rates at all marinas listed below are in the range of approximately US $1 to US $2 per foot per day, exclusive of water and power service. Please contact the marinas directly for more specific information
NELSON’S DOCKYARD MARINA
info@nationalparksantigua.com
Mooring in this location places you in the centre of a UNESCO Heritage world site, one of the last active Georgian boatyards in the world. It is approximately a 10-minute walk to the Antigua Yacht Club, home of the daily post-race social events and prize-givings. Complimentary shuttles are available at key times to transport you between the Dockyard and the yacht club.
ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB MARINA
aycmarina@candw.ag
Mooring here is ideal if you want to be in the heart of Antigua Sailing Week’s activity. With the daily postrace social events and prize-givings, there will be a lot of activity in the surrounding area.
FALMOUTH HARBOUR MARINA
antiguafalmar@gmail.com
Falmouth Harbour Marina is a full-service marina located only a few minutes’ walk from Antigua Yacht Club.
CATAMARAN MARINA
info@catamaranmarina.com
The Catamaran Marina is located on Falmouth Main Road and is about a five-minute drive or dinghy ride from Antigua Yacht Club. This friendly marina has a very quaint atmosphere and is an ideal location to base your yacht if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, a little bit away from the daily activities.
ANTIGUA SLIPWAY MARINA info@antiguaslipway.com
Situated on the starboard side after entering English Harbour just after the fuel dock. The Antigua Slipway Marina dock in English Harbor has recently been re-conditioned. They provide water and power for up to three large motor vessels needing 380 volts, 220 volts, or 110 volts and 10 large sailing yachts in deep water. Dock prices in Antigua are “per foot per day” based on the length overall of your vessel. The Marina’s full-service facilities offer you a
safe harbor, first class professional services, and a 20% discount at the Inn at English Harbour for owners using our Marina dock and haul out.
JOLLY HARBOUR MARINA info@jhmarina.com
Jolly Harbour Marina is on the west coast of Antigua. While it is a little too far away to contemplate mooring there during racing, it is a great place to moor before and after Antigua Sailing Week. Being on the leeward side of the island, you will find stunning calm blue waters just outside the marina, perfect for practicing before the regatta.
PROVISIONING
Antigua has some of the best provisioning services in the Caribbean region. There are several small supermarkets, and local produce stands in the English/Falmouth Harbour area. The biggest and best-stocked supermarket in Antigua is known as the Epicurean and is located in St. John’s. There is a smaller but equally good branch of the Epicurean at Jolly Harbour. Below are a few pointers on where to stock up on an assortment of goods.
Fresh Produce – There are several roadside stands in the English/ Falmouth Harbour area that sell fresh produce daily. Bailey’s Supermarket in Falmouth probably has the biggest selection of fresh local produce in the area. Covent Garden usually stocks fresh berries and some more exotic imported fruits. The Cork & Basket provides some curated gourmet selections, spices, and sauces to complete your shopping list. On some Thursdays you can find a local farmers market in the village of Falmouth on the “rectory grounds”.
Meats and Fish – Meat is generally only available frozen in the English/ Falmouth Harbour area. Fresh meats are available in St. John’s at Gourmet Basket (on the way from the airport) or either Epicurean store. Fresh fish can be purchased from fishermen in the English/Falmouth Harbour area, at Ari’s Fish Shop at Antigua Yacht Club Marina, in Jolly Harbour or the Fish Market in St. John’s. Ask any of the above for lobster before May 1 after which we observe CLOSED LOBSTER SEASON. Ask at a local bar or shop to find the favorite drop off spots of local fishermen.
Alcohol – Never in short supply, most supermarkets have a good selection. The best assortment in the English/Falmouth Harbour area is Crabhole Liquors, which has a large store on Falmouth Main Road and a smaller one in Nelson’s Dockyard. You can call ahead and place your order for delivery or inquire about brands not stocked in the supermarket. Premier Cru located in Harbour Walk between Nelson’s Dockyard and Antigua Yacht Club, has a wide selection of fine wines and rums and can deliver to your vessel. The Cork & Basket and Dockside Liquors just steps from the Marinas are good choices for stocking up on wines, pantry items & gourmet selections. Both Epicurean stores and Covent Garden have an excellent selection of alcohol. You can also find locally brewed beer from Two Six Eight Brewery located on Falmouth Main Road and in many local shops.
Fresh Bread – Mauro’s Italian bakery on Falmouth Main Road has fresh baked goods daily. Some of Mauro’s baked goods are also available at Dockside Liquors at Antigua Yacht Club Marina. Local breads and pastries are baked daily at the Dockyard Bakery and are also available at Bailey’s, Crab Hole Liquors, Covent Gardens, and Dockside Liquors. Both Epicurean stores have in-house bakeries with an excellent selection of fresh baked goods daily.
Sandwiches & Lunches –Sandwiches and prepackaged lunches can be ordered in advance for daily racing and are available at several local providers:
• Catherines Cafe - Paninis & Charcuterie
• Covent Garden - Breakfast, Hot meals, Wraps & Sandwiches
• The Cork & Basket - Coffee, deli sandwiches, charcuterie and assorted cheeses.
• HOT SPOT - Breakfasts, bacon sandwiches and sandwiches to order.
• Dockside Liquors on Dockyard Drive - for pre-packed sandwiches.
• La Brasserie at Antigua Slipway Marina - Baguette Sandwiches
• Seabreeze - For an excellent range of sandwiches, salads, and pizzas.
• Sauté at the 2SIX8 Brewery in Cobbs Cross - Healthy Hearty wraps.
• Dockyard Bakery in Nelson’s Dockyard.
• Mauro’s Italian Bakery on Falmouth Main Road.
• Roti Sue will deliver to the docks.
For more information about any aspect of Antigua vacation experiences like sightseeing, dining, beaches, activities, and things to see and do, go to www.antiguanice. com. The website has information on anything and everything you might want to know.
ARRIVAL BY BOAT
As soon as possible and within 24hrs, the Captain of the arriving boat must proceed to Customs and Immigration. All passengers and crew remain on board the vessel until clearance procedures are complete. Customs and Immigration offices are located at Jolly Harbour and English Harbour. Be sure to take your ship’s papers, passports, and other documents relevant to everyone on board. Please review the most updated yacht entry and clearance procedures on the Antigua & Barbuda Yachting & Marine Association website www.ABYMA.ag.
Note that the pre-arrival notification system, eSeaClear is available and fully functional in Antigua. Vessel operators can store and submit declaration information electronically, eliminating the need to fill in forms manually upon arrival at each port. For more information and to complete clearance forms online, go to www.eseaclear.com.
ARRIVAL BY AIR
UK flights & European connections from The Official Transatlantic Airline is offering specials for ASW 2025 competitors. Take advantage of the rates by emailing caribcorporates@fly.virgin.com. Or visit them online at
• Virgin Atlantic www.virginatlantic.com
Direct flights are available from many airlines from the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands , St Maarten, Barbados, Jamaica offered by:
• Air Canada www.aircanada.com
• American Airlines www.aa.coms
• British Airways www.ba.com
• Condor Airways www.condor.com
• InterCaribbean Airways www.intercaribbean.com
• Jet Blue www.jetblue.com
• Liat www.liat.com
• Sunrise Airways www.sunriseairways.net/en
• United Airlines www.united.com
• US Airways www.usairways.com
• West Jet www.westjet.com
• Winair www.winair.sx
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The VC Bird International Airport (ANU), is an absolute pleasure — fully air-conditioned with escalators, faster lines, better shopping, and more places to eat and drink, making for a fantastic first and last impression of charming Antigua. It is about a 45 minute drive from English and Falmouth Harbor.
TRANSFERS TO YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Taxis are available at the airport upon arrival in Antigua. Unless you have any unique or specific requirements, you will not need to book in advance. After exiting the arrivals hall, cross the road to the taxi dispatch desk for taxi assignment. Taxi fares are government-controlled.
ACCOMODATION
HOTELS
There is an excellent choice of hotel accommodation across Antigua: small, quaint hotels with great character; huge all-inclusive hotels; and chic boutique properties with private pools. Check out the options at www.antiguahotels.org or www. visitantiguabarbuda.com. Prices start at under US $150 per night in some of the more basic hotels while at the other end of the scale there are some beautiful luxury properties priced accordingly.
VILLAS
Antigua’s choice of villas is enormous. There are about 200 privately owned villas on the market – from Jolly Harbour waterfront villas which can be rented from about US $200 per night to absolutely breathtaking hilltop estates with daily maid service, in-house chefs and
chauffeurs available 24/7. The options are endless and only limited by your imagination (and perhaps your pocketbook!). Check out www.antiguanice.com for a wide range of villas for rent directly by owner or visit www.airbnb.com.
HOSTELS, GUEST ROOMS AND APARTMENTS
If budget is an important consideration, there are some excellent deals available island-wide in apartments, hostels and guest rooms. Check out either of these two sites www.visitantiguabarbuda.
FOR SPECTATORS
Non-sailors can enjoy being part of the action at Antigua Sailing Week with our official Chase the Race. Whether on land, by sea or by air, you can have fun watching the action and then come join us daily at the Daily Prize Givings at Antigua Yacht Club.
From Sunday 27 April through Thursday 1 May, Chase the Race sets off and returns to Falmouth Harbour so you will be completely immersed in the activities of a typical race day.
Board daily at 9am and head out to the start line of races where you experience the exhilaration of boats as they fight to get the best position before they cross the start line. Then you will be able to spend a couple of hours watching and photographing some of the best sailors in the world pitching their skills against each other.
You will then set off for a beautiful sail along the west coast for a beach stop and be served a delicious Caribbean lunch on board before your boat sets sail back to the docks
at around 3 pm. All in time to get to the Antigua Yacht Club for some cold ones and join in the afternoon prize-giving festivities.
CalvinAir gets you high above the Caribbean sea with an adrenaline filled aerial chase for individuals or groups of 6.
Tours are about 30 minutes long and leave from the western coast at the CalvinAir launch pad. En route to the racing area, you will get a breathtaking view of the Antiguan landscape as you make your way to the southern coast.
If you’ve never had a helicopter experience there’s no better firsttime than during ASW races.
Places are limited for this exciting adventure.
FAQ’S
What is Antigua Sailing Week?
Antigua Sailing Week is one of the premier sailing regattas in the world, held annually at the end of April and beginning of May. The event attracts sailors from all over the globe for a week of competitive racing and social events.
When is Antigua Sailing Week held?
The event typically takes place during the last week of April and the first week of May. Specific dates can vary each year, so it’s best to check the official website for the current year’s schedule.
Where does the event take place?
The regatta is based in English Harbour, Antigua. Races take place in the waters around Antigua, with various courses set each day.
How can I participate in the races?
You can participate by registering your own boat or by joining a crew. Many boats look for additional crew members, and there are crew-matching services available on the official Antigua Sailing Week website.
Do I need to be an experienced sailor to participate?
While having sailing experience is beneficial, there are opportunities for sailors of all skill levels. Some boats welcome less experienced crew members, especially for noncompetitive roles.
What are the costs involved in participating?
To determine your budget, you can expect to pay for Charter costs, Entry fees, Measurement costs, accommodation, transportation, food and drinks,
How do I get to Antigua?
You can fly into V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) in Antigua. There are direct flights from major cities in North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rental car to English Harbour.
AIRLINE LIST
Where should I stay during Antigua Sailing Week?
There are various accommodation options including hotels, guesthouses, and villas. Popular areas to stay include English Harbour, Falmouth Harbour, and the surrounding areas. It’s advisable to book early as accommodation fills up quickly.
What should I bring?
Sailing Gear: Non-marking shoes, gloves, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and appropriate sailing clothing.
Casual Clothing: Comfortable clothes for the warm weather and casual evening events. Formal Attire: Some social events might have a dress code. Personal Essentials: Medication, toiletries, and travel documents.
What social events can I attend?
Antigua Sailing Week features a variety of social events, including the Opening Party, Lay Day Beach Party, daily prize-givings, and the Final Awards Ceremony.
DonASW’s Reggae in the Park, EH Rum Welcome Party, Heineken Experience Party, .These events provide great opportunities to socialize and celebrate.
Are there activities for non-sailors?
Yes, non-sailors can enjoy a range of daytime activities such as Chase the Race, Hiking, Shirley Heights breakfast party, Lay Day, island tours, snorkeling, beach outings, wingfoilinf, diving, and exploring historic sites like Nelson’s Dockyard There are also many social events at area venues open to everyone.
How can I keep up with race results and event updates?
You can stay updated by following Antigua Sailing Week’s official website, social media channels, and mobile app. Daily race results are posted online, and announcements are made at the event headquarters.
What health and safety measures are in place?
Antigua Sailing Week adheres to all local health and safety regulations. It’s recommended to check the latest guidelines and travel advisories before your trip. On the water, ensure you follow safety protocols and listen to the race officials.
Can I volunteer?
Volunteers are always welcome and needed for various roles. You can sign up through the official website to assist with race management, event coordination, and other tasks.
Enjoy your first Antigua Sailing Week!
VENUE LOCATION
For more information about Antigua Sailing Week, visit www.sailingweek.com.
Falmouth Harbour Marina caters for Yachts & Superyachts with a draft up to 20’, alongside and stern-to. Services include: electricity, Free WIFI. ultra-light low sulphur diesel, water, parking, waste disposal and 24 hours security. The marina is located on Falmouth Harbour, walking distance of Antigua Sailing Week Regatta village at the Antigua Yacht Club and is also a short stroll away from Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site, restaurants, shops, bars and extensive marine support facilities, all offering comprehensive services to the yachting industry.
Antigua & Barbuda is renowned as a premier sailing destination. With crystal clear turquoise waters, consistent trade winds, and protected anchorages, it is a sailor's paradise. This is complemented by the Antigua and Barbuda Ship & Yacht Registry (ABSYR) which registers yachts of any size. With decades of experience in ship registration, the registry offers a prestigious and reliable flag operating under Quality Systems certified under ISO 9001:2015. The ABSYR prides itself on providing personalized and efficient service to clients. Yacht owners can expect fast and responsive communication, as well as a dedicated multilingual team of professionals to assist with any registration or compliance needs.
Rocks Group is a food, drink, and lifestyle brand based in Antigua & Barbuda, centering around luxury food, wine, entertainment, and bringing a refined, European twist to the dreamy Caribbean lifestyle.
Rocks Group currently has four restaurants in Antigua; Sheer Rocks, Catherine’s Café, Rokuni, and Roquita, each offering unique dining experiences in paradise, while adhering to Rocks Group’s signature standard, featuring locally and sustainably sourced products.
Alongside the four venues, Rocks Group offers Rocks Box, a wine membership program, and Rocks Group Events, the brand’s expanding weddings & events department, is also at the forefront of bespoke private dining and curated celebrations during Antigua Sailing Week.
