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The 55th edition of Antigua Sailing Week
Antigua is renowned as the finest sailing destination in the region and one of the best in the world. Its warm temperatures, consistent trade winds, balmy waters and beautiful anchorages make it the perfect place for enthusiasts. Unsurprisingly, then, Antigua holds a whole host of sailing events throughout the season from December to April. Exciting events like the Superyacht Challenge and the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta bring sailors from across the globe, although nothing tops the adrenaline rush of the world-famous Antigua Sailing Week (ASW), the pinnacle of the island’s maritime calendar. Top-notch sailors and sleek yachts descend on the twin islands for a week of intense racing and incredible parties with some of the world’s most stunning backdrops. Indeed, the regatta's location is unbeatable, with the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nelson’s Dockyard as a backdrop.
This year’s celebration of the 55th edition of the event saw 750 sailors from 20 countries participate, a testament to its popularity, growth and impact.
Constantly innovating, in 2024, for the first time, the Antigua Wingfoil Championships took place before the main sailing event. Commencing the Thursday before the sailing races, there were three consecutive days of racing, including two days on a fast-paced course in Falmouth Harbour and then a long-distance downwinder along the island’s south coast to coincide with English Harbour Rum Race Day.
Exciting events like the Superyacht Challenge and the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta bring sailors from across the globe, although nothing tops the adrenaline rush of the world-famous Antigua Sailing Week (ASW), the pinnacle of the island’s maritime calendar.
On Saturday, the stand-alone Peters & May Round Antigua Race saw the boats race around the beautiful island as a warmup to the main event the following day. On Sunday, the 88 participating boats commenced the five-day extravaganza of sailing with exhilarating daily races. After three days of racing, the ever-popular Lay Day allows the sailors to rest and let their hair down with beach games, dinghy races, SUP challenges and a fun beach barbecue.
The Antigua Yacht Club Marina (AYCM) Women’s Race Day is one of the event's highlights. One hundred and ninety women took part in ASW this year, representing over a quarter of the sailors, with 75 percent of the fleet having females on board. Antiguan sailor Junella King, who had recently achieved victory with Maiden in the Mcintyre Ocean Globe Race and became the youngest black woman to navigate around Cape Horn, was rightfully awarded the Antigua Sailing Week’s Inspirational Women’s Award 2024.
The regatta concluded with the final prize-giving ceremony under the auspices of the Governor General of Antigua & Barbuda. J/122 El Ocaso, lifting the coveted Lord Nelson Trophy, emerged as the overall champion of the series and joined the elite club of ASW winners.
If you ask any sailors why they love ASW, they will undoubtedly mention the impressive ‘après sail’ entertainment. Cocktail parties, concerts, and even fancy dress parties are held every evening, including the famous Reggae in the Park. This year, the 13th edition was held at a brand-new location, Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre in English Harbour. Thousands of revellers, including sailors, locals and visitors, enjoyed the pulsating rhythms. Jamaican reggae star Sanchez was the headliner, and local artists like Drastic and the Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra, the longest-continuously performing steel band in the world, also entertained the crowd.
ASW is an important event and significantly boosts the local economy by drawing thousands of visitors to the island. It also sets an excellent example of environmental responsibility. For the 12th consecutive year, ASW has promoted green-friendly practices and run a clean regatta in compliance with Sailors for the Sea, the world’s leading sustainability certification for all on-the-water, near-the-water and water-loving events. It also partnered with local non-profit organisation Good Humans 268 to recycle glass, plastic and aluminum waste generated during the event and by participating restaurants and bars. In total, almost one and a half tons of recycling was taken to the charity’s facilities for sorting and repurposing into new products through their partnerships with recycling manufacturers.
Offering the perfect blend of perfect sailing conditions, thrilling competition, vibrant culture and a host of fabulous hotels, resorts and world-class restaurants and bars to make the event unforgettable, ASW promises to continue its legacy well into the future.
