Antigua Sailing Week

Antigua Sailing Week is an internationally renowned annual yacht regatta held in English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour, Antigua. Established in 1968, the event has grown into one of the premier sailing competitions in the Caribbean, attracting professional sailors, amateur enthusiasts, and high-performance racing yachts from around the world. It typically takes place in late April or early May and features a series of competitive races set against the backdrop of Antigua’s turquoise waters and steady trade winds.

The event's origins can be traced to the 1960s, when local boatbuilders and charter operators sought to extend the island’s tourist season. Since then, it has developed into a major fixture on the international sailing calendar, incorporating a mix of coastal and windward-leeward races that challenge participants in varying conditions. Classes range from Maxi yachts and multihulls to more traditional cruising vessels, ensuring widespread participation.

Beyond the competition, Antigua Sailing Week is known for its onshore festivities, which include the famous Lay Day celebration, live music events, and cultural showcases that highlight the island’s maritime heritage. English Harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage site with historical ties to Admiral Horatio Nelson’s naval base, provides a fitting setting for the regatta, merging centuries-old nautical tradition with world-class yacht racing.