With the launch of the new Antigua Racing Cup in 2026, the Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism is doubling down on the twin islands’ top-class yachting attributes and introducing a new vision that builds on the on the long-established brand of Antigua Sailing Week.
Set to take place April 9-12 – two weeks before Sailing Week – the event will kick off a month of “exciting sailing events,” according to the ministry, which adds the Cup will encompass four days of “exhilarating races in conditions envied by most – balmy temperatures, trade winds, big seas at very short distances from shore.”
The Antigua Racing Cup is described as an event for racing purists who prefer high-energy, coastal racing with a fast-paced schedule and a focus on spirited competition.
Strategically placed in the calendar to allow teams to compete and then head off to their summer events, racers can expect finely tuned variations of the exhilarating courses they would usually associate with sailing conditions along Antigua’s spectacular southern coast, and spectators will still enjoy the breathtaking views from land, sea, or air.
Onshore, the bars, restaurants, and beach venues in and around English Harbour will be packed with local vendors and host nightly events, including live music, themed parties, and cultural celebrations.
Meanwhile, Antigua Sailing Week, which will take place April 22-26, makes a return to its traditional point-to-point courses, as each day’s sailing will conclude at a different scenic destination.
ASW will entertain a mix of boat types and crews, and is tailored to cruisers, rallystyle participants and bareboat charter groups. Courses will be point to point for ralliers, and for those who want to compete, additional marks will be dropped, tacking duels commence and courses timed as the competitors enjoy a different coastal course each day.
Sailors will also enjoy vibrant after-race socials infused with local culture.
“The Antigua Racing Cup is for those on tight schedules who want a fast, focused, and fiercely fun regatta, while Antigua Sailing Week returns to its cruising roots. Having two separate events, each with a narrower focus, will allow us to deliver a more immersive and enriching yachting experience to a wider audience,” said Race Manager Jaime Torres.
On the repositioning of Antigua Sailing Week and the creation of the new Antigua Racing Cup, Minister of Tourism, Charles “Max” Fernandez says, “This exciting new and strategic direction comes after consulting with all our stakeholders, both at the community level and those directly involved in the yachting sector. We anticipate a period of sailing in Antigua that better serves everyone, dedicated racers and social cruisers, while celebrating everything we love about sailing in Antigua and Barbuda.”
In addition to Antigua Sailing Week and the new Antigua Racing Cup, the sailing calendar will also feature the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta with the introduction of a family-friendly Model Boat Race showcasing boats built by the local yachting community.
Encompassing an entire month of great sailing and parties where all can celebrate our rich maritime traditions where the various events and cultural activities showcase the true spirit of our islands.
Further details, including registration and full schedules for both events, will be available at www.sailingweek.com and www.antiguaracingcup.com in the coming weeks.
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