The coasts of Antigua are ideal for yacht cruising and racing, with constant trade-winds, and many harbours for exploration. Easily a week could be spent cruising around this picturesque island of the Caribbean. The sister island of Barbuda has shell laden beaches so long that they dip below the horizon.
There are good airline connections with North America and Europe and Antigua is centrally situated for Caribbean cruising.
English Harbour and Jolly Harbour make ideal yacht headquarters.
The main events are:
- Classic Yacht Regatta, hosted by the Antigua Yacht Club
- Antigua Sailing Week. This has become one of the top 10 regattas of the world. It is run under the auspices of the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association.
- Antigua Yacht Show, operated by V.E.B. Nicholson and Sons.
Other events of the year organised by the Antigua Yacht Club are the annual High Tide Series, Green Island Race, informal Round-the-Island-Race and the "after work" Thursday afternoon races for all-comers.
Classic Yacht Regatta
This regatta has become one of the foremost classic yacht regattas. This will be the 11th annual event. It is expected that the two America replicas will be attending along with the beautiful 139' schooner Adela.
The Classes
- Vintage
- Schooner
- Classic
- Spirit of Tradition
Antigua Sailing Week
The Annual Sailing Week will be sailed around the coasts of Antigua. Each evening there will be entertainment at a nearby hotel.
Five races will be scheduled, for which points are given.
Other associated events will be:
- Guadeloupe Race - A feeder race from Guadeloupe 40 miles away.
- Lay Day - Water Sports and a single-handed race at the Antigua Yacht Club.
- Dockyard Day - Fun and Games at Nelson's Dockyard. Afternoon prize giving. Royal Antiguan Police Band Beats the Retreat>.
- Lord Nelson Ball - Evening prize giving. Jacket, tie & long trousers required,and cocktail dresses for ladies.
The Classes
- Racing classes
- Racer/Cruiser classes
- Cruising classes
- Bareboat charter classes.
Antigua Charter Yacht Show
The Yacht Show is organised and operated by V.E.B. Nicholson and Sons (Antigua Ltd). It takes place during the first week of December each year. This firm has invited agents from all over the world to inspect large charter yachts that have sailed from North America and Europe. A Marine Trades Show is also organised by the Marine Trades Association.
Some of the events are:
- Inspection of yachts by agents for the upcoming charter season
- Marine Trades Exposition
- Lectures and slideshows
- Luncheon & cocktail parties (by invitation)
- Beating of the Retreat by the Royal Antiguan Police Force
