Antigua Sailing Week Unveils New Format as 57th Regatta Adapts to Modern Sailing Trends

ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK: EVOLUTION, NOT REINVENTION

Windsurf competition during Antigua Sailing Week 1982 © ASW

For more than half a century, Antigua Sailing Week has been one of the Caribbean’s most recognizable sailing events.

For racers, in recent years, it has meant tight courses off the south coast, competitive fleets, and long afternoons dissecting starts over cold drinks. For Antigua, it has meant full anchorages, busy docks, and a global spotlight on the island’s sailing culture.

So when word began to circulate that Antigua Sailing Week would be changing its format in 2026, it was natural for eyebrows to rise. Change, especially to something so deeply woven into Caribbean sailing history, invites questions.

Why now? Who is it for? And does “change” mean leaving the past behind?The short answer is no.

What’s happening behind Antigua Sailing Week is not a departure—it’s an evolution shaped by the realities of modern sailing, shifting demographics, and the simple truth that how people experience boats, events, and time on the water has changed.

Listening to the FleetThe decision to evolve Antigua Sailing Week did not come from a single boardroom conversation or a sudden desire to fix what wasn’t broken. It came from years of listening—listening to… Read the full story at www.sailingweek.com

D THE 2026 FLEET  
As Antigua Sailing Week ushers in its refreshed format — blending relaxed racing with a cruising rally spirit — it’s the sailors themselves who bring the concept to life.

From lifelong Caribbean campaigners and multigenerational family teams to first-time international competitors chasing sunshine and challenge, this year’s fleet reflects the diversity and energy that define racing in Antigua. 

If you have been considering taking part this year, there is still ample time to prepare – so consider this your reminder to enter before entry fees increase on March 7. 

With less than 7 weeks before the start of the event, we would like to spotlight some of these enthusiastic teams embracing the adventure, camaraderie, and competitive edge of this exciting new chapter. 
 Patrick Holloran and his crew of family members sail on Caipirinha @Takumi 2024 While he may be among the older crew in this year’s Antigua Sailing Week fleet, Patrick Holloran, from Essex in the UK and who turns 80 in March, will be racing Caipirinha, his Beneteau First 40.7 in the 57th Antigua Sailing Week regatta. The boat has lived in the Caribbean since it was purchased in 2000 and Holloran bought it in 2006 after his kids inspired him to race in Antigua following their first trip to the island in 2003. More …

SHORESIDE & SPECTATORS 
For those not racing or cruising around the island, in addition to joining the sailors at the scheduled post race parties around the island, there are other exciting ways to experience the spectacle and be a part of Antigua Sailing Week 2026. 

On Tuesday April 21 sailors, spectators and visiting guests are all welcome to join in a night of irie vibes featuring Caribbean artist Luciano the Messenjah  at the 15th edition of Reggae in the Park.

Luciano’s music is deeply rooted in faith, unity, resilience, and social awareness. His timeless anthem It’s Me Again Jah became an international reggae staple, cementing his reputation as an artist whose message transcends borders and generations and the Antiguas best reggae talent Zambai & Friends, Bless Eye will be backed by The Climaxx Band. Tickets are available at select locations on island and via the Ticketing App. Specially priced tickets for regatta crews will be available from the Antigua Sailing Week team in the near future. 

On Saturday April 25th, everyone is welcome to experience the  vibrant day-long celebration Riddim & Tides.  Inspired by the Caribbean’s growing culture of on-the-water lifestyle events, Riddim & Tides blends sailing, soca music, beach vibes, and island tastes into one unforgettable Saturday. This is a chance for the Antigua Sailing Week participants to enjoy an Antiguan social immersion on day three of their circumnavigation.  Learn more about this free beach event here.
      MORE WAYS TO GET UP-CLOSE DURING ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK Chase the Race by Air – with CalvinAir Helicopters
Take off from Antigua’s stunning west coast and soar above the fleet for a breathtaking 30-minute aerial experience. From turquoise waters to colourful spinnakers below, you’ll enjoy a front-row view in the sky as the yachts make their way around the coastline. It’s fast, exhilarating, and completely unforgettable. Chase the Race by Sea – with Wadadli Cats
Prefer salt spray and sunshine? Step aboard a sailing catamaran and follow the fleet from the water. Feel the energy as you cruise alongside the participating yachts, and soak up the atmosphere with music, drinks, and unbeatable views from the Caribbean Sea.

To learn more or to book any of these experiences, visit the Antigua Sailing Week website.

European and UK based Antigua Sailing Week participants, family or friends planning to travel to the event are encouraged to book with our Official Transatlantic Partner, Virgin Atlantic. 

Seats are still available from the Caribbean Sales team for these  exclusive fares to from UK to Antigua in time for the 2026 event.  Send your requested dates via email to [email protected] along with the reference “ASW2026”. Event specific offers which include;• Discounted flights to/from Antigua via London Heathrow
• Group rates for bookings of 10 adults or more
• Flexible tickets should things change
• Dedicated support from our team in the Caribbean

ABOUT ANTIGUA SAILING WEEKAntigua Sailing Week, one of the longest running Caribbean’s regattas, is traditionally held at the end of April. The 57th edition returns to four days of fun racing and cruising around Antigua. Antigua Sailing Week is also known for its spectator opportunities and vibrant social scene. Each night of the regatta features a variety of events, including parties, concerts, and dinners at iconic venues around the island.For full details on Antigua Sailing Week including news, photos, videos and results, visit the official website: http://www.sailingweek.com. 

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