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Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet is weighing the possibility of assuming direct control of the country’s flagship Sailing Week event, following a notably low turnout in 2025 that officials attribute to poor promotion and declining engagement.
Speaking at the post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday, Chief of Staff Lionel Hurst confirmed that only around 42 boats participated in this year’s regatta—a significant drop from previous years.
The event, which once drew hundreds of international vessels and thousands of visitors, is considered a major pillar of Antigua’s tourism calendar and a contributor to national GDP.
“There was a general feeling that the promotion of the event was inadequate,” Hurst stated.
“When the government allocates significant funding—as it did this year, contributing over US$140,000—it expects a corresponding level of effort and accountability.”
Hurst noted that the Cabinet believes new leadership and a fresh strategy may be needed to restore the event’s former prestige.
The National Parks Authority has been identified as a possible entity to lead the event’s restructuring and future coordination.
Antigua Sailing Week, which marked its 55th year in 2024, has long been one of the most renowned regattas in the Caribbean.
However, officials now acknowledge that regional competition has intensified, with other islands launching similar events that have drawn away participants.
“Other territories have studied our model and are now replicating it. We’re almost a victim of our own success,” Hurst said.
In addition to the lack of international promotion, Cabinet was also concerned about limited local engagement. Hurst said that more should be done to involve Antiguans and Barbudans—not only in the revelry and entertainment aspects of Sailing Week, but also in the economic opportunities around vending and logistics.
A full postmortem review of the 2025 event is currently underway, and officials say decisions regarding the 2026 regatta will be made after this process concludes.
However, early indications suggest a shift toward increased government oversight, with emphasis on long-term sustainability.
Plans are also under discussion to introduce a new regatta in March, potentially filling a gap left by the discontinued BVI Spring Regatta.
Hurst noted that many vessels remain in the region during that time, and the government is exploring ways to take advantage of their presence—though hotel availability during Antigua’s peak season remains a challenge.
Asked whether funding for other marine events, such as the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, will continue, Hurst confirmed that the Ministry of Tourism intends to support them as part of a broader maritime tourism strategy.
“The Classics regatta has become almost as popular as Sailing Week, and it too will receive funding to grow and thrive,” he said.
Despite this year’s setbacks, Cabinet remains optimistic that, with revised leadership and more aggressive international promotion, Sailing Week can once again become a premier global sailing event.
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