Over the last two decades, Antigua Sailing Week has become one of the biggest events in the international sailing calendar. It attracts some of the top Olympic yachtsmen in the world, giving us the opportunity to compete against them. It’s also one of the most fantastic ways to visit Antigua and take advantage of an island-wide party.
In 2026, the event has been split into two exciting parts: Antigua Sailing Cup, held earlier in the month, and Antigua Sailing Week, taking place a little later. You can join either event on its own, or take part in both for a full Antiguan sailing experience.
The Antigua Sailing Cup features four days of challenging racing, perfect for crews looking for high-level competition. Antigua Sailing Week follows with a return to traditional point-to-point courses, with each day concluding at a different scenic destination around the island, followed by lively after-race socials. Widely regarded as offering some of the best sailing conditions in the world, both events deliver exceptional racing and unforgettable experiences.
This yachting tradition began in 1967 when Peter Deeth, owner of the Inn Hotel at English Harbour, and Desmond Nicholson, owner of the Admiral’s Inn, formed a racing club. They raced every Sunday morning in their Sailfish. With no finances initially, the Club relied entirely on volunteers. As interest grew, they received planning permission to build a clubhouse at Falmouth Harbour. In 1972, the club adopted its new name: “The Antigua Yacht Club.” Things have moved on quickly since then!
Throughout both events, the island will be alive with carnivals, music, and parties, making each race not just a competition, but a celebration of sailing and Antiguan culture.
VC Bird International Airport (Google Map)
The safety briefing and first day of training starts at 12:00 noon on the 7th and 21st of April.
As this is the first year the event has been split into two sections, some details may be subject to change before the events begin.
Arrival in Antigua and welcome on board at noon. You will be met by your skipper and other team members, followed by a safety brief and the regatta programme. The day will include getting to know your crew, cleaning and organising the boat, and making final preparations for the regatta.
Continue any final boat preparations and training in the morning, then enjoy an evening of fun hosted by the race organisers.
More details to be announced soon
Racing Cup Day 1 – Race courses destination 1
Race end prize giving and party
More details to be announced soon
Racing Cup Day 2 – Race courses destination 2
Race end prize giving and party
More details to be announced soon
Racing Cup Day 3 – Race courses destination 3
Race end prize giving and party
More details to be announced soon
Racing Cup Day 4 – Race courses destination 4
Race end prize giving and party
More details to be announced soon
Before departure, we kindly ask everyone to help with a general cleaning and tidying of the boat.
If you’re not ready to leave just yet, ask us about our Gap Year and Sabbatical Sailing programme, or any cruising we might be doing before the Sailing Week.
As this is the first year the event has been split into two sections, some details may be subject to change before the events begin.
Arrival in Antigua and welcome on board at noon. You will be met by your skipper and other team members, followed by a safety brief and the regatta programme. The day will include getting to know your crew, cleaning and organising the boat, and making final preparations for the regatta.
Continue any final boat preparations and training in the morning, then enjoy an evening of fun hosted by the race organisers.
More details to be announced soon
ASW Day 1 – Rally and race courses destination 1
Race end prize giving and party
More details to be announced soon
ASW Day 2 – Rally and race courses destination 2
Race end prize giving and party
More details to be announced soon
ASW Day 3 – Rally and race courses destination 3
Race end prize giving and party
More details to be announced soon
ASW Day 4 – Rally and race courses destination 4
Race end prize giving and party
More details to be announced soon
More details to be announced soon
Before departure, we kindly ask everyone to help with a general cleaning and tidying of the boat.
