yacht week antigua

Antigua Sailing Week

Antigua sailing week 2024.

Antigua Sailing Week 2024 is one of the premier sailing regattas and Ondeck Antigua's Home Event.

Friday 26th April - Friday 3rd May Friday Training Day , Saturday Round the Island Race ; Sun - Friday Sailing Week with lay day Wednesday.

Individuals can join Spirit of Juno , our Farr 65 which is always competitive.

Antigua Sailing Week consists of six challenging days of top class racing in, what are regarded as, the best sailing conditions in the World.

Ondeck Sailing can offer you comprehensive local knowledge and the unique experience of being part of a local company.

The race village and marinas are all close and within safe and easy walking distance. The choice of bars, restaurants, local BBQ's and late night spots make this a wonderful event whether you are coming as a group or on your own.

Spirit of Juno is our 'head boat' meaning that individuals or small groups can join the team for an event. we normally have around 4 pro crew on board so can take a mix of experienced racers as well as a few novices.

She is a physical yacht with no powered winches so there are plenty of jobs even for a big crew and you will not be 'rail meat' as we try and involve our guests in many of the roles on board.

She usually achieves podium positions at the major regattas and attracts a strong and loyal following with many strong friendships built.

You can visit the official Antigua Sailing Week website by   clicking here

As with ALL Ondeck's events - No experience is necessary.

For booking, please click on the ' Regatta Dates & booking ' button on the right or ' Contact us! ' for more information.

Charter Prices

Prices quoted in US Dollars

Included In Farr 65 Charter:

All dockage fees, fuel, tank water, comprehensive shore and maintenance support, event management, race entry accommodation on board if required

If you have any questions please reach out via our ' Contact Us! ' page on the right.

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Antigua Sailing Week 2024

2023 world match racing tour final in shenzhen - overall.

The opening salvo of the 55th edition of Antigua Sailing Week (ASW) will be the Peters & May Round Antigua Race (RAR) on April 27, followed by one week of smoking hot racing and fun parties.

It has always been an international affair. Last year, sailors from 20 different nations took part and as of today we’ve already registered entries from North America, Europe, the rest of the Caribbean, and, of course, a plethora of local boats. Compared to this time last year, our entries are up, and we can’t wait to deliver some great competition to a wide variety of racing classes.

CSA Racing – Heating up

Antigua Sailing Week’s CSA Racing Classes provide a competition where local legends take on the best sailors from around the world. Alternating between the flatter seas of the Rendezvous Bay Course and the less sheltered Windward Course, Antigua Sailing Week provides a wide range of conditions and different courses. But the solid trades and warm, clear water are always consistent.

“CSA Racing already has a fantastic mixture of performance boats raced by teams from all over the world. But for years, the most competitive Class has been the 40 to 45 footers, and this year is no different,” commented ASW Race Manager Jaime Torres.

“The CSA Sportboat Class already has Antigua, Sint Maarten, and Martinique entries. Our big waves and strong winds are perfect for the pocket rockets to get planning at over 15 knots!” continued Torres.

Entries are on-going for both the RAR & ASW and the list of current entries can be  viewed here .

Club class – Winning isn’t everything

This fun class is building nicely and early entries include boats that are ASW regulars, such as Ian Galbraith’s Oyster 53 Jigsaw and second-timer Mathias Maus on his Swan 65 – Alpha Centauri of London.

“Club Class is open to sailors who want to enjoy the on-the-water thrills but who may not take their racing as seriously as others and don’t want to incur as many expenses,” commented Jaime Torres. “We score Club Class with the innovative Variable Simplified CSA handicap. The ratings are easy and inexpensive to get and are adjusted after each race, depending on your finish position. By the end of the week, we hope everyone in Club Class will have taken a bow on the stage at the daily prize-giving.”

Rock up and race, bareboat, race charter and motherships

For sailors without a boat in the Caribbean, organizers invite you to Rock Up & Race at Antigua Sailing Week on a chartered vessel with options for everyone from novice sailors to world champions.

US-based Sunsail Yacht Charters, the official bareboat partner for Antigua Sailing Week, has vessels providing exciting, spirited one-design racing in the Bareboat Class. With ten races over five days of action, the racing can be hard-core, but there are always a few boats racing just for fun, so a great time will be had at any skill level. Start lines are off Rendezvous Beach and Windward Beach, all within a short sail of the marinas.

For teams with extended families, Sunsail also offers huge charter catamarans with berths for up to ten people, providing a perfect mothership on the dock and a platform for cheerleaders out on the racecourse!

For additional race charter options,  check out the list on website .

Antigua Sailing Week Dragon Cup

New for 2024 is the Antigua Sailing Week Dragon Cup, sponsored by the Antigua Yacht Club Marina & Zaoli Sails. Sailed on identical Petticrow Dragons, the beautiful ASW Dragon Cup will go to the winning team after a challenging week of racing. Participants can look forward to 15 races, including spectator-friendly, in-harbor racing in flat water. If conditions allow, the course could be set outside the harbour where there are slightly more challenging waves and breathtaking views of the cliffs.

The Antigua Sailing Week Dragon cup is by invitation only so if you know you have the chops are up for the challenge, this is the year to Rock Up and make it happen.

RS Elites at Antigua Sailing Week

If you aren’t up for the challenge of such a highly technical Dragon, the 24-foot RS Elites keeboat which also handles nicely in Antiguas superb conditions will have its own class. Many privately owned RS Elites actively sail and race in Falmouth Harbour and are available for charter. The RS Elites will have their Class Start alongside the Dragons and up to 15 races over the entire week of racing. Contact ASW organizers to help you secure an RS Elite for participation.

Not a sailor, not a problem

Catch the racing action with a private or group Chase the Race for a full day on the water. Once back shoreside, join the sailors and friends at the Antigua Yacht Club for the ASW-originated daily prize-giving, where everyone gets together to brag or cry over the day’s happenings and to celebrate the daily winners. Of course there’ll be lots of musical entertainment including the highly anticipated Reggae in the Park, a brilliant gig of top international acts, followed by our mid-week break, Lay Day.

by Antigua Sailing Week

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Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta

Back in the 60’s….

Classic yachts in English Harbour had begun chartering and the captains and crews challenged each other to a race down to Guadeloupe at the end of the charter season. From this informal race, Antigua Sailing Week was formed in 1967, and in those days all of the yachts were classic.

Over the next 24 years…

The classic yachts were slowly outnumbered by the faster, sleeker modern racing yachts. A small number of classics still racing in 1987 found themselves grouped with cruising Class 3 which was less than ideal for these hard to manoeuvre full-keeled vessels.

And so it came…

Captains Uli Pruesse and Kenny Coombs hosted a meeting with other classic skippers onboard the magnificent schooner Aschanti of Saba and, several rums later, the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta was born.

2024 Programme

Onshore activities.

Cream Teas & Gig Racing

Concours d’Elégance

Open Mic Music Night

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2023

The Blue Peter sailing in the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta.

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Visit www.sailingweek.com for more information.

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Superyacht Challenge Antigua

Thanks to Roddy Grimes-Graeme for this short film capturing the atmosphere at the 2024 Superyacht Challenge Antigua. Dedicated to Stan Pearson.

Antigua Superyacht Challenge Wraps Up

Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua, 18 March 2024. The 13th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua (SYCA) was held in fantastic conditions off the South Coast of Antigua with Tradewinds ranging from 13-20 knots. Five days of racing were held rounding deep water and inshore marks, making full use of Antigua’s ocean swell and stunning coastal vistas.… Continue reading Antigua Superyacht Challenge Wraps Up

2024 Class Winners Decided

Race Day Four 17 March 2024 Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua, 17 March 2024. The final day of racing for the Superyacht Challenge Antigua (SYCA) got underway in brilliant sunshine with about 15 knots of superb Tradewinds just south of east. Later in the day, the wind veered south and piped up a touch to 18 knots… Continue reading 2024 Class Winners Decided

Dazzling Competition

Race Day Three 16 March 2024 Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua, 16 March 2024. The penultimate day of racing for the Superyacht Challenge Antigua (SYCA) got underway in brilliant sunshine under The Pillars of Hercules outside Nelson’s Dockyard. During racing the gradient wind was a steady 14-17 knots, oscillating around an easterly direction. Conditions remained stable for… Continue reading Dazzling Competition

Run Like Smoke N’Oakum

Race Day Two 15 March 2024 Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua –  For the second day of racing at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua the start was blessed with 17 knots just south of east. This rapidly backed, piping up to over 20 knots of wind speed during the day. The fleet were in their element, blasting through… Continue reading Run Like Smoke N’Oakum

Stan Pearson

1958 – 2024 Stan Pearson, the well-known Caribbean yachtsman and owner of Antigua Rigging died at the age of 66 on 25th February 2024. Today Friday March 15th at 18:00 AST – A Moment for Stan Held at The Capstans, Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour This is open to all of the sailing community Obituary by… Continue reading Stan Pearson

Thrills and Spills

Race Day One 14 March 2024 Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua, 14 March 2024. The 13th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua (SYCA) got underway with races for all classes off the South Coast of Antigua. The SYCA Race Committee, led by PRO Hank Stuart, set a 17.6nm triangular course for the Buccaneers which included long reaching… Continue reading Thrills and Spills

Hetairos wins the Round Antigua Race

The stand-alone Round Antigua Race marked the start of racing at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua. 15 knots from the east, with a relatively smooth sea state, provided glorious sailing conditions. Brilliant tropical sunshine sustained for the circular course of 46.8 nautical miles. The 218ft (66.45m) Dykstra/Reichel Pugh ketch Hetairos was the first to start in… Continue reading Hetairos wins the Round Antigua Race

Stan the Man & The Magnificent Seven

Preview 2024 Superyacht Challenge Antigua The 13th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua (SYCA) opens for registration on Monday 11th March with five days of spectacular racing scheduled from 13-17 March. The invitational event is held in the spectacular waters of Antigua with laid-back social events in Nelson’s Dockyard. The Superyacht Challenge has one clear… Continue reading Stan the Man & The Magnificent Seven

Strong interest for 2024!

A magnificent fleet of Superyachts is expected to be taking part with strong expressions of interest received for the regatta to be held from 11-17 March 2024.

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Antigua Charter Yacht Show announces dates for forthcoming 2024 edition

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By Katie Scott   3 January 2024

Following a hugely successful edition in 2023, the Antigua Charter Yacht Show looks ahead to another show packed with some of the most iconic Antigua yacht charters on the market. 

Marking the start of the Caribbean charter season, the next edition of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show is set to return from 4-9 December 2024 and stands out as a pivotal gathering in the industry. 

Spanning a week, this trade-only event allows brokers to thoroughly examine the attending yachts, delving into details about their designs, layouts, and amenities, while also meeting the captains and crew. Armed with this privileged insight, charter professionals are well-prepared to align their clients with their ideal crewed yacht charter .

Scheduled to return to the Nelson's Dockyard UNESCO World Heritage Site , the 2024 Antigua Charter Yacht Show presents an extensive agenda of activities to accompany the plethora of indulgent motor yachts which are dedicated to backing local charities and highlighting the mesmerizing coastline of Antigua along with its surrounding Caribbean neighbors like Montserrat and St Kitts and Nevis .

Every December, the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua is inundated with luxury charter yachts for the Antigua Charter Yacht Show.

Known for hosting some truly phenomenal luxury charter yachts over the years such as 90m (296ft) luxury charter NERO from Corsair Yachts in 2023, the annual event knows how to showcase the best of the best with the highly anticipated Concours de Chef and Tablescaping competitions.

Pitting the best charter yacht chefs against each other, the competition is the ultimate test of skill and creativity with differing themes each year, which are then reflected in the accompanying tablescaping entries. The 2023 Concours de Chef and Tablescaping Competitions witnessed some staggering entries from all participating charter yachts with 89m (290ft) motor yacht SAMSARA winning Best In Show.

The Antigua Charter Yacht Show is a trade-only event, however, if you're interested in finding out more about charter vacations in and around the region, take a look at our complete guide to Antigua or speak to your chosen yacht charter broker today about visiting the show on your behalf.

Alternatively, take a look at all the available Caribbean yacht charters .

Antigua yacht charters

115m Lurssen 2021

93m Feadship 2019

80m Abeking & Rasmussen 2019

74m CRN 2017

65m Benetti 2021

63m Sunrise Yachts 2019

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Escape to the West Indies: Antigua Caribbean Island Vacation

Posted: February 19, 2024 | Last updated: March 12, 2024

Located in the heart of the Caribbean , Antigua beckons with its beautiful beaches, blue waters, and rich history. This enchanting island, discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, has a captivating blend of colonial charm and vibrant culture.

Once a bustling hub of sugar cane production and a strategic naval base, Antigua's past is woven into its cobblestone streets and historic landmarks .

Today, vacationers can explore its centuries-old forts, enjoy water sports, or simply unwind on its sun-kissed shores, making Antigua a timeless destination for relaxation and exploration.

Best Time to Visit Antigua

December to May are the best months to visit Antigua . Winter and spring are the drier months on the island, making it a perfect time to visit because you’re less likely to see rain showers, and it’s still beautifully sunny. The average temperature is 72-74 degrees Fahrenheit.

Visitors usually choose not to visit between May and November because it is wet, humid, and stormy.  It is also the Atlantic hurricane season, when there is roughly a 33% chance of a hurricane happening - something you may want to avoid experiencing!

Things to Do in Antigua

Antigua is proudly known as the Caribbean island with 365 beaches, giving you a beach for every day of the year. But it’s also a lot more than that. It’s a lush green island with zip lines and hiking trails.  And a naval history still prevalent in its reputation as one of the best yacht sailing islands in the world, culminating in its famous Antigua Sailing Week each April.

Beaches in Antigua

Antigua has 365 beaches with soft golden sand and clear blue waters. The fun part is deciding which to visit! To help whittle it down for you, we’ve selected three of our favorites to kick-start your exploration:

Galleon Beach: Close to Nelson’s Dockyard, this beach has a great variety on offer, from paddleboard hire to snorkeling and a workshop running a rum masterclass. It has something for everyone, plus a very cool restaurant in the middle called Loose Cannon.

Coco Beach:   With soft white sands, clear blue waters, and a very chilled-out vibe, this is the ultimate in perfect Caribbean beach.  It’s never too busy, and there aren’t many facilities, which is ideal if you are looking for quiet.

Dickenson Bay:  if you’re looking for a buzzing Caribbean beach with everything on tap.  You can mix it up with water sports, such as scuba diving or paddleboarding, with great food and beach bar vibes.

Naval History at Nelson’s Dockyard

Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is well worth visiting as it’s possibly the best historical destination in Antigua. During his stay at the Antigua Naval Dockyard, a young Horatio Nelson infamously declared English Harbour an “infernal hellhole.”  Today, it is a stunningly restored dockyard showcasing what it would have looked like at its peak in the 1740s.

When you arrive, you can either take a tour from the front desk or just pay for your entry and wander around at your own pace. Inside it is well signposted and has a very well-put-together museum with lots to interest you.

If you enjoy hiking, then Fort Berkley at the entrance to English Harbour is great for photo opportunities of Nelson’s Dockyard. If you’re feeling energetic, you can hike the Middle Ground Trail and swim at Pigeon Beach.

Stingray City

Antigua is one of the only places in the world where you can head out into the sea and swim with stingrays - an incredible experience not to be missed!

During the tour, a boat ride takes you to a sandbar in the middle of the sea, where you can snorkel and swim with the stingrays. What is remarkable is that there is no need to be a confident swimmer as the water is only chest-high, and you can see the stingrays swimming through the clear water without the need to snorkel.

As well as snorkeling with the stingrays, you’ll also get a chance to hold and feed them, all under the careful supervision of their guides.

Zipline Through the Rainforest

If you enjoy heights and adrenaline, this activity is for you! The zipline is halfway along Fig Tree Drive, which is worth driving as it is the most beautiful road in Antigua.

Antigua Rainforest Zipline is a small group tour, so you’ll zip through the rainforest together. There are various packages to choose from depending on the number of zip lines you try. At the end of the tour, there is a high-wire assault course that you can also do.

At various points along the course, their professional photographers can catch you mid-flight, making a wonderful souvenir to take home!

If you’ve not done a zip line before, this is an excellent opportunity to try one, as the lines are medium length and height for beginners. You’ll have great adrenaline, and it shouldn’t be too intimidating.

Take a Sunset Boat Tour

Enjoying a boat tour around Antigua is a brilliant way to see the island, as it gives you a different perspective and access to the more remote snorkeling sites.  One of the popular spots to visit on a boat tour is Great Bird Island, which has some of the best snorkeling.

Alternatively, if you fancy setting off under sail, a beautiful way to finish your day is watching the sunset from a sailing yacht. Several sunset cruises leave from Jolly Harbour.

Watch a Cricket Match

Even if you’re not a cricket fan, going to watch a cricket match in Antigua is incredibly fun. The atmosphere is like a mini carnival with people in costumes, steel drums playing, and mini-games of cricket being played by spectators on the mounds. You might spend more time looking around than watching the actual cricket match!!

The best tickets are the ones in the mounds, as you’re in the middle of the party atmosphere.  Plenty of food and drink are served at the stadium at the catering tents that can be found along the edge of the mounds.

Blend Your Own Rum

An exciting and fun way to spend half a day is to join the Rum Masterclass workshop based at Galleon Beach.

This workshop starts with a rum tasting, and then, after you have decided which rums you like the most, you’ll get to the fun part of blending your rum.  You will get to use a pot still to distill your rum in the traditional West Indian way.  By the end of the class, you will have your bespoke rum bottle labeled and finished with a beautiful wax seal.

Shirley Heights Lookout Party

No visit to Antigua would be complete without a visit to Shirley Heights Lookout for their party night. The lookout has an incredible view over Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour and beyond to the island of Montserrat.

Every Thursday and Sunday, they host a fantastic evening combining music, food, and rum punch while watching the sunset.

A wonderful atmosphere starts when everyone arrives to watch the sunset, and the local steel band is playing. After the sunset, a local band plays popular cover songs, and once the rum has kicked in, the dancefloor gets lively!

Restaurants in Antigua

Like most other Caribbean islands, you will find plenty of fresh fish on the menu in Antigua. You’ll also get to taste plenty of hot and spicy flavors found in some of their famous dishes, such as jerk chicken and goat curry.

Beach Bum Cafe at Half Moon Bay: This is a popular cafe at Half Moon Bay with both visitors and locals alike. It has a simple menu with dishes served with loads of flavor!  It has one of the fish burgers on the island.  You can relax, enjoy Half Moon Bay beach in the morning, and book lunch at the cafe afterward.

Casa Roots at Runway Beach: This beautiful restaurant on Runway Beach near Dickenson Bay serves a wonderful combination of French and West Indian cuisine.

Trappas in English Harbour: In the center of English Harbour, Trappas offers a selection of local meals, such as jerk chicken and goat curry. Just keep a little space for dessert, as they are some of the best on the island.

Sheer Rocks: If you are looking for a luxury dining experience with fantastic sunset views, then this is the place for you.  This award-winning restaurant combines local flavors with a Mediterranean inspiration.

Day Trips From Antigua

Circumnavigate Antigua on a Boat: Seeing Antigua from the sea gives a fantastic perspective of how beautiful the island is. It’s also a brilliant way to explore beaches and reefs. This particular tour includes a stop at the stunning off-the-beaten-track Rendezvous Beach, which can only be reached by boat or 4x4.

Boat Tour to Barbuda: Barbuda is the exclusive little sister to Antigua, where royalty and celebrities go to relax. A tour of the island from Antigua allows you to explore the unique pink sand beaches, visit ancient Arawak caves, and eat freshly caught lobster.

Off-road Dune Buggy Tour of Antigua: This is an alternative way to explore the island as you’ll ride off-road on dune buggies. You’ll also get to speed through the rainforest too!

Vacationing in Antigua

Whether you spend your days exploring historic sites, lounging on sandy beaches, or diving into its vibrant underwater world, Antigua promises an unforgettable escape that lingers in the memory long after the vacation ends.

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