Antigua is currently gearing up for one of its biggest events of the year, Antigua Sailing Week, which commences on the 30th April and ends on 6th May 2022. After a 2 year hiatus, Antigua Sailing Week 2022 is even more highly anticipated than previous years and many are eager for the festivities to start.
Participants and spectators travel from all over the world either by sea or air to witness this spectacular event, as it presents a haven for visitors seeking adventures on the water. There is also a great turnout from locals, who venture down to English Harbour, where most of the festivities take place, to join visitors for sailing fun. You will witness an abundance of sails throughout the skyline of English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour, with vessels of all sizes decorated with an array of colours and flags from all over the world.
Antigua and Barbuda is a destination for nautical events and throughout its history has a fantastic reputation as one of the premier yachting destinations in the Caribbean. In fact, Antigua Sailing week is the Caribbean’s oldest regatta, celebrating 53 years this year, which makes it even more noteworthy that it is returning to the line up of boat races regionally and internationally.
Although Antigua Sailing Week is geared towards racing, with races and prize-giving ceremonies taking place daily, there is lots to do on the shores as well. Such as, the epic Reggae In The park at Nelson’s Dockyard which takes place on Tuesday 3rd May and has attendees rocking until the early hours of the morning with a vibrant and welcoming vibe. Although this year's lineup is yet to be announced, previous headliners include Tarrus Riley, Damien Marley and Christopher Martin, to name a few, plus brilliant local and regional DJs and performers.
Reggae in the Park is followed by Lay Day, a highlight for both racers and non-racers alike, as it is an opportunity for everybody to just "Drop your Anchor and Cool Out". Everyone heads for Pigeon Point Beach for the annual Lay Day Party which includes music, dancing, barbeques and various Water Sport activities and generally kicks off around 11 am.
Throughout Sailing Week There are numerous food vendors set up in English Harbour serving a wide variety of local delicacies such as grilled lobster, stuffed shell fish, BBQ pork and so much more. Once you have finished trying all these culinary delights, there are lots of bars to wash it down with a glass of Rum Punch or Antigua’s local beer, Wadadli.
You have the opportunity to be up close and personal during the “Chase the Race” excursions where you can get up close and personal the various races from the comfort of the Catamaran tour.. You will be able to cheer on the sailors whilst taking photos and videos alongside some of the best boats around the world. Starting at Falmouth Harbour, this is considered one of the most exhilarating events for non-sailors, as you are right there in the mix of it all.
If you are looking for an amazing experience on both land and sea while adding a splash of epic partying to the mix, then look no further, Antigua Sailing Week is just for you! An explosion of activity within the Sailing community for visitors and locals alike.
