ASW ORGANIZERS CONFIRM ASW SHORESIDE & SPECTATOR EVENTS
As organizers finalize plans for the influx of sailors and visitors for the annual end of season celebration that is Antigua Sailing Week, they are delighted to confirm the full week of events.
For enthusiasts who want to get close to the action, the Chase the Race boats will be heading out most days with Wadadli Cats. On the first day, Sunday 27th, the boat will join the Raft Up, taking place at Cades Bay. Every other day, aside from following the races, will include lunch, drinks, snorkeling and a beach stop if time allows. Meanwhile CalvinAir Helicopters take to the skies and give spectators the chance to get a birds eye view of the action. Tickets for both options are available from the ASW office or on the website – https://sailingweek.com/chase-the-race/
For 2025, the VIP Spectator Boat is also back courtesy of Sunsail, an exclusive experience on a 50-foot luxury catamaran with a gourmet lunch and drinks, a unique space on the start lines and a customized experience for up to eight people. The charter is available to groups only. To discuss your requirements, speak with Zoe on +44 7795 906393.
The official venue on lawn at the Regatta Village at Antigua Yacht Club is where nightly live music, DJ’s, prizes and drinks specials can be enjoyed for free by sailors, locals and visitors alike. The best aprés-sail venue in the Caribbean. Bars open daily from 3pm on Friday 25th April, and prize givings will take place daily at Antigua Yacht Club from Saturday 26th April to Thursday 1st May, with a day off for Lay Day.
On Friday night, start the week of by visiting the bar and restaurant partners in English Harbour, buy 3 specialty rum cocktails to get a 2025 English Harbour Rum Cap or T-shirt.
On Saturday night, all are invited to the official opening ceremony at the Antigua Yacht Club to experience the live Antiguan Steel Pan welcome with Original Steel Orchestra. Those who want to take it up a notch can check out the Heineken Village and “Follow the Star” for nonstop energy across English Harbour’s hottest spots thanks to our bars & restaurant partners! From Colibri to Los Cabrones this Heineken transformation makes YOU the star with an ice-cold Heineken in hand. Includes epic performances from live bands and dj’s.
Alison Sly-Adam, ASW President, stated “The focus for the week is on delivering fantastic racing & spectator opportunities on the water, and fun once back on shore. ”Bars, restaurants and roadside vendors peppered around the area will benefit all week from the influx of visitors who will be looking for everything from great local fare to European cuisine in a uniquely Caribbean setting. On Lay Day everyone will head to Pigeon Point for the annual Lay Day festivities which includes everything from Dinghy racing, beach games and cocktail competitions, to dancing in the sand at Catherine’s Café.
Throughout the week, free cocktail hours, and competitions will add a layer of excitement to the proceedings and everyone is welcome to join in the fun. Cold Heineken beers and English Harbour Rum will be on offer at all official events.
The final prize giving will take place at Nelson’s Dockyard in the iconic location, on the lawn in front of the Copper & Lumber Hotel and the oldest silverware in the Caribbean will be awarded to the winners in each class.
A fantastic raffle raising money for our Y2K program will be taking place all week. The top prize is two airline tickets with LIAT 20 from and to any Caribbean destination they fly to along with a whole host of other prizes. Tickets can be purchased at the merchandise tent.
With rising costs and the challenge of a green field venue site which adds additional costs to the event, it has been decided that Reggae in the Park cannot take place this year, instead Rum and Reggae will be enjoyed at Antigua Yacht Club as part of the post-race festivities.
While we are deeply disappointed by this outcome, we look forward to delivering an exceptional Antigua Sailing Week regatta experience and ensuring everyone gets to ‘Race, Chase & Celebrate’ together.We encourage patrons to stay tuned for updates via our official channels to make sure the fun is not missed.
