Antigua Sailing Week's second day delivered a dramatic shift in conditions and intensity on Friday, as the fleet departed the Caribbean Sea and pushed northward into open Atlantic waters. According to Antigua News Room, crews who had overnighted at Green Island South spent the morning preparing their vessels, surrounded by hillsides blanketed in flowering dagger log agave — the national flower of Antigua — which blooms for only a few days once every 20 years.
One by one, sails were hoisted and the fleet made their way to the start line in eight knots of downwind breeze. "The boats that really focused during the light air start and worked hard to get themselves into position were the best suited when the wind filled in," said ASW Race Officer Chris Mansfield. "Being in the right place when that happened was crucial."
As wind strength built, a powerful North Swell generated strong currents as racers and cruisers tracked along Antigua's northeastern coastline. Dean Krocken, trimmer aboard Kali, described the day as markedly different from opening day racing. "It was very different from yesterday. Lots of varying conditions to contend with, which made it a fun challenge," said Krocken, whose crew secured first place in CSA Class 1 for the second consecutive day. "We put the spinnaker up and did four jibes or five into the finish."
Tight competition unfolded across all classes as the afternoon progressed. Mid-course conditions proved ideal for reaching and downwind manoeuvring, and a 15-knot breeze rewarded crews capable of balancing speed with control.
In CSA Class 2, Contigo — Team HI 1 claimed victory after a tense battle with rival Vildiur. Headsail trimmer Pieter Hooft noted the unusual demands of the day's course. "Today was quite challenging because we're used to upwind starts," he said. The two boats traded jibes for the first six miles of racing between Man o' War Point and Devil's Bridge before Contigo pulled ahead near Guinea Island. Hooft described sailing "zeeuwe-meisjes" — wing-on-wing — and explained how drag from the current actually worked in the Dutch team's favour, generating just enough increase in apparent wind to edge ahead.
Meanwhile, cruisers participating in the rally embraced the steady winds and lively sea state while engaging in Antigua Sailing Week's Daily Treasure Hunt. Over two days, the challenge saw crews documenting their adventures through photographs, including shots in their English Harbour Rum hats, turtle sightings, and visits to historic landmarks. "The treasure hunt was a blast!" said Rob "The Dawn" Britts, aboard Mystic Lee. "The whole day turned into an adventure."
Onshore at The Hut at Little Jumby, sailors gathered to swap stories from the day's passage before competing in a beach relay featuring a lime-and-spoon race, a swim to the moorings and back, and a final dinghy race around a mark. In a memorable finish, the crew of Impala — who had trailed Kiss Cool through the first three races — edged out their rivals in the closing seconds of the dinghy race to claim first place. As the sun set, DJ York took to the decks and crews packed the dance floor late into the evening.
With two days completed, Antigua Sailing Week 2026 continues to combine competitive sailing, Caribbean culture, natural scenery, and shared adventure both on and off the water. Saturday's leg will take the fleet from Jumby Bay to Ffryes Beach, offering sailors yet another perspective on the island's coastline. "The beauty of this format is that every day feels different," said Mansfield. "Different wind, different seas, different views — but the same spirit of competition and community."
