Antigua Sailing Week 2026 has been declared a resounding success, delivering four days of competitive racing, rally cruising, and vibrant shoreside celebrations around the island. According to Antigua News Room, this year's reimagined fleet format brought together sailors from across the globe, blending high-level competition with the relaxed spirit that defines Caribbean sailing culture.
Antigua Sailing Week President Alison Sly-Adams described the week's goal as straightforward — to capitalise on the island's natural beauty through signature point-to-point courses complemented by lively onshore events.
A Week That Tested Every Gear
The regatta opened with moderate trade winds as the fleet departed English Harbour toward Green Island on Day One, treating spectators and sailors alike to Antigua's dramatic coastal scenery. The Barefoot on the Beach rendezvous, hosted by Falmouth Ocean Club, provided a relaxed close to opening day and set the tone for the week's balance of competition and camaraderie.
Day Two raised the stakes. Varying breeze and a persistent North Swell introduced tactical challenges across both the racing and cruising fleets. Early leaders began to emerge, though standings remained tight across multiple classes, with sailors finishing the day on Antigua's northeast coast at island destination The Hut at Little Jumby.
Lighter winds dominated Day Three, compressing the fleet and rewarding patience. Many crews took the opportunity to crack open cold Heinekens and enjoy the company of fellow sailors on the water. Cruisers had the added pleasure of sun and swimming before the Heineken Riddim and Tides Beach Festival at Ffryes Beach.
The fourth and final day delivered the week's most impressive conditions — strong breeze for the homeward leg from Antigua's west coast back toward English Harbour. Racing crews tackled a spirited upwind beat in the closing miles, while the cruising fleet rounded the island in true Caribbean style, pausing at beaches and scenic stops along the way.
Celebration in Nelson's Dockyard
The closing prize-giving ceremony unfolded in the historic stone surroundings of Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Fort Berkeley's Gunpowder Magazine and Guard House visible to the south and the limestone Pillars of Hercules to the southeast. Competitors gathered to celebrate with English Harbour Rum and live music from the 17-61° band, whose set blended Caribbean rhythms with classic rock.
Class trophies and prizes were presented across the fleet, while organisers extended thanks to sponsors, partners, and the more than 50 volunteers whose contributions made the event possible.
The week's standout performers were the crew of Kali, sailing under the name Kermode-Grizzly and led by Great Lakes skipper Chuck Bayer. The team secured both corrected and line honours in CSA Class 1 on all four days, earning the regatta's top overall prize — the prestigious Lord Nelson Trophy.
"This is like a once in a lifetime thing," said Bayer. "Just looking at some of the boats named on this trophy, being alongside them is a huge honour."
In CSA Racing Class 2, the Dutch crew aboard Contigo Team HI-1, skippered by Rien van der Post, recorded four consecutive first-place finishes. Despite the serious results, the mood was light. Van der Post joked that the crew's most prized moment came on the final day. "We were most happy to beat the Race Committee to the finish line," he laughed. Tactician Gerrit van Loo added, "That was the first time ever for us!"
CSA Racing Class 3 went to Bernie Evan-Wong aboard High Tension, following a week of fierce competition within the class. Evan-Wong credited disciplined crew work and daring final-day tactics for the victory.
"We did a lot of upwind sailing. Our strong point is off the wind, so we really had to work hard," he said. "On the last day, we managed to stay on the edge of a squall, play the shifts, and then tack out at just the right moment — and in the end, that's what made all the difference."
In the Multihull CSA Class, Samuel Masterman, co-owner of Condor 40 Troika, praised both the new format and course design for making the regatta accessible to sailors of varying experience levels.
"We had two to three crew on board, depending on the day, and it was a mix of racers and non-racers," Masterman said. "The way the courses were set up meant that everyone was able to have a good time whether they had a lot of experience or only a little."
Special Awards and Standout Contributions
Beyond class honours, several special trophies recognised individuals who helped define the spirit of Antigua Sailing Week 2026.
The Jan Santos Trophy was awarded to Neal Charles, whose behind-the-scenes work and consistent willingness to assist contributed significantly to the smooth delivery of the event.
The Caribbean Sailing Association Travellers Trophy went to Apollo owner Donald Nicholson, recognising his ongoing participation across the regional sailing circuit. In the Race Charter division, Katy Campbell's Panacea X claimed top honours for the second consecutive year.
Youth development was also celebrated, with Ashley Joshua receiving the Youth Trophy after returning to compete aboard Eira, having progressed through the Youth to Keel programme in prior editions of the event.
The Women's Trophy was awarded to Sanne Bast of Ilios, whose contributions both on and off the water — including welcoming visiting media and participating in the restoration and racing of her vessel — embodied the collaborative spirit of the regatta.
