Thrill of the Race – Antigua Sailing Week 2026
Original post: Another World Adventures
Ask any sail racer and they’ll probably tell you their favourite races in the Caribbean take place during Antigua Sail Week.
It stands out as a, perhaps the, premier regatta in the Caribbean.
Established sailors and well-known boats featured in glossy sailing magazines emerge from their retreats to gather for a round of authentic racing.
And I’ve got something of a claim to fame association with it as my father-in-law, Andy Copeland, was one of the founders of English Harbour Yacht Club in 1967 which later became Antigua Yacht Club! The club has served to promote the sport of sailing including, but not limited to Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, RORC Caribbean 600, the Superyacht Cup Antigua, weekly dinghy racing and youth sailing programs ever since. Cool huh!
Antigua Sailing Week holds a prominent place on the Caribbean sailing calendar, attracting sailors from around the world to the breathtaking waters of Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua Sailing Week 2026 will take place from April 22–26, 2026.
The event will feature a new, shorter format with four days of sailing that return to its traditional point-to-point courses, concluding each day at a new destination.
The new format is a shorter race with a focus on fun, designed to be more flexible for cruisers and rally-style participants as well as competitive racers.
- Dates: April 22–26, 2026
- Format: A shorter, 4-day event with traditional point-to-point courses
- Participant focus: Designed for a range of sailors, including cruisers, rally participants, and competitive racers
- Activities: The event includes the sailing races, a welcome party, and various shore-side social events and parties
This event offers a fun schedule filled with competitive racing. Known for its closely contested and strategic races, the courses wind around the picturesque coastline of Antigua. The regatta draws a diverse fleet, ranging from small local boats to high-performance racing yachts and luxurious superyachts.
Yet, Antigua Sailing Week transcends mere sailing competition. The onshore activities are integral to the event’s charm. Each day of racing concludes with a lively party featuring live music, dancing, and a diverse array of local cuisine and beverages. The atmosphere is vibrant, and the camaraderie among sailors and spectators is unmistakable.
We can connect you with several entrants in 2026 to join as guest crew including a wonderful Swan 51 – details here.
Hi I’m Larissa, Founder of Another World Adventures. Welcome! If you’re planning an adventure you’re in the right place. Get ready to discover epic travel inspo and a collection of hand-picked trips from my trusted network of experienced adventure experts. Think unusual destinations, expeditions, slow, solo and sustainable travel and epic journeys on land and at sea! Ever got a question? Just get in touch, I answer every enquiry myself. Enjoy!
