The crystal-clear waters surrounding Antigua and Barbuda are about to become even more electrifying. The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment has just unveiled an ambitious new vision that’s set to transform the Caribbean sailing landscape forever. Building upon decades of maritime excellence and the internationally renowned Antigua Sailing Week brand, the twin-island nation is launching not one, but two distinct sailing experiences that will cater to every type of sailor who dreams of Caribbean adventures.

This groundbreaking announcement introduces The Antigua Racing Cup, a brand-new high-energy racing event that promises to deliver pure adrenaline to sailing purists, while simultaneously repositioning the beloved Antigua Sailing Week to return to its traditional roots of destination sailing. Both events are strategically scheduled for April 2026, creating an entire month of sailing festivities that celebrate the rich maritime traditions that have made Antigua and Barbuda a world-class sailing destination.

So mark your calendars for April 9-12, 2026, because The Antigua Racing Cup is about to redefine what competitive sailing looks like in the Caribbean. This isn’t just another regatta – it’s a carefully crafted experience designed specifically for racing purists who crave high-energy, coastal racing with the kind of fast-paced schedule that gets hearts pumping and competitive spirits soaring.

What makes this event truly special is its focus on spirited competition in some of the most enviable sailing conditions on the planet. Picture this: four days of exhilarating races where balmy temperatures meet consistent trade winds, creating the perfect storm of sailing excellence. The big seas are tantalizingly close to shore, meaning spectators can witness the action from multiple vantage points – whether they’re watching from land, sea, or even from the air.

The strategic calendar placement of The Antigua Racing Cup is no accident. Race Manager Jaime Torres and his team have positioned this event perfectly to allow competitive teams to participate and then seamlessly transition to their summer racing campaigns. This timing creates an ideal opportunity for serious racers to fine-tune their skills on the spectacular southern coast of Antigua, experiencing those legendary sailing conditions that have made this region famous among the global sailing community.

The courses themselves promise to be finely tuned variations of the exhilarating routes that sailors have come to associate with Antigua’s breathtaking southern coastline. These aren’t just races – they’re carefully choreographed dancing partnerships between skilled sailors and the powerful natural forces that make Caribbean sailing so incredibly addictive.

When the sun sets and the sails are furled, English Harbour transforms into the pulsating social center of The Antigua Racing Cup. This historic harbor, with its deep maritime roots and stunning natural beauty, continues to buzz with an energy that’s infectious. The social calendar promises to be absolutely packed, offering participants and visitors alike a taste of authentic Antiguan hospitality that goes far beyond typical regatta entertainment.

Local vendors and artisans will showcase the incredible diversity of Antiguan culture, exciting every appetite with flavors, crafts, and experiences that capture the true essence of island life. The bars, restaurants, and beach venues in and around English Harbor are gearing up to host nightly events that will include live music performances, themed parties, and cultural celebrations that highlight the very best of what makes Antigua and Barbuda such a special destination.

This isn’t just about sailing – it’s about immersing yourself in a culture that has been shaped by centuries of maritime tradition, where every sunset brings new opportunities to connect with fellow sailors from around the world while experiencing the warmth and vibrancy of Caribbean island life.

While The Racing Cup caters to those seeking high-intensity competition, Antigua Sailing Week is making a deliberate and exciting return to its traditional point-to-point courses. Scheduled for April 22-26, 2026, this beloved event is embracing its cruising roots in a way that will delight both longtime participants and newcomers to the Caribbean sailing scene.

The beauty of the reimagined event lies in its flexibility and inclusivity. Each day’s sailing concludes at a different scenic destination, creating a true adventure that showcases the diverse landscapes and hidden gems that make Antigua and Barbuda such a remarkable sailing destination. This isn’t just racing – it’s exploration, discovery, and the kind of memorable experiences that sailors treasure for years to come.

The event welcomes a diverse mix of boat types and crews, specifically tailored to accommodate cruisers, rally-style participants, and bareboat charter groups. This inclusive approach means that whether you’re an experienced sailor looking for a more relaxed competitive environment or someone who simply wants to experience the joy of Caribbean sailing, Antigua Sailing Week has something special waiting for you.

For those who want to cruise point-to-point and soak in the scenery at a leisurely pace, the event offers exactly that experience. But for participants who crave a bit more competition, additional marks will be strategically dropped, tacking duels will commence, and courses will be timed, allowing competitors to enjoy a different coastal course each day while still maintaining that spirit of adventure and exploration.

The decision to create two separate sailing events wasn’t made lightly. According to Race Manager Jaime Torres, “The Antigua Racing Cup is for those on tight schedules who want a fast, focused, and fiercely fun regatta, while Antigua Sailing Week returns to its cruising roots. Having two separate events, each with a narrower focus, will allow us to deliver a more immersive and enriching yachting experience to a wider audience.”

This strategic approach recognizes that the sailing community is beautifully diverse, with different sailors seeking different types of experiences. Some thrive on the intensity of competitive racing, while others prefer the relaxed exploration and social aspects of destination sailing. By creating two distinct events, Antigua and Barbuda is positioning itself as the Caribbean destination that truly understands and caters to every type of sailing enthusiast.

Minister of Tourism Charles “Max” Fernandez emphasized the collaborative nature of this decision, stating, “This exciting new and strategic direction comes after consulting with all our stakeholders, both at the community level and those directly involved in the yachting sector. We anticipate a period of sailing in Antigua that better serves everyone, dedicated racers and social cruisers, while celebrating everything we love about sailing in Antigua & Barbuda.”

April 2026 is shaping up to be absolutely glorious for sailing enthusiasts. Beyond The Antigua Racing Cup and the reimagined Antigua Sailing Week, the sailing calendar will also feature the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, complete with an exciting new addition – a Model Boat Race that promises to be a fantastic draw for families and showcase the incredible craftsmanship of the local yachting community.

This comprehensive approach creates an entire month of exceptional sailing opportunities and celebrations, where various events and cultural activities work together to showcase the true spirit of these remarkable islands. It’s a celebration that honors the rich maritime traditions that have shaped Antigua and Barbuda while looking forward to an exciting future of Caribbean sailing.

The Antigua Racing Cup offers several key highlights that set it apart as a premier Caribbean sailing destination. It serves as a new platform for high-performance sailing in the region, featuring a convenient 4-day race schedule that respects busy sailing calendars. The ideal calendar position makes it perfect for campaigning boats, race charters, one-design racing, and professional sailors, while also welcoming Corinthian crews on core racer-cruisers and race charter boats.

Meanwhile, Antigua Sailing Week brings its own unique attractions with a return to destination sailing that takes participants point-to-point around Antigua. The new, shorter format is designed to better fit into people’s vacation schedules, offering participants the choice to cruise point-to-point leisurely or engage in competitive racing. Above all, the focus remains firmly on fun, fun, and more fun in the Caribbean sun.

Together, The Antigua Racing Cup and Antigua Sailing Week reflect a deep commitment to serving the needs of a growing and increasingly diverse sailing audience. These events offer world-class options for both competitive racers seeking intense competition and laid-back cruisers looking for adventure and relaxation. Antigua and Barbuda is proud to lead the way in shaping the future of Caribbean sailing, setting new standards for how destinations can cater to the evolving needs of the global sailing community.

The vision extends beyond just hosting events – it’s about creating experiences that capture the essence of what makes sailing in the Caribbean so magical. From the consistent trade winds and perfect temperatures to the stunning coastlines and vibrant local culture, every aspect of these events is designed to showcase why Antigua and Barbuda has earned its reputation as one of the world’s premier sailing destinations.

As the sailing world looks toward April 2026, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a transformative month in Caribbean sailing. Whether you’re drawn to the high-energy competition of The Antigua Racing Cup or the exploratory adventure of Antigua Sailing Week, both events promise to deliver experiences that will create lasting memories and perhaps even change how you think about Caribbean sailing forever.

Further details, including registration information and full schedules for both events, will be available at www.sailingweek.com and www.antiguaracingcup.com in the coming weeks. The countdown to April 2026 has officially begun, and the sailing world is watching with eager anticipation.

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