Antigua Sailing Weeks Evolution - A return to destination sailing

Cruise the Antiguan coastline at your preferred pace © Paul Wyeth

The organizers of the 57th Antigua Sailing Week, are pleased to unveil the 2026 Notice of Race for the regatta & rally which takes place April 22 - 26.

Next year marks a significant evolution for the event, now reimagined as a 4-day destination sailing experience that traces the stunning coastline of Antigua in an exhilarating circumnavigation. With the option of a cruise-in-company or easy, point-to-point racing, participants will depart from English Harbour and sail around the island with stops at some of the world's most beautiful anchorages. Offering crews a taste of the varied conditions and sailing angles while they enjoy a different coastline each day, the schedule will visit Nonsuch Bay, Little Jumby Bay, and Ffryes Beach before returning to Nelson's Dockyard.

Destination shoreside activities include Dinghy team challenges - photo © Paul Wyeth

The event promises not only champagne sailing conditions and fun activities but also the pleasure of enjoying Antigua's renowned hospitality, culture, and natural beauty. Organizers are planning refreshing welcome events at each destination, including fun beach games, snorkel tours, private island sunsets, bespoke dining options, island-style beach limes, daily prize giveaways, and an unforgettable farewell celebration.

"Historically, Antigua Sailing Week has been about more than just world-class racing—it is about the complete experience, both on the water and onshore," said Rana-Jamila Lewis, Marketing & Logistics Manager for Antigua Sailing Week. "Returning to a destination sailing format allows us to include the greater island in Antigua Sailing Week again, which we believe sailors and spectators, whether from overseas or right here in Antigua, will truly appreciate."

Post-sailing sundowners and beach parties - photo © Paul Wyeth

The 2026 Notice of Race outlines entry requirements, class divisions for those interested in racing, and the sailing schedule. With a diverse fleet expected—from those who customarily race their yachts but would like to engage in exploring the islands sailing grounds in company, to bareboat charterers who yearn to be competitive, to live aboard cruisers interested in a bit of adventure —this new format is designed to be inclusive, welcoming those who share a passion for sailing, adventure and dream of island beach life. Anchorages will be accessible to boats with up to 10ft draft and are ideal for liveaboards. Crews can also opt to bring their motherships or book local accommodation each night, and local boats and spectators are invited to pull up to the events each day.

Entries are open, and organizers invite sailors, families, and supporters from around the World to join in this exciting reimagining of Antigua Sailing Week, April 22-26, 2026. The current rate is US$14 per foot, but to mark the release of the Notice of Race, participants who enter and pay by December 1, 2025, can enjoy a special discounted rate of US$12 per foot.

For additional details and to review the Notice of Race, please visit: www.sailingweek.com. To Enter Antigua Sailing Week: yachtscoring.com/event_registration_email/50418

Campaigning yachts & competitive crews which may be more interested in the newly developed Antigua Racing Cup from April 9 -12, can visit the website directly or check out this handy comparison of what to expect from each event.