Antigua Racing Cup: Simple to add, hard to miss

by Louay Habib 14 Feb 15:33 GMT 9-12 April 2026

The inaugural Antigua Racing Cup, taking place from 9-12 April 2026, marks the launch of a new, purpose-built performance regatta designed to complement the Caribbean racing season rather than compete with it. Hosted in Antigua, one of the world's premier sailing destinations, the Antigua Racing Cup is aimed squarely at high octane racing teams already active in the region and welcomes all comers who are seeking high quality racing with minimal additional logistics.

The event is positioned as a natural progression for Antigua and Barbuda as it leverages boats already racing in the Caribbean, including teams competing in the Heineken Regatta in St Maarten, the BVI Spring Regatta, the RORC Caribbean 600, and boats arriving via the ARC or RORC Transatlantic Race. Considering this regional and international mix of crews assembled, utilising Antigua's established expertise, logistics and infrastructure, this race is designed to be adrenaline driven while delivering a focused, professional racing experience.

A Regatta Designed for Performance

The Antigua Racing Cup has been created specifically for performance-oriented teams. Racing will be delivered using purpose-built courses tailored to the boats competing, with the flexibility of virtual marks allowing precision and adaptability across conditions. An International Jury will oversee the event, reinforcing confidence in race management and results.

Rather than prioritising fleet size, the Antigua Racing Cup places its emphasis on how racing is delivered. The goal is fair competition, clear class splits, and race courses that allow boats to perform as intended. This technical and competitive identity is central to the event and is designed to appeal to owners and teams who value quality over quantity.

Antigua's south coast race areas offer a natural advantage. Courses are located close to Falmouth and English Harbour, reducing transit times and maximising time spent racing. For crews coming off offshore races or a busy Caribbean schedule, this translates into better energy management, better preparation, and better racing.

Calendar Logic That Makes Sense

The early April timing of the Antigua Racing Cup fits cleanly into international programmes. It allows teams to enjoy prime Caribbean racing conditions before transitioning back to Europe or North America for summer campaigns. Antigua already functions as a natural arrival and departure hub, with year-round marine services, shipping options, and infrastructure capable of supporting professional race programmes.

For many teams, Antigua represents a logical and efficient conclusion to a Caribbean season, offering high quality competition without extending schedules or complicating logistics.

Chris Jackson | RORC Racing Manager

Appointed as RORC Racing Manager this year, Chris Jackson brings decades of hands-on experience as a boat captain on high performance yachts, with extensive racing miles in the Caribbean and across the Atlantic. His perspective combines race management insight with a practical understanding of what owners and teams need to race well.

"Dual scoring under both CSA and IRC is a really positive step for Caribbean racing because it reflects the reality of the fleets we see on the water," commented Chris Jackson. "Boats arrive with different backgrounds, different optimisation paths, and different programmes, but they all want fair, competitive racing without unnecessary barriers. By offering both rules, regattas immediately become more inclusive, encouraging local boats to line up alongside visiting international teams without forcing anyone to change how they campaign their boat.

"From my experience racing and captaining high performance yachts in the Caribbean and on transatlantic programmes, reducing friction is key. Boats are already here, crews are assembled, and momentum matters. Dual scoring allows teams to slot seamlessly from offshore races into inshore regattas, while giving Caribbean sailors a clear window into how they perform under IRC. Ultimately, it strengthens fleets, improves competition, and reinforces the Caribbean as a world class, professionally run racing circuit that remains welcoming and accessible."

Josh Redgrave | Grand Soleil 46 Belladonna (GBR)

Josh Redgrave is the crew boss on Belladonna and an experienced boat captain for Grand Prix regattas. His career includes overall wins at the GBR IRC National Championship and last year's Lord Nelson Trophy in Antigua on J 122 El Ocaso. Hailing from Falmouth in Cornwall, he has been a sailmaker from a young age and brings a practical, performance focused perspective to racing campaigns.

"We had a great time racing in Antigua last year, but the condensed format of the Antigua Racing Cup made it a clear choice for us. Having everything focused purely on racing over a short, intense period is very appealing.

We have raced most of the major regattas in the Caribbean over the last five years and have been pleased with the quality so far. Travelling to the Caribbean to race is a substantial commitment, so knowing that the racing will be professionally run is a big draw. Antigua is also very practical from the UK, with direct flights, a good range of accommodation around Falmouth and English Harbour, and excellent restaurants, beach clubs, and bars.

"Antigua feels like the obvious place to finish a Caribbean season. With shipping options back to Europe, good boatyards, and strong marine services, it makes sense whether you are heading home or leaving the boat in the region and coming back the following year."

Jules Mitchell | RP37 Warthog (ANT)

Jules Mitchell is a product of the National Sailing Academy's first cohort and is now a leading Antiguan sailor with a career spanning elite dinghy and keelboat racing. Skippering Warthog across the Caribbean, Jules has also competed at the highest international level including the Admiral's Cup, while representing Antigua overseas. He is the first past student to be appointed to the NSA Board.

"For us on Warthog, the Antigua Racing Cup is an obvious addition because it is an event built purely around racing. It is serious competition, four straight days, straight to the point, and set in some of the most beautiful and consistent conditions in Antigua. There is no distraction. It is about going sailing, going fast, and enjoying exactly what race boats are designed to do.

"Boats like Warthog represent a significant investment, and that investment is made for performance. Owners want to enjoy their boat, but they also want to see it pushed properly. When an event is set up specifically for performance boats, with purpose-built courses and professional race management, that really flips the switch.

One of Antigua's biggest strengths is the race area. You can leave the dock and be on the racecourse within 25 to 30 minutes, which makes a huge difference. Shore side, everything is close and practical. Antigua is a race boat haven, and it is not advertised enough just how well set up the island is for serious programmes.

"For teams already racing in the Caribbean, this feels like the pinnacle event of the season. It is an even playing field and a true test of competitiveness. Being part of the first edition also feels special. It feels like the start of something new."

Bernie Evan Wong | Farr 36 High Tension (ANT)

Bernie Evan Wong is a veteran Antiguan sailor and a regular competitor on the Caribbean circuit, having competed in every edition of the RORC Caribbean 600. Racing on home waters against top international teams, Bernie brings deep local knowledge and a strong competitive edge.

"Antigua offers some of the best racing in the Caribbean, with top notch organisation. It is hard to beat, and the idea of a four-day event dedicated purely to race boats at this venue is too good to miss. Having the chance to race against the very best is exactly what excites us.

"This event structure is fully focused on the racing. Add great race courses, professional organisation, and excellent shore side activities, and it really stands apart. The race areas are time proven, with a wide variety of wind and sea conditions, and easy access from Falmouth and English Harbour.

"For me, the Antigua Racing Cup is a natural extension of the Caribbean 600. With your boat already in Antigua, it simply makes sense to join the fun and excitement of this new addition to the racing calendar."

Katy Campbell | Salona 45 Panacea X (CAN)

Katy Campbell is a Canadian offshore sailor and skipper of the high-performance race boat Panacea X, normally raced with a North America charter crew. She has raced extensively in Antigua Sailing Week and the RORC Caribbean 600 and is known for calm leadership and a methodical, team focused approach.

"The timing is perfect. We have been asking for the Caribbean schedule to tighten up so we can get back to our season in Canada earlier, and this fits beautifully.

"Having race officers who analyse the classes properly and set appropriate courses makes all the difference between frustrating racing and real, fair competition. The coastline off Falmouth and English Harbour lines up well with the trade winds, making it easier to set great windward leeward courses. The scenery is spectacular, and having shore side events centralised with no long commute after racing is a real bonus.

"Racing in the Caribbean is fantastic because of the diversity and competitiveness of the fleets. I fully expect the Antigua Racing Cup to be a brilliant addition to the calendar and to keep the fun going both on the water and ashore."

Supported by Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua Racing Cup is proudly supported by the Ministry of Tourism, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, and National Parks Antigua, whose continued backing reinforces Antigua's position as a world leading destination for high quality sailing and marine sport.

Entries for the Antigua Racing Cup already reflect the breadth and ambition of the event, with commitments ranging from the pocket-rocket Melges 24 Whiplash through to professional international teams such as Rikki from the USA and the race-charter benchmark Spirit of Juno from Antigua. Performance multihulls and one-design classes, including RS Elites and Diam 24s, are also part of the fleet.

For full event details, entry information, and updates, visit: antiguaracingcup.com.