Antigua Racing Cup 2026 - A new regatta with a big Antiguan welcome
by Louay Habib / Antigua Racing Cup 9 Apr 13:21 BST
8-12 April 2026
Antigua Racing Cup press conference © Paul Wyeth / Antigua Racing Cup
Registration opened this morning for the inaugural Antigua Racing Cup, with crews from over 15 nations preparing for four days of spectacular racing based out of the historic surrounding of Nelson's Dockyard, English Harbour, Antigua.
Racing gets under wayday, Thursday 9 April, with up to three races scheduled on Antigua's world-famous sailing waters. The trade winds are in, just as they have been all season, with an easterly gradient breeze of 10 to 15 knots forecast. Fresh gusts of about 20 knots should add plenty of sparkle to the racecourse. Conditions will be beautifully warm, with sea and air temperatures around 82°F, 28°C, so rash vests and shorts are likely to be the kit of choice for racing in the warm Caribbean spray.
Nelson's Dockyard is at the heart of the shoreside action for the Antigua Racing Cup. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the world's only working Georgian dockyard. Following the Skippers' Briefing held by Racing Manager Jaime Torres at the Copper & Lumber Store Hotel, competitors gathered on the Event Lawn for the Regatta Opening Party, where complimentary Amstel Beer and English Harbour Rum set the tone for a warm Antiguan welcome.
A solo pannist from Princess Margaret School's Steel Band played the National Anthem of Antigua before the official opening. Guests of honour included Sean Cenac, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Minister Greene, Member of Parliament for St Pauls, and Parks Commissioner Mrs. Ann Marie Martin. Master of Ceremonies was Bobby Reis, Vice Chairman of the Antigua & Barbuda Yachting & Marine Association.
Sean Cenac commented: "On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Antigua & Barbuda, it is a great pleasure to welcome sailors, crews, partners and supporters from around the world to the inaugural Antigua Racing Cup.
"This event is a proud new addition to our sporting calendar, and a wonderful expression of what Antigua & Barbuda does so well, bringing together world class competition, warm hospitality, rich culture and an unforgettable setting. We are especially delighted to host this regatta in historic Nelson's Dockyard, a place that speaks so powerfully to our maritime heritage and our enduring connection to the sea.
"The Antigua Racing Cup has been created not only to deliver exciting and high-quality racing, but also to showcase our destination, strengthen community engagement and generate lasting economic and social benefits. It is wonderful to see such a diverse and international fleet here for this first edition, helping to lay the foundation for what we believe will become a signature event for Antigua & Barbuda.
"To all competitors, thank you for being part of this beginning. You are the first to write this story, and that is something special. We wish you fair winds, close racing and a memorable experience both on and off the water."
Minister Greene commented: "This new event is an exciting addition to Antigua & Barbuda's sailing calendar and reflects our determination to keep building on the strength of our reputation as the Caribbean's sailing capital. What is especially encouraging is that this regatta adds fresh energy at an important moment in the season, giving visiting teams even more reason to stay, race and enjoy all that Antigua & Barbuda has to offer. We hope you have a superb week on the water and ashore."
After the official opening of the inaugural Antigua Racing Cup. The Xclamation Performers livened up the evening with a true taste of Antiguan culture. DJ Adrian Young Jugglaz kept the party going spinning the tunes. Stay tuned for regular updates via the official regatta website: www.antiguaracingcup.com and social media channel #AntiguaRacingCup.