Sailing Events in the Caribbean: The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2025
by Karen Rollins Mar 3, 2025
The 36th edition of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is set to light up English Harbour from 16-21 April 2025.
Around 60 vintage vessels including vintage and classic ketches, sloops, schooners, and yawls have registered to take part in the thrilling competition which is the known as the premier classic sailing event of the Caribbean.
The boats will compete over four days in four races ranging in distance from approximately five to 26 miles long.
Several other fun activities happening during the regatta include Caribbean Night on Thursday 17 April, Open Mic Night with a Band on Saturday 19 April, the Parade of Sail into English Harbour on Sunday 20 April, and Gig Racing and Cream Teas on Monday 21 April.
Sailing fans looking on from Nelson’s Dockyard are sure to enjoy watching these majestic, classic vessels in action.
Background:
Sometime in the 1960s, the captains and crews of classic yachts in Antigua’s English Harbour challenged each other to a race down to Guadeloupe at the end of the charter season.
From this informal race, Antigua Sailing Week was formed in 1967.
But, over the years, classic yachts were slowly outnumbered by faster, modern racing vessels, so captains Uli Pruesse and Kenny Coombs hosted a meeting with other skippers in 1991, and they founded the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta.
Visit the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta website for more information.
