The Caribbean Dinghy Championship (CDC) 2025 officially commenced on Thursday, 23rd October 2025, with a vibrant Opening Ceremony held at the Antigua Yacht Club (AYC) Multipurpose Centre. The event, which began at 7:00 p.m., marked the start of a weekend filled with competitive sailing, skill-building, and regional camaraderie. The ceremony was expertly orchestrated by Mr. John Gaillard, AYC’s House and Grounds Director, who introduced the distinguished speakers and welcomed the attendees. Dr. Clarence E. Pilgrim, Commodore of the AYC and Chairman of the 2025 CDC, delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing that the championship transcends competition, focusing instead on fostering friendships, learning, and the collective growth of sailing across the Caribbean. He warmly welcomed all participating nations and praised the young sailors, calling them ‘the future of the Caribbean maritime industry.’ His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause, setting a tone of unity and optimism. Dr. Pilgrim also acknowledged the event’s proud sponsors, the National Parks Authority and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. Mrs. Alison Sly-Adams, representing the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA), commended the inclusive format of the championship, which encourages broader regional participation. She highlighted the CSA’s efforts to enhance collaboration among islands through an updated racing calendar and the event’s evolution since its establishment in 1967. The Hon. Paul ‘Chet’ Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Barbuda Affairs, encouraged the young competitors to embrace discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, values he noted are essential both in sailing and life. Following the speeches, Dr. Pilgrim rang the Sailors’ Bell, symbolically opening the championship and heralding three days of spirited racing. Antigua and Barbuda, the host nation, enters the competition with a proud record, having won the Nation’s Cup in 2024 and securing five consecutive victories since 2019. The evening concluded with a sumptuous dinner prepared by Bar-B’s, a long-time supporter of AYC events, fostering fellowship among sailors, parents, and officials. Teams from St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Sint Maarten, and Antigua will compete in a series of races, with the championship culminating in the Prize-Giving Ceremony on Sunday at noon. The weekend promises to be a celebration of excellence, regional unity, and the enduring spirit of Caribbean sailing.
Antigua Yacht Club Officially Opens the Caribbean Dinghy Championship 2025
