The 2025 Caribbean Dinghy Championship (CDC), hosted by the Antigua Yacht Club (AYC), concluded on Sunday after three exhilarating days of racing, marking a historic celebration of skill, unity, and regional camaraderie. This year’s event, organized by the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA), not only highlighted elite sailing talent but also underscored the Caribbean sailing community’s vibrant spirit and inclusivity.
Team Antigua and Barbuda emerged victorious once again, securing their sixth consecutive Nations Trophy. Their consistent excellence and teamwork solidified Antigua’s reputation as a regional sailing powerhouse. Close competitors, including teams from St. Maarten and Trinidad & Tobago, delivered strong performances, finishing second and third overall, respectively. St. Maarten’s sailors achieved podium positions across all categories, showcasing their depth of talent.
Individual sailors also shone brightly, with standout performances from Ozani Lafond (ILCA7), Shanoy Malone (ILCA6), and Carrack Jones (ILCA4.7) of Antigua, Nathan Shephard (Optimist) of St. Maarten, and Keston and Tristan Monroe (RS Ventures) of Trinidad & Tobago. Notably, Grayson Burrell of St. Kitts & Nevis and Joshua Weihardt of St. Vincent and the Grenadines celebrated their first-ever podium finishes, highlighting the championship’s growing inclusivity.
A historic moment unfolded as Ammarilla Henry, representing the National Sailing Academy’s Sailability Programme, became the first para-athlete to compete and earn a podium finish at the CDC. Her second-place achievement, alongside teammate and coach Kayon Guiste, inspired the crowd and symbolized the event’s commitment to diversity and empowerment.
Dr. Clarence E. Pilgrim, Commodore of the AYC and Chairman of the 2025 CDC, expressed pride in the sailors and the host club, emphasizing the championship’s role in celebrating Caribbean youth and unity. International Judge Pat Bailey commended the sailors for their sportsmanship, while Alison Sly-Adams of the CSA and NSA praised the event’s organization and its impact on inspiring future generations.
The championship concluded with a lively Prize-Giving Ceremony at the AYC Events Centre, attended by former CSA presidents. Participants from Grenada, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Sint Maarten, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda were celebrated for their performances and sportsmanship. A celebratory lunch by Bar-B’s Restaurant added warmth to the event, fostering a sense of achievement and camaraderie among sailors, coaches, and officials.