The highly anticipated first edition of the Antigua Racing Cup officially opened registrations on Wednesday morning, drawing international sailing teams from more than 15 countries to compete across four days of racing hosted at the iconic, UNESCO-listed Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua’s English Harbour. Competition is set to kick off on Thursday, April 9, with a lineup of up to three races planned on Antigua’s globally renowned sailing waters, where ideal sailing conditions have already aligned for the event.
Forecasters predict consistent seasonal trade winds, with an easterly gradient breeze of 10 to 15 knots expected, paired with occasional fresh gusts reaching up to 20 knots that are set to add excitement and challenge to the race course. Warm tropical conditions will greet all participants, with both air and sea temperatures hovering around 28°C (82°F), making lightweight rash vests and shorts the ideal attire for racing through the refreshing Caribbean spray.
Nelson’s Dockyard, the world’s only active Georgian dockyard and a protected World Heritage Site, serves as the central hub for all off-water activities for the regatta. Ahead of the first race, Racing Manager Jaime Torres led the mandatory Skippers’ Briefing at the historic Copper & Lumber Store Hotel, after which competitors moved to the Event Lawn for the official Regatta Opening Party. There, guests enjoyed complimentary Amstel Beer and local English Harbour Rum, embodying the warm, welcoming hospitality Antigua is known for.
The opening ceremony kicked off with a moving performance of Antigua’s National Anthem by a solo pannist from Princess Margaret School’s Steel Band, setting a celebratory tone for the event. Distinguished guests in attendance included Sean Cenac, Permanent Secretary of Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Tourism, St Pauls Member of Parliament Minister Greene, and Parks Commissioner Ann Marie Martin. Bobby Reis, Vice Chairman of the Antigua & Barbuda Yachting & Marine Association, served as Master of Ceremonies for the occasion.
In his opening remarks, Cenac extended a warm welcome to all sailors, crew members, event partners and supporters traveling from across the globe for the landmark event. He described the Antigua Racing Cup as a proud new addition to the country’s national sporting calendar, highlighting that the event brings together top-tier international competition, world-famous Caribbean hospitality, rich local culture and an unrivaled historic setting. Cenac emphasized that holding the regatta at Nelson’s Dockyard was a deliberate choice, as the site stands as a powerful testament to Antigua and Barbuda’s deep maritime heritage and longstanding connection to the ocean.
“The Antigua Racing Cup was created not just to deliver thrilling, high-caliber sailing competition, but also to shine a spotlight on our beautiful destination, boost engagement with local communities and deliver long-lasting economic and social benefits for our country,” Cenac explained. “It is incredible to see such a diverse, international fleet gather for this first edition, which lays a strong foundation for what we are confident will become a signature annual event for Antigua and Barbuda. To every competitor here: thank you for joining us at this starting point. You are the first to write the story of the Antigua Racing Cup, and that makes this moment very special. We wish all of you fair winds, tight competitive racing, and an unforgettable experience both on and off the water.”
Minister Greene echoed Cenac’s remarks, noting that the new regatta is an exciting expansion of Antigua and Barbuda’s growing sailing calendar, and reflects the nation’s ongoing commitment to building on its reputation as the undisputed sailing capital of the Caribbean. Greene highlighted that the event brings fresh energy to the start of the sailing season, giving international teams another compelling reason to extend their stay, compete, and explore everything the twin-island nation has to offer. He closed by wishing all participants an outstanding week of racing and hospitality in Antigua.