A new chapter for Caribbean racing – The Antigua Racing Cup 2026

The highly anticipated Antigua Racing Cup (ARC) is set to make its debut from April 9 to 12, 2026, off the picturesque south coast of Antigua. This new regatta, a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Tourism, the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, the National Parks Authority, and local stakeholders, aims to enhance Antigua’s sailing calendar by complementing the renowned Antigua Sailing Week. Designed specifically for competitive sailors, the ARC will feature meticulously planned race management, course design, and scheduling to ensure a high-performance experience. The event will be headquartered at Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which will serve as the Regatta Village, offering logistical support and vibrant post-race social gatherings. The ARC will cater to a diverse fleet, including monohulls, maxis, offshore multihulls, and smaller boats, with dual scoring under CSA and IRC systems managed via Nautical Cloud software. Confirmed one-design divisions include the RS Elite and Petticrow Dragon fleets, with Diam trimarans also under consideration. Antigua’s south coast, known for its consistent trade winds and varied sailing conditions, provides an ideal backdrop for the event. Race Manager Jaime Torres emphasized the ARC’s focus on delivering top-class racing, challenging the world’s best teams while fostering a welcoming atmosphere for cruising boats. The ARC aims to solidify Antigua’s reputation as a premier racing destination and enrich the Caribbean regatta circuit. Entries are now open, with the race notice published on Nautical Cloud.