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标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Rain Delays Racing as Antigua Cup Heads to Final Day

    Rain Delays Racing as Antigua Cup Heads to Final Day

    # Antigua Racing Cup 2026: Penultimate Day Delivers Dramatic Tension Ahead of Final Day

    Held across the turquoise Caribbean waters off Antigua from April 8 to 12, 2026, the Antigua Racing Cup entered its highly anticipated penultimate day on Friday, with unpredictable weather testing even the most seasoned sailing crews. A fast-moving rain squall forced organizers to delay the start of racing, setting the tone for a day defined by shifting wind speeds and directions that kept tactical teams on their toes from the first start to the final finish. Alternating bursts of bright sunshine and scattered cloud cover added an extra layer of complexity to course navigation, turning every leg of the race into a test of both skill and adaptability.

    For handicap divisions CSA 2, 3 and 4, the day brought two full races and the activation of the regatta’s one-race discard rule, shaking up overall standings and setting the stage for a thrilling final day. Most of the racing for these divisions unfolded on windward-leeward courses set between the iconic Shirley Heights landmark and the entrance to Falmouth Harbour, with an offshore reaching leg added to introduce a wider range of wind angles and tactical challenges.

    ## CSA 1 (Big Boat Class): Prevail Claims Fourth Bullet After Dramatic Comeback

    The CSA 1 big boat division tackled a breathtaking 22-nautical-mile course that wound past some of Antigua’s most famous natural landmarks. The route sent competitors upwind to the eastern edge of Willoughby Bay, followed by a fast downwind run to a virtual mark five miles offshore. From there, crews sailed a tight reach toward Boggy Peak, Antigua’s highest point, before a final upwind beat outside Cades Reef to the finish line.

    Dan Gribble’s United States entry *Prevail*, a Tripp 65, crossed the finish line first in just over three hours elapsed time and held on to claim the CSA corrected time victory – its fourth bullet win of the regatta. Behind *Prevail*, Lennart Davidsson’s S&S 79 *Kialoa III* pulled off an impressive comeback to secure second place, just one day after the team suffered a broken bowsprit. John McMonigal’s British Oyster 82 *Zig Zag*, skippered by Carl Raynes, rounded out the top three.

    Speaking after the race, Davidsson noted that his team made the call to stay offshore for most of the race to take advantage of more consistent wind and favorable current. “Much of our crew comes from the Swan 65 *Saida*, also a Sparkman Stephens design, but *Kialoa III* is far larger,” he explained. “Our crew hails from Germany, Switzerland, Norway, and we even have Antiguan sailors from the Y2K youth sailing program on board. We work well as a unit, and we’re expecting more stable weather tomorrow – hopefully not too heavy, which will suit our boat perfectly.”

    ## CSA 2: All Tied Up At the Top After Two Dramatic Races

    With two races completed on the penultimate day, the CSA 2 overall standings could not be closer, setting up a winner-takes-all battle on the final day of racing. In the day’s first race (Race 6), Steve Rigby’s British GS46 *Belladonna* claimed the corrected time win by a margin of 1 minute 20 seconds over Donald Nicholson’s American J/121 *Apollo*, with Jules Mitchell’s Antiguan RP37 *Warthog* just 36 seconds behind *Apollo* in third. *Warthog* struck back in Race 7, taking the win by 1 minute 41 seconds over Bruce Chafee’s American Reichel Pugh 42 *Rikki*, with *Belladonna* just 23 seconds behind *Rikki* in third.

    After seven races, both *Belladonna* and *Warthog* sit tied atop the overall standings with 9 points apiece, while *Rikki* holds third place with 16 points. The division has emerged as the closest contest of the entire regatta, with momentum shifting race to race and almost nothing separating the top two contenders.

    Jeremy Smart of *Belladonna* noted that the tight points race has been consistent throughout the event. “We’ve been tied on points every single day so far, which is absolutely crazy, and tomorrow is guaranteed to be tight,” he said. “For our bigger, heavier boat, 14 to 16 knots of wind on a windward-leeward course would be ideal – we need a bit of breeze to power through the waves. It’s been an absolute pleasure racing against the *Warthog* team.”

    Ozani Lafond of *Warthog* has different ideal conditions, leaning into his boat’s strength on downwind legs. “We’d love to see 18 to 20 knots, because that lets us really capitalize on our downwind speed,” he explained. “On the long runs, we can stretch out and gain time. It’s all going to come down to who sails the cleanest race tomorrow.”

    ## CSA 3: Danish Blue Extends Commanding Lead

    Poul Hoj Jensen’s Antiguan entry *Danish Blue* tightened its grip on the CSA 3 title with two additional race wins on penultimate day, extending its already solid lead over the rest of the field. In Race 6, *Danish Blue* beat Katy Campbell’s Canadian entry *Panacea X* by 2 minutes 41 seconds on corrected time, with Britain’s Team Strada Awaken taking third. *Danish Blue* repeated the performance in Race 7, beating *Panacea X* again by 2 minutes 50 seconds, with Bernie Evan-Wong’s Antiguan *High Tension* taking third just 1 minute 20 seconds behind the runner-up.

    After seven races, *Danish Blue* holds a commanding lead on 6 overall points, with *Panacea X* second on 11 points and Team Strada Awaken third on 21 points. Just one point off the third-place podium is the American entry J-Aguar Powered by Heat Wave on 22 points, keeping the fight for the final podium spot alive.

    Nineteen-year-old Antiguan sailor Shanoy Malone, who sails on *Danish Blue*, represents the next generation of Caribbean talent coming up through the island’s youth sailing pathway. “I started sailing when I was six, worked my way through the local youth system, and now I get to race alongside legends of the sport right here in my home waters,” Malone said. “My job on the bow is to plan ahead, keep operations smooth, and make sure maneuvers are clean so the team can stay focused. Having my dad, Karl James, and Poul Høj-Jensen on board means I learn something new every race, and this event makes me so proud to be a young Antiguan sailor.”

    ## CSA 4: Whiplash Extends Unbeaten Streak

    Ashley Rhodes’ Antiguan Melges 24 *Whiplash* continued its perfect unbeaten run at the 2026 Antigua Racing Cup, picking up two more wins to extend its lead at the top of CSA 4. In Race 6, *Whiplash* beat Lee Oldak’s American entry *The Project* by 12 minutes 29 seconds on corrected time, with Jean-Mallory Rousseau’s French entry *Montebello Pepsi* just 37 seconds behind *The Project* in third. Race 7 was far closer, with *Whiplash* edging out *The Project* by just 15 seconds, while *Montebello Pepsi* held on to third again.

    After seven races, *Whiplash* holds a commanding lead on a perfect 7 overall points, with *The Project* second on 12 points and *Montebello Pepsi* third on 17 points. While the title race appears all but decided, the battle for the second and third podium spots remains wide open heading into the final day.

    Rousseau, whose team sails out of nearby Guadeloupe, said the regatta has offered exactly the kind of high-quality international competition his team was seeking. “We love that this event brings together so many different boat designs, so you’re not just racing on corrected time – you’re pushing hard against the boats around you in real time, which makes everyone sail better,” he explained. “Tomorrow our plan is simple: we’ll give everything we have in the first race, and depending on the standings, we might swap crew positions for the final race to let everyone experience a new role and thank the whole team. Team spirit matters more than anything.”

    ## Off the Water: Camaraderie and Relaxation Ahead of Final Day

    After a long day of intense racing on the water, crews gathered ashore at Nelson’s Dockyard for the daily prize giving and the regatta’s famous after-racing social event. Teams replayed key moments from the day’s races, swapped stories with fellow competitors, and enjoyed complimentary local hospitality, including English Harbour Rum and Amstel Beer. The relaxed atmosphere gives competitors a chance to decompress after the intensity of racing, building camaraderie ahead of the final, title-deciding day of racing tomorrow.

  • UPP to Launch Campaign with Prayer Event in Grays Farm

    UPP to Launch Campaign with Prayer Event in Grays Farm

    As Antigua and Barbuda counts down to the April 30 general election, political competition across the nation is accelerating, and the United Progressive Party (UPP) is set to formally open its campaign with a distinctive public gathering this Sunday evening in Grays Farm.

    Dubbed “Ignite: A Night of Prayer and Praise,” the official campaign launch will get underway at 6:30 p.m. at the Knuckle Block venue, with celebrated gospel performer Bridget Blucher tapped to feature as a guest artist for the evening. Unlike the traditional fiery campaign rallies that mark most election kickoffs, UPP has framed the event as a dual-purpose occasion: a spiritual community gathering that doubles as the official starting line for the party’s full slate of pre-election activities.

    Central to the party’s messaging heading into the vote is the core campaign theme “Government Must Work For You” – a slogan that puts focus on the party’s pledge to prioritize public interests if elected to office.

    The UPP’s launch comes amid a wider wave of pre-election mobilization across the country. All competing political parties have stepped up their outreach efforts in recent weeks, filling local calendars with public meetings, grassroots community events, and large-scale rallies aimed at connecting with voters and building support ahead of polling day.

  • ABLP to Host National Convention on Sunday

    ABLP to Host National Convention on Sunday

    As the countdown to Antigua and Barbuda’s upcoming general election continues, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) is gearing up to host its pivotal national convention this Sunday, an event designed to consolidate party unity and energize supporters ahead of the April 30 polls.

    Party representatives confirmed that the gathering, which will bring together delegates and grassroots supporters from every electoral constituency across the twin-island nation, will be broadcast live starting at 3 p.m. local time. This digital streaming option has been implemented to expand access beyond in-person attendees, allowing members of the general public and party supporters who cannot attend physically to follow the proceedings and engage with the party’s policy agenda and electoral vision.

    Event organizers have framed the convention as a landmark gathering for the ABLP, coming at a time when official campaigning is ramping up across the country. The core priorities of the one-day event are to reinforce cross-constituency solidarity and lay the groundwork for a coordinated national mobilization effort that will carry the party through to election day.

    This weekend’s convention marks the culmination of a weeks-long series of public outreach events hosted by the ABLP, which has been working steadily to connect with voters and build momentum ahead of the polls. Political observers widely view the national gathering as a make-or-break moment for the party’s campaign, expected to set the tone for its final push and clarify its strategic direction heading into the general election.

  • Missing Link Candidate Seeks Entry in St John’s Rural West Race

    Missing Link Candidate Seeks Entry in St John’s Rural West Race

    As Antigua and Barbuda prepares to hold its general election on April 30, a new political voice is emerging to challenge the dominance of the nation’s two leading political blocs. Nigel Bascus, president of the Missing Link–Voice of the People Party (MLVOP), has announced his bid for the St John’s Rural West parliamentary seat, casting himself as a grassroots alternative disconnected from the established political order.

    A working fisherman by profession, Bascus has pushed back against the common narrative that political candidates are driven by personal gain. In comments outlining his campaign motivation, he emphasized that his candidacy is rooted in public service rather than financial reward or elevated social status. “I’m not running for a bigger paycheck… I’m just running to make my country better,” he stated, framing his campaign as a people-centered movement rather than a quest for personal advancement.

    Before he can officially appear on the ballot, Bascus must secure the 10 qualifying nominations required by local election rules. Once this requirement is met, he will go head-to-head with two established opponents: Michael Joseph, the candidate fielded by the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), and Richard Lewis, representing the United Progressive Party (UPP). Bascus told reporters he has already confirmed all required nominators, putting him on track to meet the nomination deadline and formalize his candidacy.

    The core of Bascus’s campaign platform centers on two historically underprioritized sectors that he argues are critical to the nation’s long-term stability: agriculture and aquaculture. Bascus pointed out that despite the key role these industries play in guaranteeing national food security, successive governments have repeatedly sidelined them in policy and budget allocations. To address this gap, he has already launched a skills training initiative designed to equip local residents with practical expertise in sustainable farming and commercial fishing, laying early groundwork for the policy changes he hopes to implement if elected.

    To connect directly with voters in the rural constituency, Bascus plans to run a grassroots, community-focused campaign that bypasses costly, disconnected national advertising campaigns. His outreach strategy includes door-to-door house visits to speak with voters one-on-one, regular appearances on local radio to answer questions and share his platform, and targeted direct engagement with community groups across the district.

  • Hurricane Risk Lower in 2026, But Threat Still Real

    Hurricane Risk Lower in 2026, But Threat Still Real

    As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, new seasonal projections bring a glimmer of cautious optimism to Caribbean nations, while emergency planners and climate researchers continue to stress that extreme weather threats remain far from eliminated. The latest outlook from Colorado State University’s renowned Tropical Meteorology Project, headed by leading tropical climate researcher Philip J. Klotzbach, paints a picture of reduced hurricane risk for the Caribbean this year.

    The team’s analysis estimates just a 35% probability that at least one Category 3 or higher major hurricane will track across the Caribbean region in 2026. This percentage is noticeably lower than the 47% long-term average that has been recorded over decades of storm tracking, pointing to a potentially less active season than the region typically experiences.

    Broader projections for the entire Atlantic basin also point to below-average storm activity overall. The official forecast calls for 13 named storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes for the full season, which formally gets underway on June 1 each year.

    Despite the downward adjustment to risk forecasts, lead forecasters have been quick to push back against any sense of complacency, particularly for small, vulnerable island nations including Antigua and Barbuda. The research team’s report emphasizes a core lesson repeated across hurricane preparedness campaigns: even in a season with low overall projected activity, a single landfalling major hurricane is enough to trigger catastrophic destruction and turn a quiet season into a disaster for affected communities. The report explicitly urges all coastal residents across the Caribbean to maintain constant vigilance and keep emergency plans updated.

    Meteorologists attribute the expected dip in Atlantic storm activity to the anticipated formation of El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean. The El Niño climate pattern is well-documented to increase vertical wind shear across the Atlantic basin, a atmospheric condition that disrupts the formation and strengthening of tropical cyclones.

    That said, significant uncertainty still surrounds the ultimate strength of the El Niño pattern during the peak of hurricane season, which runs from August through October. The intensity of this climate pattern will play a decisive role in shaping actual storm activity across the region, meaning final outcomes could still shift from current projections.

    For Caribbean governments and local authorities, the core priority remains unchanged: robust pre-season preparation is non-negotiable. Small island developing states across the region disproportionately bear the risk of hurricane damage, with underdeveloped infrastructure and coastal communities that remain extremely exposed to storm surge, extreme wind, and flooding. Even a moderate storm can trigger widespread disruption and long-term economic damage in these contexts.

    As the countdown to the June 1 start of the 2026 hurricane season continues, regional authorities are moving forward with full readiness efforts, including updating emergency response protocols, restocking emergency supplies, and running public preparedness campaigns to ensure communities are ready if a storm does strike.

  • HAPI Programme Hands Over New Home to Briggins Resident

    HAPI Programme Hands Over New Home to Briggins Resident

    In an emotional ceremony that highlights the human impact of government-led social support initiatives, a Briggins resident has been given the keys to her very own new home through Antigua and Barbuda’s Housing Assistance Programme for Vulnerable Individuals (HAPPI), a scheme designed to lift low-income and vulnerable community members out of inadequate housing.

    Dawn Simon, the beneficiary of this latest handover, broke into tears of joy as representatives of the Social Protection Board, operating under the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, officially transferred ownership of the property to her. Officials framed the moment as a key incremental milestone for the ongoing programme, which has steadily expanded its reach across the twin-island nation.

    Mary Baltimore, Operations Manager of the Social Protection Board, emphasized during the ceremony that the handover represented far more than the transfer of a physical building. Speaking directly to a visibly moved Simon, Baltimore noted that the property was more than concrete and timber—it was a stable, secure foundation for the future, a space Simon could truly call her own. “I know that you are happy. I know the tears are tears of joy,” Baltimore said. “It’s not only a home. We want you to know it’s not a building, but it’s a home. And we are happy today to actually hand over that building to you.”

    Sarah Stewart, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, reaffirmed the programme’s lasting positive impact on communities across Antigua and Barbuda, noting that successive handovers have transformed the daily lives of hundreds of vulnerable residents. Stewart praised the government’s commitment to closing the country’s affordable housing gap, calling the initiative a landmark achievement for the nation’s social development agenda. She also extended gratitude to the Social Protection Board’s staff and the private sector partners that have supported the programme’s expansion. “The government is really, really, really, really doing something wonderful for the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” Stewart said.

    For her part, Simon offered heartfelt thanks to the government officials, programme administrators, and supporting stakeholders who helped make her dream of homeownership a reality. She singled out senior political leaders and programme staff for their ongoing support, ending her remarks with a call for the work to continue. “I’d like to thank Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, Mrs. Gumbs, also the Honourable State—cutie Benjamin, the Honourable Maria Browne and the staff of HAPPI programme. May God bless you all and y’all keep up the good works,” she said.

    Private sector support extended beyond programme funding, with one local business stepping forward to provide an additional gift to Simon to help her settle into her new home. King’s Casino, a long-time supporter of HAPPI beneficiaries, donated a 50-inch television to Simon, while another major corporate partner, the West Indies Oil Company, contributed other forms of practical assistance to the project.

    This latest handover marks another incremental step forward for the HAPPI programme, which is advancing its core mission: one home at a time, the initiative is working to lift vulnerable residents out of substandard housing and build long-term, stable communities across Antigua and Barbuda.

  • Antigua and Barbuda fall 4-0 to Jamaica as Shaw scores hat-trick

    Antigua and Barbuda fall 4-0 to Jamaica as Shaw scores hat-trick

    In a hotly contested Concacaf Women’s Championship qualifying clash held in Kingston on Saturday, Jamaica secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Antigua and Barbuda’s women’s national team, with star captain Khadija “Bunny” Shaw delivering a standout three-goal performance that cemented her side’s position at the top of Group B.

    Though the final scoreline leaned heavily in Jamaica’s favor, Antigua and Barbuda’s squad put on a gritty, determined display from the opening whistle that earned widespread praise even in defeat. The breakthrough for the home side came just moments before the halftime break, when Shaw stepped up to the penalty spot. She sent Antigua and Barbuda goalkeeper Anik Jarvis diving the wrong direction to slot home the opening goal, putting Jamaica up 1-0 going into the interval.

    Shaw’s momentum did not slow after the restart. Just minutes into the second half, she fired a powerful left-footed strike from inside the 18-yard box to double Jamaica’s lead. Before Antigua and Barbuda could regroup, Shaw completed her hat-trick, rising above the defense to nod a floated cross into the back of the net. An additional late goal from Jamaica pushed the final score to 4-0.

    The three points from this win brings Jamaica’s total to nine points from three group stage matches, keeping them firmly at the top of Group B and on track to secure a spot in the Concacaf Championship finals scheduled for later this year. Despite the lopsided score, Antigua and Barbuda’s side emphasized post-match that their squad turned in a “strong and spirited performance,” with observers highlighting the team’s resilience and fight throughout the 90 minutes against the higher-ranked Jamaican side.

  • Final Day of Zero ABST on Food and School Supplies Underway

    Final Day of Zero ABST on Food and School Supplies Underway

    Shoppers across Antigua and Barbuda are racing against the clock to lock in savings, as the second and final day of the government’s temporary zero-rated Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) initiative on food and school supplies enters its final hours. Launched yesterday, this two-day tax relief program was crafted as a targeted intervention to ease mounting cost-of-living pressures for households across the twin-island nation, putting much-needed financial relief within reach for families stocking up on daily essentials and back-to-school necessities.

    Regulated by the Inland Revenue Department, the tax break applies to a clearly defined set of qualifying goods. All food products falling under tariff codes 1000 through 2501, plus biscuits, are eligible for the zero-tax designation. The extensive list of qualifying school supplies covers nearly every item students need for the academic year: writing tools including pencils, pens, markers, highlighters, crayons, and colored pencils; classroom accessories such as erasers, sharpeners, rulers, glue, glue sticks, scissors, and pencil cases; paper goods and organization supplies including construction paper, notebooks, index cards, binder sheets, folders, binders, and graph paper; along with larger necessities like geometry sets, calculators, school uniforms, school bags, art supplies, information technology supplies, and home economics supplies. Footwear for students is also included in the tax-free eligible list.

    Just as the eligibility parameters are clearly outlined, so are the exclusions, which have remained unchanged since the program was announced. Products excluded from the tax relief include all beer and other alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, manufacturing extracts, animal feed, and live plants.

    To ensure compliance with the program’s rules, local retailers have received formal guidance to log all qualifying sales under the dedicated zero-rated line on official ABST filing forms. Tax officials have also encouraged consumers to double-check whether an item is eligible for the tax break directly at the point of sale to avoid confusion at checkout.

    With the entire initiative set to expire at midnight local time, industry observers anticipate a significant surge in foot traffic and sales across supermarkets, office supply stores, and general retail outlets, as thrifty consumers rush to make last-minute purchases and maximize the savings offered by the temporary tax break.

  • LETTER: to the CEO of the Medicinal Cannabis Authority

    LETTER: to the CEO of the Medicinal Cannabis Authority

    A member of the public in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has put forward a structured policy proposal to enhance the credibility and clinical quality of the nation’s licensed medicinal cannabis distribution outlets, calling for the placement of registered medical doctors on-site at all dispensaries. The suggestion comes after the writer attended two recent public discussions on medicinal cannabis that reshaped their perspective on the emerging industry.

    The first event was a radio interview on Observer FM with Regis Burton, Chief Executive Officer of the country’s Medicinal Cannabis Authority. The second was a televised panel discussion hosted by attorney Elease St. Romain, which featured a Vincentian medical doctor who publicly endorsed the clinical use of cannabis. These appearances marked a noticeable shift in public discourse: long-held social stigma and irrational fear surrounding cannabis use for medical purposes are gradually fading, thanks in large part to expanded public education efforts led by the Medicinal Cannabis Authority.

    Burton’s deep expertise and clear communication about the regulated cannabis industry left a strong positive impression on the writer, who noted that growing numbers of local residents are now open to accepting cannabis as a legitimate treatment option. Unfortunately, the Observer FM radio host did not open the segment to public questions, leaving the writer unable to share their idea during the live broadcast.

    The core of the proposal is a model that mirrors standard primary care clinics: rather than relying on nursing staff with more limited medical training to assess patient needs, each licensed cannabis outlet would employ a licensed physician to lead its dispensary team and serve as the primary point of clinical contact for patients. The writer adds that the plan would also address a pressing local employment issue: Saint Vincent currently has a surplus of newly graduated medical doctors, many of whom cannot secure positions at overcrowded public hospitals. Deploying these qualified young clinicians to medicinal cannabis outlets would solve two problems at once, boosting both the reputability of the regulated cannabis sector and employment opportunities for new medical graduates.

  • Antigua Racing Cup: Trade Wind Rhythm, Caribbean Blues

    Antigua Racing Cup: Trade Wind Rhythm, Caribbean Blues

    Every spring, the turquoise waters off the coast of Antigua become the stage for one of Caribbean sailing’s most anticipated annual showdowns: the Antigua Racing Cup. Pulling in top-tier crews from more than 20 countries across the globe, the event has cemented its reputation as a bucket-list stop for competitive sailors who crave a unique mix of world-class racing and the unbeatable vibe of the Caribbean. The 2024 iteration of the race, which wrapped earlier this month, delivered exactly what competitors and spectators have come to expect: blustery trade winds that tested every seam of sails and every decision of skippers, stunning blue backdrops that make even the toughest races feel like a paradise escape, and unexpected on-water drama that kept fans on edge until the final crossing of the finish line.

    What sets the Antigua Racing Cup apart from other elite sailing competitions around the world is its one-of-a-kind relationship with the region’s famous trade winds. Blowing consistently at 15 to 25 knots throughout race week, these steady but dynamic winds create a playing field that rewards both raw speed and tactical precision. Unlike races held in erratic coastal wind patterns, Antigua’s conditions let crews push their yachts to the absolute limit, with many maxi divisions posting average speeds that top 18 knots across the 40-nautical-mile course. This year’s event featured six separate divisions spanning from classic wooden sailing yachts to cutting-edge carbon-fiber maxi racers, ensuring that every style of sailor got a chance to compete for silverware.

    Beyond the competitive racing, the event is as much a celebration of sailing culture as it is a contest. Post-race beach barbecues, live reggae sets, and informal crew gatherings along English Harbour draw thousands of visitors each year, boosting Antigua’s maritime tourism sector and bringing together sailing communities from across the world. Local organizers have worked for decades to balance elite competition with accessible, fan-friendly fun, allowing casual spectators to watch race starts from shore and even join spectator boats to get up close to the action. For many visiting sailors, the race becomes a yearly pilgrimage, combining their love of competitive sailing with a chance to relax in one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful coastal settings.

    This year’s edition saw a surprise victory in the premier maxi division, as the 100-foot sloop *Trade Wind Rhythm* pulled ahead on the final leg of the race to edge out defending champion *Caribbean Blues* by just 47 seconds. The photo finish capped off three days of back-and-forth racing, with the two yachts trading the lead at every mark. After the race, *Trade Wind Rhythm* skipper Sarah Johnson called the win “the result of a year of training and perfect teamwork, and we couldn’t have asked for better wind to pull it off.” Organizers have already opened registration for the 2025 Antigua Racing Cup, which is set to kick off in late April, with early sign-ups already 20 percent higher than last year’s record pace.