ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK

During Antigua Sailing Week starting on Saturday, there are 35 different courses for the Race Officials to choose from for racing on each day. All courses start and finish either south of Windward Beach or south of Rendezvous Bay outside Falmouth Harbour. Boats race an averageof three and a maximum of four hours each day, with the first starts provisionally at 10 am each day.

Spectators can have great views of the racing from Fort Charlotte, Shirley Heights, the Blockhouse, Rendezvous Beach, Carpenter's Rock, Carlisle Bay and Curtain Bluff.

On the first day, April 26, the Yachting World Round Antigua Race will take place with the first start south of Fort Charlotte at approximately 8 am. Spectators will be able to view the boats from virtually any beach or hill location as the race progresses completely around the island. The first boats will begin approaching the finish line by apprximately 1:30 pm. Fort Charlotte and Shirley Heights are excellent viewing points for watching the starts and finishes.

On Sunday, not only can spectators get the best views for the start of the race, but can also enjoy the Shirley Heights Lookout Breakfast Party from 8-11 am, as well as view the America's Cup Trophy from 9-11 am right there on site. The race that day should start at 10 am.

If anyone wants to get even closer to the action, several yacht charter and touring companies offer "Chase the Race" boats where a seat on a vessel following the races can be purchased. These include Wadadli Cats, Ondeck, Miramar Sailing and Tropical Adventures.

Photo of Shirley Heights vantage point provided by KC Nash