ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB

The 22nd Budget Marine ILCA and 7th Optimist Open took place on March 22nd and 23rd, 2025, hosted by the Antigua Yacht Club.

This year’s event attracted a competitive fleet of 17 boats in ILCA  class and 9 in Optimist, featuring sailors from Antigua, St. Vincent, and the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The regatta was characterized by favorable sailing conditions, with winds ranging from 10 to 20 knots, allowing for exciting races and closely contested finishes.

The regatta showcased a diverse group of young sailors, with participants competing in both the ILCA and Optimist classes. The inclusion of sailors from St. Vincent and the BVI added to the competitive spirit and camaraderie among the participants. The event served as a platform for emerging talent in the Caribbean sailing community, promoting the sport and fostering international friendships.

The weather conditions over the two days were optimal for sailing. Competitors enjoyed consistent winds that varied between 10 to 20 knots, providing thrilling racing experiences.

The Antigua Yacht Club’s team ensured a well-organized event, with timely starts and effective race management that allowed for 12 races over the two day.

Race Results - View & Download Here

The competition was fierce, particularly in the ILCA class, where the top two sailors finished the regatta tied on points. This remarkable outcome highlighted the skill and determination of the competitors. The final results were as follows:

Jules Mitchell - 22nd Budget Marine Antigua ILCA Champion

1st Place: JulesMitchell  points 30

2nd Place: Ozani Lafond  points  30

3rd Place: Diego Ewinger  points 37

photo credit: Ed Gifford

- Other notable mention

1st PlaceI ILCA 6: Alistair Knoblauch

1st Place ILCA  4.7: Kai Mark-Desent  

The tie on points led to a thrilling showdown in the final race, showcasing the high level of skill and strategy employed by the sailors. The performance of the top competitors received accolades from fellow participants and spectators alike.

In the Optimist Advance

1st Place: Tyden Jones

2nd Place: Lluc Agusti

3rd place: Ruben Van Hest

Tyden Jones - 7th Budget Marine Antigua Optimist Champion

Optimist Green Fleet:

1st Place: Dale Byron

2nd Place: Adam Camacho

3rd places: Tyson Richardson Jr

More Photos from the event can be found on our website - Here

The 22nd Budget Marine ILCA and 7th Optimist Open was a resounding success, reinforcing Antigua’s reputation as a premier sailing destination. The event not only provided a platform for competitive sailing but also fostered a sense of community among sailors from different regions. The Antigua Yacht Club’s commitment to hosting high-quality events continues to contribute to the growth of sailing in the Caribbean.

We extend our gratitude to Budget Marine title sponsor for their generous support, as well as to Barbie Restaurant for providing very tasty lunches for the sailors. Thanks also goes to the Antigua Yacht Club staff ,and to the volunteer race committee for their exceptional organization of this year’s regatta.

We look forward to seeing everyone again at next year’s event, where we hope to see even more participants and exciting racing.

photo credit: Ed Gifford