ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK

Berenice - Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi

With just over five months until Antigua Sailing Week, entries are coming in thick and fast from all over the world.  Compared to this time last year, five times the number of entries have been received for the oldest and most prestigious regatta in the Caribbean calendar.

Antigua Sailing Week has always attracted the big boats and Italian, Marco Rodolfi’s Swan 80, Berenice, was one of the first yachts to enter.  Rodolfi is a highly experienced sailor, having competed in the Farr 40 Class and numerous Swan Worlds in previous boats, but Berenice is brand new. The magnificent Swan 80 was the first of its kind to be built by Nautor’s Swan and is heading for the Caribbean in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) race. It is expected that many of the 250-boat fleet competing in the ARC will be coming to race at Antigua Sailing Week.

Lee Overlay Partners - Tim Wright

Adrian Lee’s Cookson 50, Lee Overlay Partners, will be back to defend the Ocean Series Trophy. Adrian wouldn’t miss the opportunity to race at what he describes as ‘a real one-off’. Three ocean races are scheduled during the week, ideal for lovers of offshore racing but also a good night’s sleep.

"Lee Overlay Partners’ campaign is exclusively focused on offshore racing, the marathon race versus the sprint. It is a unique part of the sport and Antigua Sailing Week’s Ocean Series allows us to take part in one of the best sailing regattas in the world and maintain our offshore roots,” commented Adrian Lee.

“The Ocean Series is a real one-off, you get the thrill of sailing offshore, surfing down waves and the added benefit of returning back to Antigua each evening to enjoy the shoreside activities and sleep in a comfortable bed. The Ocean Series satisfies all the aspects I love about sailing: skill, technology, experience and teamwork and a lot of persistence. Ocean racing around Antigua is great fun; constant trade winds eliminate a lot of the 'crap shoot' that often plagues offshore events in cyclonic regions. I feel it’s a much fairer test and the sunshine helps a lot too!"

From 24th  - 29th April, Bernie Evan-Wong will not be hard at work at his dental practice in Antigua, but grinning from ear to ear on his modified Cal 40, Huey Too. As Bernie explains:
“I believe this will be my 29th regatta and I can safely say no two Sailing Weeks have ever been the same, each one is a new challenge. Winning your class at Antigua Sailing Week is a definite must for any serious sailor.

“The 2011 edition promises to be more friendly to the smaller boats and crews as you can race, win and still have energy to come ashore afterwards and have some fun partying, relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the island.

“The big boats will also be catered for with challenging courses of suitable distances. Antigua Sailing Week has the most beautiful, gleaming silver trophies of all the Caribbean regattas and I truly think sailing in it is very special and worth the effort. Beautiful sailing conditions, challenging courses, well-organised  racing, and good shore parties.”

Gold sponsor, OnDeck has experienced unprecedented demand for the regatta. Last year was a complete sell out and the company has all ready entered 10 yachts for the 2011 event, most of which are completely booked. However they still have a few opportunities left for individuals and parties of guests.

More entries are expected soon with expressions of interest from; Tom and Dot Hill’s Reichel Pugh 75, Titan 15, Richard Matthews’ brand new Humphreys 54, Oystercatcher XXVII and The British Army Sailing Association’s A40, British Soldier, to name just a few.

Book the end of April in your diary for Antigua Sailing Week, bring good spirits and leave your worries behind, this is going to be a regatta not to be missed. For information, charter opportunities and on-line entry, visit: www.sailingweek.com.

Article written by Louay Habib