In less than two months, Antigua Sailing Week, the Caribbean's longest running and best-known regatta, will be in full flow and there is still time to experience one of the top sailing regattas worldwide. Competitors will be flocking to Antigua from all over the world, sailors and yachts from well-over a dozen countries are coming to the magical island in the central Caribbean.
Preparations are gathering pace for the grande finale of the Caribbean yacht racing season and it is going to be an occasion not to be missed. This year the bigger boats that are attracted to the event from all over the world, will be joined by Dragon sailors, dinghy sailors and those who just want to come and experience the fantastic shore side activities.
The sailing grounds around Antigua are rightly described as some of the best in the world. This was very much in evidence during the recent RORC Caribbean 600, which provided some spectacular sailing. Antigua boasts some of the best hotels, beaches, restaurants and bars in the Caribbean and Antigua Sailing Week will be enhancing these outstanding facilities with some memorable parties and occasions.
The hub of all the activities will be in the historic surroundings of Nelson's Dockyard. The 18th century dockyard will be the home of the Event Village, a brand new concept. The Beer Tent in the Event Village will be the heart of the party, open to everyone daily after racing and well into the evening. Food and drink will be available at reasonable prices, it will be a place for all to rub shoulders and enjoy live music and entertainment as well as the days' results and action via great photography and videos. The Chivas VIP lounge will also be located in Nelson's Dockyard, a private venue for invited guests to chill out in comfortable surroundings.
Antigua has some of the most spectacular beaches anywhere in the world with superb restaurants and bars, taking advantage of the breath-taking vistas across the azure blue ocean. Antigua Sailing Week provides the opportunity to experience the best of Antigua. There are parties scheduled for Galleon Beach, Shirley Heights, JollyHarbour and Dickinson Bay. Lay Day this year will take place in Falmouth Harbour with some hi-jinx aquatic events designed to add some sidesplitting fun to the day and through into the night. The activities will start in the afternoon, leaving plenty of time to chill out in the morning on one of Antigua's world famous beaches or to enjoy a myriad of other activities.
This year, Antigua Sailing Week will not be just for the keelboats and multihulls. A number of International Dragons and RS Elite dinghies are available for charter at very competitive rates with or without accommodation packages, allowing aficionados of different aspects of the sport to join in the fun at the Caribbean's most famous regatta.
During Antigua Sailing Week thousands of visitors will be experiencing one of the highlights of the worldwide yacht racing scene. If you don't want to miss out, visit the official Antigua Sailing Week website and register now. Photo by Ted Martin.
