The Antigua Racing Cup may be the newest regatta in the Caribbean, but its roots run deep in the sailing history of Antigua & Barbuda. Created as the evolutionary spin-off from Antigua Sailing Week, the Antigua Racing Cup represents a bold reset. Rather than stretching one large event to serve multiple types of teams, the Antigua Racing Cup delivers a focused technical racing environment specifically designed for high-performance race boats, modern performance cruisers, and one-design classes.
As Race Director Jaime Torres (JT) explains, this is not simply a new addition to the calendar; it is a complete rethinking of how racing should be delivered in one of the worlds most fabulous sailing destinations.
Q: The Antigua Racing Cup is a new regatta, but it clearly has deep roots. How do you describe what this event is trying to be?
JT: The Antigua Racing Cup may be new but its foundations are firmly embedded in Antiguas sailing history It has been created as an evolutionary step from Antigua Sailing Week rather than a complete break from the past The idea was not to stretch one large event to cover every possible type of boat and sailor but instead to create clarity The Antigua Racing Cup is designed as a focused technical racing event aimed squarely at high performance race boats modern performance cruisers and one design classes
Rather than compromise to accommodate everyone this event has been built with a clear purpose and a defined audience It represents a rethink of how fantastic racing can be delivered in Antigua with precision intent and identity
Q: Why was it necessary to create a separate event rather than continue evolving Antigua Sailing Week
JT: Antigua Sailing Week began in 1968 and over time it tried to serve every possible group from cruising boats and club racers through to maxis and professional race teams That inevitably led to compromise Race management had to satisfy very different expectations which limited what could be achieved on the water
By separating the events each can now focus properly on the sailors it is designed for The Antigua Racing Cup is unapologetically technical and competitive Antigua Sailing Week reimagined can lean more fully into its own strengths This clarity allows both events to flourish rather than dilute each other
Q: What makes Antigua the right location for a high performance racing event like this
JT: Antigua has long been the spiritual home of Caribbean yacht racing It is where most European race boats arrive and depart from the region where professional support teams base themselves and where the marine services infrastructure operates year round rather than being built temporarily
The south coast of Antigua offers exceptional sailing conditions There are reliable trade winds manageable current big ocean swell and dramatic coastal features Courses are close to the harbours meaning less motoring to start lines and more racing Ashore everything is concentrated in a small area Bars restaurants and social venues already exist creating a real village atmosphere connected directly to the racing rather than a temporary pop up environment
Start line brings boats incredibly close to the rugged coast line
Q The Notice of Race talks about delivering the best racing in the Caribbean What does that mean in practice
JT Best racing means courses that are designed for the boats actually racing them Fast boats want powerful reaching legs and sustained speed One design fleets need tight windward leeward racing where boat handling and tactics are everything Performance cruisers want challenge without being overwhelmed
It also means listening to competitors Bringing teams directly into the race office and asking what kind of racing they want is something rarely seen elsewhere but it produces better outcomes Virtual marks allow course designers complete freedom removing historical constraints and allowing courses to be shaped purely around conditions and class needs
An International Jury led by world class officials reinforces professionalism and trust ensuring results are respected by both local and international competitors
Q Why introduce optional IRC scoring alongside CSA for keelboats
JT The CSA Rating Rule has been the backbone of Caribbean racing for decades and remains central to the region At the same time many international teams already arrive with IRC certificates through RORC participation Allowing boats to race under both systems makes the Antigua Racing Cup more accessible and more globally relevant
This is not an experiment but a collaboration CSA still determines where boats race on the water while IRC provides an additional competitive layer The aim is to strengthen relationships between Caribbean events and the wider offshore racing world while respecting local heritage
Q Why was early April chosen for the Antigua Racing Cup
JT Timing is critical Traditional late season dates made it difficult for teams to return to Europe or North America in time for summer programmes By moving earlier competitors can enjoy top class Caribbean racing and still transition smoothly into their next campaigns
The four day format strikes a balance between meaningful competition and sustainability It allows for variety without excessive fatigue or cost Nelsons Dockyard provides a natural focal point combining history atmosphere and practicality and ensuring crews share a genuine sense of community throughout the event
Q How do you see the Antigua Racing Cup developing over the next few years
JT Success is not just about fleet size It is about consistency of experience The ambition is for sailors to trust that the Antigua Racing Cup will deliver excellent racing every year Adaptable responsive and never static
Splitting a fifty eight year old event required conviction but it allows both regattas to develop clear identities The Antigua Racing Cup represents a willingness to make bold change in pursuit of better racing
The Antigua Racing Cup has found its purpose built on nearly 60 years of Caribbean racing experience but with a firm focus on the future Now it is ready to find its audience
As of end December eighteen boats have already entered from the pocket rocket Melges 24 Whiplash to the pro team on Rikki to Spirit of Juno a race charter powerhouse The event is also open to performance Multihulls and One Design Classes such as RS Elites and Diam 24s
Carlo Falcones Caccia al Volpe
The Antigua Racing Cup is the opening chapter of a powerful three-part celebration of racing in Antigua during April.
From 08–12 April 2026, the inaugural Antigua Racing Cup delivers for the high-end racers. Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta follows from April 15-19, appealing to classic and spirit-of-tradition yachts. The month concludes with the wonderfully re-imagined Antigua Sailing Week from 22–26 April, focused on destination sailing and point-to-point racing around Antigua, proudly continuing a legacy as one of the worlds oldest and most established sailing regattas.
