ANTIGUA CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA
One of the most renowned Classic Races worldwide, the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta takes place every April, just before Antigua Sailing Week and is hosted by the Antigua Yacht Club.
The official start of the Yacht Regatta is the Concours d’Elégance, an opportunity for owners and crew to show off the care and attention they give to their yacht, with prizes for 1st in Class. ya Judging takes place in the morning, where the beauty and spectacle of classic yachts moored together in Nelson's Dockyard is a truly magnificent sight. There is also a unique and challenging Single-Handed Race in the afternoon where yachts of up to 120ft can choose to compete against each other.
There follows three days of racing from and back to a position off Windward beach which is easily viewed from land from the many vista points along the coastline. The huge variety of classic yachts including traditional island craft, classic ketches, sloops, schooners and yawls together with the stunningly beautiful Spirit of Tradition yachts, J Class and Tall Ships navigate the course and take you right back in history.
The whole regatta has the feel of a bygone era, with the inclusion of the Parade of Classics in English Harbour, where you can catch sailors bedecked in period costume after the Sunday race.
The Monday afternoon sees traditional gig racing and a cream tea party at The Admiral's Inn which completes the feeling that you have been transported back in time and prepares all for The Prize Giving that evening.
The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is a truly fantastic spectacle not to be missed in Antigua. The camaraderie of all involved is infectious. To find out more visit: www.antiguaclassics.com
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