An air of excitement will be taking over the Caribbean island of Antigua as its   Annual Sailing Week approaches. This event is hailed as one of the most distinguished yacht races in the world and takes place annually during April.

Now incredibly successful, Antigua Sailing Week certainly has an interesting history behind it. The very first Sailing Week dates back to 1968. What started out as a regatta to prolong tourist activity became something much bigger. With news of the event reaching further afield, the event was sponsored by the Antigua Hotel Association and boats from the Caribbean, USA and Canada were also able to race. Thus, the Antigua Sailing Week came to fruition. The positive turnout of the Sailing Week meant it could carry on as an annual event, where those passionate about yacht racing could compete or observe the various happenings.

Now, Antigua Sailing Week entices racers and spectators from all corners of the globe. From amateur to professional level racers, all are attending to sail their yachts on the crystal-clear waters of the island. With a staggering 100+ yachts competing at the island’s Falmouth and English Harbours, this event is guaranteed to be quite the spectacle. The yachts are said to be between 24 – 100 feet in size, consisting of serious racing boats and non-professional boats. The event also features spectator boats, where guests are placed right in the middle of it all.

Throughout the week, a plethora of events are held both on and off the water. The sailing events begin a day prior to the actual races on Friday , where a preliminary Racing Rules of Sailing Seminar is held to prepare for the week ahead. The first race is the Peters & May Round Antigua Race. This race is fully optional and separate from the rest later in the week. Because the scoring is separate, racers are welcomed to participate as practice for when the races do count. The official English Harbour Race Days begin on Sunday 26th April, where they continue over 5 days. The Race Days are also topped off with daily prizes.

Meanwhile, off the water, there are equally as many exciting things happening. One of the events is called Chase the Race, where spectators board a boat and follow the racers on the official Race Days. For spectators who prefer to remain on land, the races can be watched from the island’s south coast. Some wonderful locations from which to view the races include Fort Charlotte, Carlisle Bay, Shirley Heights and more. There is also the option to hike up to some breath-taking viewing points, where the racing boats are displayed in a glorious procession. The viewing points are among the likes of Fort Berkeley, Carpenter’s Rock and the Middle Ground Trail.

Some other events on land include the Shirley Heights Lookout Breakfast, Reggae in the Park and the Lay Day Beach Party. The Shirley Heights Lookout Breakfast is going ahead on Sunday 26th April, where guests will have breakfast with a view of the races amongst stunning coastal scenery. The 10th Reggae in the Park happens just a few days later  at the UNESCO Heritage site on Nelson’s Dockyard. Scheduled to begin at 6pm in the evening until 1am, Reggae in the Park is an unmissable party full of feel-good reggae music. Reported to be performing are Christopher Martin as the headline artist, supported by Junior Kelly. Reggae in the Park is the place to be for those searching for the ultimate Caribbean cultural experience. The Lay Day Beach Party  is located at Pigeon Point Beach. The party begins at 11am, followed by a full day packed with food, drinks and fun water and land activities.

The last day of Antigua Sailing Week will be a night to remember at the Final Awards Ceremony & Party. Located at Nelson’s Dockyard, everyone is invited to see and celebrate prizes being won. The party will continue until 1am; a perfect way to conclude a week of sport, sunshine and sumptuous events. It is said that the Governor General of Antigua will be attending and presenting the awards.

Additional events will also take place at the National Parks Authority Dockyard Day and Beating of the Retreat. Reportedly, the Antiguan flag gets lowered at these events, representing the official conclusion of Sailing Week. Antigua Sailing Week is certainly be something to look forward to each year. For competitors and spectators alike, it is sure to be nothing short of a seaside sensation.