Anyone who attended the fantastic Sailing Week parties last year will remember that not only were there hundreds of sailors, but thousands of Antiguans and Barbudans enjoying the lime. That of course is to be expected when after Carnival, Sailing Week is the biggest week of our event calendar.
Of course like most events the organization is heavily dependent upon funds from sponsors and the help of volunteers to make it happen and this year is no exception. The new team has been working since July 2010 to entice back the sailors back to our shores for a fantastic week of racing on the water and shore side parties.
So how can you help? Well the Antigua Sailing Week team is looking for volunteers to help in this year’s event. They need Antiguans and residents involved in everything from meeters and greeters, to Tweeters, time keepers and ……carpenters, bar staff, help with erecting event village, manning the media room. You name it, they need it!
For 2011 there are definitely a few things that are new and different, not least of which is that the racing itself will be shorter (and very competitive) which means the sailors will have more time to enjoy all that we can offer in Antigua. The parties kick off with the Galleon Beach Bash in English Harbour on the first Sunday, and after hitting the heights at Shirley Heights, the docks at Jolly Harbour and the Marina in Nelson’s Dockyard, which this year will host not only the prize giving, the Captain’s Cocktail and the media launch but also the Beer Tent all week, will head to the Streets of English Harbour for Dockyard Day and the Street Party, and will end back at Dickenson Bay Beach for the Chillout Beach Bash.
Aside from that there will be a new team in town, the SWAT team (Sailing Week Antigua Team). Their role is to welcome and assist our visitors throughout the week ensuring they have a fabulous time and can’t wait to come back not just to Antigua Sailing Week in 2012 but for vacations throughout their life time.
Probably the most important international event of the year, Antigua Sailing Week’s registrations are going well for 2011 with 86 boats now registered compared to 32 this time last year. Wouldn’t you like to be part of the team that helped Antigua Sailing Week rise back to the top?
If you would like to get involved, come along to the Volunteer Sign up Party form 6pm to 8pm on Monday 21st March in the upstairs Members Room at the Antigua Yacht Club in English Harbour. You will get the opportunity to meet the management team and discuss the required roles and responsibilities. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get experience in managing a world class event and in helping build our tourism product and hence investment in Antigua and Barbuda.
If you would like to speak with someone call Alison on 725-4692, Paddy 764-1113, Gerry – 464-6002, Tracy 726-5098 or Kathy 720-9270. If you can’t attend and would like to get involved email info@sailingweek.com as soon as possible.Â
