Announcing the Antigua Racing Cup, April 9-12, 2026 – April Marks a Month of Regattas in Antigua & Barbuda

There will be a month of yacht racing fun in Antigua & Barbuda in 2026. The island’s Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Investment has announced the launch of the first annual Antigua Racing Cup. This bold new addition to Antigua’s yachting calendar will take place from April 9-12, 2026. These dates are three weeks earlier than the traditional Antigua Sailing Week (ASW), which allows teams in the Caribbean to race and then head to their summer events in Europe or New England.

“This exciting new and strategic direction comes after consulting with all our stakeholders, both at the community level and those directly involved in the yachting sector. We anticipate a period of sailing in Antigua that better serves everyone, dedicated racers and social cruisers, while celebrating everything we love about sailing in Antigua & Barbuda,” says Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, Minister of Tourism.

The Antigua Racing Cup is an event designed for racing purists, those who prefer high-energy, coastal racing with a fast-paced schedule and a focus on spirited competition. The event will feature four days of exhilarating racing on finely tuned variations of the adrenaline-charged courses ideal for sailing conditions along the island’s spectacular southern coast.

In contrast, ASW, set for April 22-26, 2026, makes a return to its traditional point-to-point courses, as each day’s sailing will conclude at a different scenic destination. Sailors will enjoy vibrant after-race socials infused with local culture. ASW will entertain a mix of boat types and crews, and is tailored to cruisers, rally-style participants, and bareboat charter groups. Courses will be point to point for ralliers, and for those who want to compete, additional marks will be dropped, tacking duels commence, and courses timed as the competitors enjoy a different coastal course each day.

“The Antigua Racing Cup is for those on tight schedules who want a fast, focused, and fiercely fun regatta, while ASW returns to its cruising roots. Having two separate events, each with a narrower focus, will allow us to deliver a more immersive and enriching yachting experience to a wider audience,” said Race Manager Jaime Torres.

Additionally, the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, taking place from April 15 to 20, 2026, will feature a Model Boat Race. The latter of which will be an exciting draw for the entire family, showcasing boats built by the local yachting community. April is definitely the month to be in Antigua for great sailing. antiguaracingcup.com, antiguaclassics.com, sailingweek.com 

Carol Bareuther has written for ALL AT SEA since 2004.