Antigua Yacht Club Revitalizes Racing Calendar for 2025–2026
Antigua Yacht Club unveils a revitalized racing calendar featuring the Budget Marine High Tide Series, West Coast Cup, and new regattas.
New Events, New Energy for Antigua Racing
Antigua Yacht Club is aiming to reignite local racing participation with a refreshed regatta calendar, expanded social programming, and stronger collaboration across the island’s sailing community.
In recent years, participation in Antigua Yacht Club’s racing program had declined, prompting the formation of a dedicated Events Committee led by veteran racer Sandy Mair. The committee’s goal is to elevate event planning through improved publicity, stronger sponsor visibility, and more professional race management.
Budget Marine High Tide Series Returns
The new season begins with the 25th Annual Budget Marine Jol Byerley High Tide Series, scheduled for:
- December 13
- December 17
- December 20
- December 21
The long-running series will feature:
- New racecourse formats
- More challenging racing
- Expanded shoreside activities and social events
The regatta is open to:
- Racing yachts
- Cruising yachts
- Classic yachts
- Sport boats
- RS Elite one-design boats
Additional Antigua Racing Events
Other returning favorites include:
- Boxing Day Barrel Race — December 26
- Sandy Island Race — January 24, 2026
Two new events are also joining the calendar:
Small Boat Weekend
Planned for mid-January, this event will host the Antigua National Championship for the RS Elite Class.
West Coast Cup
This new joint regatta series between Antigua Yacht Club and Jolly Harbour Yacht Club will conclude with a final event in Carlisle Bay in March.
Building Island-Wide Participation
“One of my main focuses is to attempt to coordinate AYC events with Jolly Harbour Yacht Club, who have also been struggling for numbers for their regattas,” says Mair.
“The idea is to put on events which would be attractive to both clubs and to offer an overall island champion for participation in both yacht clubs’ regattas.”
Mair says organizers are optimistic the expanded calendar and cooperative approach will help revive club racing participation across Antigua.
What This Means for Caribbean Sailors
Antigua has long been one of the Caribbean’s premier sailing destinations, but like many regions, smaller club racing programs have faced participation challenges in recent years.
The new Antigua Yacht Club initiative reflects a broader effort to:
- Strengthen local sailing communities
- Increase participation in grassroots racing
- Improve event quality and visibility
- Create more inclusive racing opportunities
The addition of cross-club competition and social programming may help attract both experienced racers and newer sailors back to the starting line.
What to Do Next
- Review Antigua’s updated racing calendar
- Register early for the High Tide Series
- Explore RS Elite racing opportunities
- Follow Antigua Yacht Club event announcements
- Plan winter Caribbean racing itineraries around Antigua events
Carol Bareuther has written for ALL AT SEA since 2004.
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