Yes, the first race starts in just eight days time and English Harbour is literally jumping! The harbours are full of classic boats and the first Antigua Sailing Week entries are arriving at the docks.
With just a few days to go until the Welcome Party we thought it was timely to send you details of the race schedule and the party schedule to get you in the mood.
The racing comes first and this year the regatta team has worked hard to create courses so that boats of all sizes will race for approximately 3 but not more than 4 hours each day. Courses will be chosen by the Race Officer on the day of the event based on current weather conditions. New classifications have also been created with spinnaker classes and open classes in which participants can choose their preferred sail configuration. Provisional courses and Sailing Instructions are now available online version here. Printed copies will be available at Registration.
Talking of which, even if you have entered and paid online, remember that you still have to come to the Committee Desk to complete Registration and pick up your skipper’s bag.
Race days are the 24th, 25th 26th 28th and 29th of April, with Lay Day, the official Sailing Week Day of Rest , on the 27th! Check out the racing schedule here.
Speaking of rest, after racing every day there is a packed calendar of parties and events for you to choose from. Our sponsors this year have excelled themselves, and on Saturday construction of the Beer Tent will begin. THE place to meet daily after racing for results and a catch up on the racing, the Beer Tent will be the place to be all week. Happy Hour from 3 – 6 pm, food from 3 – 9.30 pm and live music later in the evening will make this a cool hangout spot throughout the week.
Aside from that we take you on a tour of the island starting at Galleon Beach, then up the hill to Shirley Heights, West to Jolly Harbour and back to English Harbour for the Prize Giving. The Captain’s Cocktail party is back this year, taking place on Monday evening, and sponsored by Diamond Sponsor Chivas.
Talking of which, Chivas is transforming the entire ground floor of the Copper and Lumber Hotel into the Chivas VIP Lounge. A cool contemporary hangout with laid back live Jazz and music all week will make this a favourite place to be.
Then the big finale weekend, the Cavalier Rum Party will host the official launch of Antigua Carnival 2011 and finally back up to Dickenson Bay for the Big Beach Bash on Sunday.
The Sunset Party at Shirley Heights is headlined by reggae sensation Maxi Priest, and throughout the week a whole host of bands and DJ’s will keep you entertained.
If you want to buy your tickets for Shirley Heights on line, click here. The cost is EC $50 in advance or EC $60 at the door. Tickets purchased in advance by participating boats can be picked up at theCommittee Desk from Monday 18th April, right up to the afternoon of the event.
We look forward to seeing everybody VERY soon!
