Antigua's Sailing Week

Nothing stands out on Antigua's calendar of events like Antigua Race Week held every year in late April and early May each year (except maybe a close, nail-biter of a cricket Test Match). To be blunt, it is one of the top 5 regattas in the world and no.1 in the Caribbean and no.1 in the world on tonnage. Planning is considerable. Hundreds of boats of all classes come from literally all over the world to race. Competition amongst the world-class crews is sportsmanlike but fierce; a lot of time, money and preparation goes into winning these races that range between 16 and 28 miles long. For the many happy amateurs and the wandering ocean going yachts the idea is just to be there and to enjoy seven days of racing and seven nights of equally hard partying. Both disciplines require considerable stamina if one is to keep with the pace.

 Aside from the boat crews, Antigua Race Week attracts alot of spectators; the vantage points from the hills are ideal spots from which to watch hundreds of boats flecked like ornate pieces of paper scattered across the Caribbean sea. The Regatta has grown from humble beginnings in 1967 where a handful of old wooden boats queued up on the start line to the impressive spectacle one sees today. The event attracts alot of media coverage and large corporate sponsors such as Rolex, Amex, Suzuki, Bacardi and American International Bank.

Serious stuff aside, Lay Day (usually on the Wednesday) must be mentioned. It is meant as a rest day for the weary sailors but has become much, much more! Those who have come to party make their way to The Antigua Yacht Club in Falmouth Harbour. A couple of thousand cram themselves into the area in their dinghies, boats and elsewhere to get down to the really serious business of partying. There's loads of music, plenty food and a daunting supply of drink. On the programme of events there appears to be no finish time to this particular event and if ever there is, rarely does anyone pay much attention. Throughout Antigua Race Week there are many events planned to keep your checklist absolutely full: parties, dinners, dances, games, contests culminating in Dockyard Day on Saturday. This is another event-filled day including the precarious greasy pole event, tug-of-war (hotly contested) and various other activities to keep you amused. Then there is the presentation of prizes at the Old Officers' Quarters in Nelson's Dockyard by the Minister of Tourism and other dignitaries. This is then followed by more games, music and shows. At 6pm the Royal Antiguan Police Band 'Beat The Retreat'. The Grande Finale is the Lord Nelson's Ball - something which the man himself would have probably thoroughly enjoyed - formal but fun at which cups and trophies are presented as well.

Always an unforgettable week, though as is always the case with unabashed ribaldry certain periods come to mind (often with some embarrassment) some time later!

For more information on Antigua Race Week you can contact:

www.antiguayachtclub.com	The Antigua Yacht Club T: 1 268 460 1799
www.antiguahotels.org	For more information you can also contact the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association, P.O. Box 454, Lower St. Mary's Street, St. John's, Antigua, West Indies. T: 1 268 462 0374  F: 1 268 462 3702