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By Azara Lavia
Antigua’s globally renowned Sailing Week is underway with a significantly scaled-down celebration this year, as organizers confront a shifting landscape in international yacht racing and local logistical limitations.
With participation numbers down from previous highs of 700–800 sailors to approximately 500 this year, stakeholders are already charting a bold new course to reposition the prestigious event.
Speaking with Observer Media, Sailing Week Commercial Director, Alison Sly-Adams emphasized that this year’s leaner format was not unanticipated.
“We actually started these conversations over a year ago,” she noted, referencing industry-wide trends that have emerged post-COVID. “Many of the boats that come for the Caribbean 600 in February leave by March. Sailing Week’s traditionally held in late April timeline just doesn’t fit the market anymore.”
Strategic efforts are underway to address these shifts. Organizers are in the final stages of announcing a new yachting event set to take place earlier in the season, tailored to the current realities of boat scheduling, crew availability, and other pertinent logistics. This initiative is backed by consultations with local stakeholders including tourism officials, hoteliers, and veteran skippers.
In addition to scheduling issues, new restrictions within the historic Nelson’s Dockyard National Park have also impacted the scale of events. Financial constraints have further limited grand-scale entertainment like the popular “Reggae in the Park” concert, which was cancelled this year due to high costs.
Instead, this year’s celebrations are focused on smaller, locally driven events, such as live music nights at the Antigua Yacht Club, beach games, and youth sailing programs. The week has also seen participation from high-profile racing vessels including three Volvo Ocean Race boats, adding excitement despite the pared-down event.
Importantly, the event continues to foster local talent through the Youth to Keel (Y2K) program, which this year placed 40 young Antiguans on racing crews—helping to train the next generation of sailors amid an aging global yacht-owning population.
Looking ahead, Sly-Adams confirmed that a formal announcement detailing the restructuring of Sailing Week will be made before the close of this year’s festivities. She says the goal is to deliver a product more aligned with international racing calendars and ensure Antigua remains a cornerstone of Caribbean sailing for years to come.
“Right now,” she said, “our top priority is making sure the sailors who are here have an unforgettable experience—and go back home excited to return.”
Antigua Sailing week will conclude on May 2nd with a final prizegiving and party with live entertainment.
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