The Antigua Racing Cup may be the newest regatta in the Caribbean, but it is firmly grounded in nearly six decades of Antiguan racing heritage. Launching from 08–12 April 2026, the event represents a decisive reset, creating a focused, high-performance racing platform born from the legacy of Antigua Sailing Week.
Rather than stretching one event to serve every fleet, the Antigua Racing Cup is designed with clarity and intent. It targets high-performance race boats, modern performance cruisers, and one-design classes, delivering technical, purposeful racing in one of the world’s most respected sailing destinations.
Race Director Jaime Torres says the shift was deliberate.
“The Antigua Racing Cup may be new, but its foundations are firmly embedded in Antigua’s sailing history. This is not a break from the past. It is an evolutionary step that gives the event a clear purpose and a defined audience,” Torres said.
“Instead of compromise, we now have precision. This regatta is built to deliver the kind of racing these boats deserve.”
Torres explains that decades of growth made it difficult for a single event to meet vastly different expectations on the water.
“By separating the events, each can now focus properly on the sailors it is designed for. The Racing Cup is unapologetically technical and competitive. That clarity allows both regattas to flourish.”
Antigua itself remains central to the concept. The island has long been the operational hub of Caribbean yacht racing, supported by permanent marine services and consistent trade wind conditions.
“Courses are close to the harbours, which means less motoring and more racing,” Torres said. “Ashore, everything connects naturally. It feels like a real racing village, not a temporary pop-up.”
On the water, course design is tailored to each fleet, supported by virtual marks and an International Jury of world-class officials. Optional IRC scoring alongside CSA ensures accessibility for international teams while respecting regional tradition.
As of late December, eighteen boats had already entered, ranging from Melges 24 Whiplash to Spirit of Juno and pro-campaign Rikki. Performance multihulls and one-design fleets, including RS Elites and Diam 24s, are also welcomed.
The Antigua Racing Cup opens a landmark month of sailing in Antigua & Barbuda, followed by the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and the reimagined Antigua Sailing Week, all centred around the historic Nelson’s Dockyard.
Built on experience, and focused firmly on the future, the Antigua Racing Cup is ready to define the next chapter of Caribbean yacht racing.
Learn more about the Antigua Racing Cup and the Antigua Racing Week.
