2016 Antigua Sailing Week - Not to be missed!

by Trish Jenkins on 25 Mar 2016 The 2016 edition of Antigua Sailing Week is set to be one of the world's most cosmopolitan regattas and there is still time to join in the thrill of sailing and partying at one of the world's best sailing regattas. Several charter options have become available for both the Bareboat fleet and the CSA racing fleet.

Antigua Sailing Week has always attracted the big entries, and this year’s current list includes 28 competing yachts at 50 feet and over. Tony Langley's TP52, Gladiator stands out amongst the fast, professionally crewed yachts. Owner/driver Langley counts multiple world champion, Cameron Appleton and Volvo Ocean Race winner, Jules Salter amongst an all-star crew. Classics from yachting history include Kialoa III, which was one of the most well-known of Jim Kilroy's maxis and best remembered for her line honours victory in the 1975 Sydney Hobart when she broke the race record which stood for 21 years. Piet Vroon, with over 25 Fastnet races under his belt, is a recent entry with his new Tonnerre 4 which has already proven to be tough to beat on the water.

The entry list for the 2016 Antigua Sailing Week is bristling with proven winners including 2016 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta winners, El Ocaso, Ambersail, Dingo, Scarlet Oyster and Wild Devil. Past Antigua Sailing Week champions on the list include: Lee Overlay Partners, Scarlet Oyster, Biwi Magic, Caccia alla Volpe, Quokka and Sleeper. This year’s competition at Antigua Sailing Week looks as hot as ever.

Recognised as one of the best sailing locations in the world, Antigua is bracing itself for an influx of sailors and yachts from at least 22 two different countries. The largest number of yachts by country will be Great Britain joined by crews from Antigua, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, St. Maarten, South Africa, Sweden, Trinidad and the United States of America. Over 1,000 sailors will be making the journey to the mecca of Caribbean sailing for a week of superb racing and fantastic parties.

Round Antigua Race and Guadeloupe to Antigua Race

The regatta offers two stand-alone long distance races, prior to five days of coastal and round the cans races. The 42-mile Guadeloupe to Antigua Race, (Friday, April 22) and the 54-mile Round Antigua Race, (Saturday, April 23). The Round Antigua Race is a classic with competitors who experience ocean racing on the windward side of Antigua and dramatic views of the island’s fabulous coves and beaches. The circular course gives the teams an opportunity to get every sail out of the bag before the main regatta. Both of the races are open to boats of all types, whether or not entered in Antigua Sailing Week. The long distance races provide an opportunity for crews to gain several hours of practice in preparation for the week ahead.

Five Days of Racing and Parties

Antigua Sailing Week’s full week of racing starts on Sunday, April 24 and concludes Friday, April 29. Racing takes place around laid marks and point to point courses in the world famous sailing grounds off the south coast of Antigua. Daily prize givings are held at the Presidente Beer Garden at Antigua Yacht Club, which provide great opportunities for sailors to meet other teams. The Final Awards Presentation and after party is held in the historic surroundings of Nelson’s Dockyard. Wednesday, 27 April is the Presidente Lay Day Beach Party with fun and games on Pigeon Beach, featuring the Nonsuch Bay RS Elite Challenge. Eight invited teams will race for a top prize of one weeks’ bed and breakfast accommodation including use of sailing equipment at Antigua's luxury sailing resort, Nonsuch Bay Resort.

Bareboat Charters

Regatta sponsor Sunsail has just released more charter options including two Sunsail 44i yachts and one Sunsail 50, both of which could fit nicely into bareboat one-design classes. German charter company KH+P has supported Antigua Sailing Week for over 25 years and has late availability for race crews and/or spectators on Oceanis 45 bareboat models.

CSA Racing Charters

In the CSA Racing classes, Yuri Fadeev's 80-foot Maxi, Weddel still has individual places available. Andy Middleton reports that Grand Soleil 43 Quokka, winner of class at Antigua Sailing Week 2013, is available. Individual places are available or a team of up to seven people would make the proven winner available at a discount. David Ballantyne's J/133 Jings! currently has five charter guests but can take up to seven more at a discounted price.

Don't miss out on Antigua Sailing Week. There are several charter options available - visit the dedicated race charter page on website.

Flights

Flights are still available via Virgin Atlantic. The Official Exclusive UK Airline Sponsor of Antigua Sailing Week operates three flights weekly between Antigua and London flying Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Virgin Atlantic is offering preferred rates to participants of Antigua Sailing Week and friends/family. Contact caribgroups@fly.virgin.com and mention “ASW travel request” to qualify for these preferred rates.

Shipping

For those owners looking to ship yachts back to Europe after Antigua Sailing Week, exclusive yacht transport sponsor, Peters and May has organised a special service from Antigua to Southampton, Genoa and Palma after the regatta with loading windows from fifth-20th May. For more information: marine@petersandmay.com.