Antigua & Barbuda to launch Antigua Racing Cup in 2026

The Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment has announced that a new vision for yachting in Antigua and Barbuda is beginning to take shape, building on the long-established brand of Antigua Sailing Week and the twin-island’s proud maritime traditions.

In consultation with all the relevant stakeholders, the Ministry of Tourism has released details of  the Antigua Racing Cup, which it describes as “a bold new addition to Antigua’s yachting calendar” and which will take place from April 9 to April 12, 2026 and kick off a month of exciting sailing events.

The Antigua Racing Cup is an event designed for racing purists — those who prefer high-energy, coastal racing with a fast-paced schedule and a focus on spirited competition, featuring 4 days of exhilarating races.

It has been strategically placed in the calendar to allow teams to compete and then head off to their summer events, and racers can expect finely tuned variations of the exhilarating courses they would usually associate with sailing conditions along Antigua’s spectacular southern coast, and spectators will still enjoy the breathtaking views from land, sea, or air.

Onshore, English Harbour will continue to buzz with energy, and the social calendar will certainly remain packed. Local vendors and artisans will be there to excite every appetite not to mention the bars, restaurants, and beach venues in & around English Harbor. All enthused to host nightly events, including live music, themed parties, and cultural celebrations that highlight the best of Antiguan hospitality

In contrast, Antigua Sailing Week, which will take place from April 22 to April 26, 2026, makes a return to its traditional point-to-point courses, as each day’s sailing will conclude at a different scenic destination.

Sailors will enjoy vibrant after-race socials infused with local culture. ASW will entertain a mix of boat types and crews, and is tailored to cruisers, rallystyle participants and bareboat charter groups. Courses will be point to point for ralliers, and for those who want to compete, additional marks will be dropped, tacking duels commence and courses timed as the competitors enjoy a different coastal course each day.

Race Manager Jaime Torres explained: “The Antigua Racing Cup is for those on tight schedules who want a fast, focused, and fiercely fun regatta, while Antigua Sailing Week returns to its cruising roots. Having two separate events, each with a narrower focus, will allow us to deliver a more immersive and enriching yachting experience to a wider audience.”

On the repositioning of Antigua Sailing Week and the creation of the new Antigua Racing Cup, Minister of Tourism, Charles “Max” Fernandez said:“This exciting new and strategic direction comes after consulting with all our stakeholders, both at the community level and those directly involved in the yachting sector. We anticipate a period of sailing in Antigua that better serves everyone, dedicated racers and social cruisers, while celebrating everything we love about sailing in Antigua and Barbuda.”

For more, go to www.sailingweek.com or www.antiguaracingcup.com .