The sails are fewer, but  thesoul is unchanged. Antigua Classics 2025 may have a leaner fleet — just 38 boats this year — but from the first snap of canvas in the breeze, it’s clear: this regatta has lost none of its magic.

Masts still sway like poetry against the blue, hulls still carve up the Caribbean like they were born to, and the spirit of tradition is very much alive.

“We’re down a couple of boats from last year but still trending up,” says Regatta Coordinator Robin Stout, “the quality, the passion, and the beauty of these boats — that’s all still here. In some ways, it feels even more personal this year. More connected.”

That connection runs deeper than the boats. This event runs entirely on heart — and volunteers. From registration desks to race marks, beach parties to dock logistics, it’s the local community that keeps the wheels (and winches) turning.

“It’s all hands on deck — literally,” Robin adds with a laugh. “We’re a small team, but the dedication is huge. every volunteer, every local business that pitches in, every person who shows up just to help — that’s what keeps Antigua Classics alive year after year.”

Volunteer Caroline, who travels from the US each year just to help out admits “It’s really hard work,” but added, “it’s worth it just to spend the day on board this beautiful boat,” she says, gesturing to Marie, the elegant committee boat. “Where else do you get to work this hard and be surrounded by this much beauty?”

Although missing some of the larger classics such as Aschanti IV, this is made up for by the majestic fleet. Freya, Ticonderoga, Whistler, Escapado, Wavewalker, to name but a few.

Athena is back for her second year and wasted no time making an impression. She led the class around the first mark on day one and took line honours, to be pipped by Freya on adjusted time, this year’s Classic Racing Formula (CRF) rating system making a difference, showing that last year’s strong performance was no fluke.

Skipper Richard Fear said “it was a blast, just wait until we can use the spinnaker!” Skippers in the “Spirit of Tradition” class are having to watch out! Antigua Caccia alla Volpe, more of a race boat than a classic, won the modern class. Meanwhile, first in fleet was Paul Deeth’s Petranus, another feather for Antigua and Barbuda.

Unlike last year’s barely-there breeze on the opening day (some boats didn’t even make it to the first mark), this year kicked off with near-perfect winds. Classic Antigua conditions — just the way it should be.

Single-Handed, Not Solo in Spirit

The single-handed race saw a boost this year, with 12 boats taking part on a new triangular course featuring some spirited reaching legs and an upwind finish. It proved popular — and tough.

Local favourites Freya and Huey Too each took class wins, with Rita and Petrana also coming out on top in their divisions. Solo sailors, but definitely not short on
support from the Dockyard crowd.

One standout among the local entries this year is Warthog — a familiar boat with a new lease on life. Formerly known as Taz, she’s been beautifully restored by young Antiguan Jules Mitchell and his equally youthful, fiercely determined crew.

Fresh off a strong showing in the RORC Caribbean 600, Warthog is more than just a racing yacht — she’s a symbol of what’s next. “This is the future of Antiguan sailing,” one onlooker noted. “Young sailors, local talent, and serious commitment.”
And when you see Jules and his team in action, it’s hard to disagree.

All Eyes on Marie

The committee boat this year is the eye-catching Marie, a 180-foot classic motor yacht with serious pedigree. Built in 1930 in New York by the Consolidated Shipbuilding Corporation to a design by John H. Wells, she was originally commissioned by silent film star Constance Bennett— glamour from the beginning.

In the 1940s, Marie swapped movie-star cruising for military service, joining the US Navy during World War II as a submarine echo finder. Rumour has it that Churchill and Roosevelt spent time on board! Marine has great stories — and plenty of style.

This week, she’s back in her element, serving as the committee boat and turning just as many heads as the racing itself. With flags flying and cameras clicking, Marie proves that true classics never go out of style.

Party Like It’s Day One

Of course, Antigua Classics wouldn’t be Antigua Classics without a proper party. The opening night bash set the tone: tiny girls on towering stilts danced above the crowd like colourful sprites, the Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra filled the air with joyful rhythm, and a fire dancer lit up the night — literally.

“It’s that mix of elegance and pure island exuberance that makes Antigua so unforgettable,” said one visiting sailor, drink in hand and rhythm in foot. “You race all day, then this… it’s magic.”

Music pulsed from the Dockyard into the early hours, and everywhere you looked was laughter, colour, and movement. “You don’t come to Antigua just to race,” said another regular. “You come because this island knows how to celebrate sailing like no other.”

Looking Back — and Ahead

Two beloved Herreshoff designs, Mary Rose and Mistral, were tied up in Nelson’s Dockyard this year. Not racing, but very much part of the atmosphere — admired, respected, and reminding us that classic doesn’t always mean racing-ready.

And that’s the thing — as these older boats step back, new builds in the spirit of tradition are stepping up. The regatta is evolving, but it’s holding firm to what makes it special: honest sailing, beautiful boats, and the unbeatable backdrop of English Harbour.

The future of Antigua Classics might look a little different — possibly fewer boats, perhaps more modern classics — but the essence remains the same. A classic dockyard, legendary yachts, and a community that keeps coming back, whether they’re racing or just soaking it all