Visitors to Nelson’s Dockyard on New Year’s Eve were in for a surprise as “Admiral Nelson” himself appeared, strolling the historic grounds!

Tommy Patterson, donning full 18th-century naval regalia, added a touch of theatrical flair as he presented prizes for the Antigua Yacht Club’s annual Nelson Pursuit Race, bringing history vividly to life.

This year’s race saw 20 boats in hot pursuit of Seafalke, Oli Greensmith’s 41-foot wooden sloop, which, channeling Napoleon’s fleet, flew the French tricolour as the slowest boat in the fleet. The event celebrates the friendly (mostly) rivalry between English and French sailors, complete with a special award for the best-performing French boat.

The race, started 16 years ago by the late Stan Pearson, who sadly passed in 2024, remains a cherished tradition. Stan’s record-breaking time on Rebecca still stands, though many try to beat it. Commodore Clarence Pilgrim summed it up perfectly: “It’s part of our history—let’s live it!”

In a pursuit race, boats start at staggered times based on their handicap ratings, making for dramatic finishes as faster boats chase down the slower ones. Vice-Commodore Richard Fear explained, “This isn’t just any race—it celebrates the Dockyard’s historical significance and Antigua’s strategic importance to the Royal Navy.” A great way to start celebrating 300 years of Nelson’s Dockyard in 2025.

Antigua’s Mat Barker’s Mylne 65 The Blue Peter won the 16th Annual Nelson’s pursuit race (photo by Ed Gifford)
Antigua’s Mat Barker’s Mylne 65 The Blue Peter won the 16th Annual Nelson’s pursuit race (photo by Ed Gifford)

This year’s fleet featured everything from sleek racing yachts and nimble multihulls to cruisers and classics. Even The Blue Peter, a stunning 1930s 65-foot cutter, joined in, ultimately claiming the overall prize. Though the race traditionally favours monohulls, multihulls were warmly welcomed, sparking jokes about what would happen if Antigua’s own Rocco Falcone entered on an America’s Cup boat (“He’d win in 15 minutes!” quipped Tommy).

“It’s more fun than Sailing Week,” declared AYC Fleet Captain Tommy. “It’s affordable, good-humoured, and open to everyone.” The real winner? Antigua Hospice, with generous donations from sailors and businesses raising thousands for this vital charity.

“It was perfect sailing conditions,” said Richard Fear. “The breeze held most of the time, the sea was calm, and the visibility was incredible—we could see Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Redonda, and Nevis!”

A brilliant day of history, charity and camaraderie, the Nelson Pursuit Race ends the year with panache, proving that even centuries-old rivalries can have a bit of modern flair. Long live Antigua sailing!