The crowds have dispersed, the sails are furled, and the marinas are quiet again—Antigua Sailing Week (ASW) has wrapped up for another year. And it’s time to set the record straight.

Criticism over declining participation at ASW—53 boats in 2025—misses the broader picture entirely. Yes, numbers are down from its golden era of over 150 entries. This isn’t just an Antigua problem; there are NO regattas with these halcyon numbers now; it is a reflection of challenges facing sailing worldwide.

The Wider Tide: Caribbean Regattas Under Pressure

The Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) hosts an annual conference that serves as a crucial forum for assessing the health of the region’s sailing industry. It brings together regatta organisers, race officials, and measurers to share best practices and chart a course forward.

A recent CSA study confirmed what insiders have long known: racing participation is down across the region. In 2006, around 820 boats raced in 7 Caribbean regattas. By 2025, that number has dropped to about 527—spread over twice as many events. That’s a tighter race for entries.

Once, sailors could hop between three or four Caribbean regattas in a season. Now, tighter budgets, rising climate awareness, and a packed global sailing calendar force hard choices. Take Les Voiles de St. Barth—cancelled in both 2024 and 2025 due to sponsorship gaps.

The Heineken Regatta in St. Maarten drew around 80 boats. Grenada hosted 30–40. Barbados? Just 15–20.

In the early days of Caribbean regattas, most boats stayed local—crews lived aboard, anchored out, and raced with less concern for weight or logistics. Fast forward to today, and it’s a different fleet entirely. Top racing yachts now transit the Atlantic on ship decks to chase both the Caribbean winter and European summer circuits. That means timing is tight—late-season events like ASW face real pressure as boats rush to cross back. Add to that the modern demand for dock access and shore accommodations, and infrastructure becomes a deciding factor.

While the boats themselves are faster and more technical, the culture of competitive sailing has shifted. Race campaigns are more performance-driven, logistically complex, and crew-dependent than ever before. A generation ago, many competitors would happily sleep on deck, pack their own food, and compete with basic gear. Today, expectations lean toward air-conditioned shore digs, dockside access, professional crew, and dedicated support teams. This shift has placed logistical and financial pressure on regattas—and especially those like ASW that fall late in the season.

Antiguan businessman Robbie Ferron, who has been sailing in ASW for many years, points out that a review of Caribbean regattas shows there are no events hosting 150 boats anymore. Antigua, he says, “remains the region’s leader, but like others, it has adapted to shifting trends.”

Today’s regattas are increasingly specialised, and Antigua reflects that with a trio of events: the Classic Yacht Regatta, the long-distance RORC Caribbean 600, and the inshore-focused ASW.

The Superyacht Challenge also attracts international boats. The old model of a large, mixed-fleet regatta—once the foundation of ASW’s 150-boat heyday—has largely disappeared. Adds Robbie Ferron, “Further to this, the time slot held by ASW to date has eliminated the chance of entries by a class of boat that requires to return to the UK or Europe earlier than would be possible when entering ASW. [none of this] is caused by the present management of ASW.”

Timing is indeed critical. ASW falls at the very tail end of the Caribbean season. For years, organisers have suggested moving it earlier to catch the RORC boats and racers still on the island. By the end of April, many yachts have already left for Europe or the U.S. to qualify for major summer events like Fastnet or the Newport–Bermuda Centennial. ASW President Alison Sly-Adams believes this timing challenge is the single biggest factor driving numbers down.

Meanwhile, as the yachting community shifts toward more cruisers and fewer pure racers, ASW has begun experimenting. A new “fun regatta” and pursuit-style cruising events were discussed in 2025 along with an early new event to focus on the race campaigns heading out early.

While still in the early stages, the strong feedback shows clear potential—proof that ASW is embracing innovation and ready to grow.

A Cluster of Excellence

Despite the regional decline, Antigua—small but mighty—hosts four major international regattas: Compare that to most Caribbean islands, which typically host just one.

Antigua, as Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez notes, is the “Mecca of Sailing.”  Alison Sly-Adams puts it even more simply: “Antigua has always been the heart of Caribbean yachting.”

Antigua’s share of the Caribbean’s total racing entries has grown—from 31% to 39% over the past two decades. That’s not just resilience; that’s leadership.

Comprehensive Support Infrastructure

Antigua offers robust shore and on-water support. The Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) team, along with local divers, ensures safety and assistance during the regatta. This comprehensive support contributes to Antigua’s reputation as a premier sailing venue.

Diverse Sailing Events

Antigua is not solely about international racing. As will as those who just come to enjoy Antigua itself, the island hosts events like the Salty Dawg Rally, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) boats sail in,  the Oyster World Rally and new this year the Mini Globe Race. These events attract a mix of cruisers and racers, showcasing Antigua’s versatility in catering to different sailing communities.

The Shifting Sailing Landscape

Today’s sailors are different. Many now prefer high-prestige, tightly run events like the RORC 600—faster, more intense, and easier to schedule. Ironically, the success of the Caribbean 600 has created new challenges for ASW: boats arrive for that race,  leave before Sailing Week begins to race elsewhere. Notwithstanding, ASW 2025 welcomed boats from over 20 countries—and included significant Antiguan-owned participation.

Critics are quick to compare 2025’s 53 boats to 2024’s 88 and 750 crew. Despite this. Dock master Tommy Patterson points out that the Marinas have not seen a noticeable drop in boats over the 2025 season.  This narrow view ignores the overall picture add  long-term global trends: fewer racing yachts, more cruising sailors, and more curated sailing experiences. Antigua is adapting.

Anchored in Community

Behind the scenes, many local voices are also calling for deeper community inclusion in the regatta’s planning—ensuring ASW stays grounded in its roots while innovating for the future.

Local participation remains strong. While the regatta may no longer stretch to the furthest shores of Antigua, 40 young Antiguans joined visiting boats as crew this year, and around 10 Antiguan-owned boats raced in the event. That’s not symbolic—that’s substance.

The Economic Lifeblood

ASW is more than a regatta—it’s an economic lifeline. “We welcome the sailors—this is our last chance to boost our season,” one restaurateur said. Taxi drivers, market vendors, and hoteliers feel the lift too. Andrew Dove of North Sails noted, “ASW always brings in more business.” Its impact radiates far beyond English Harbour.

A Government-Backed Future

Although the  government has signalled plans to take ASW “in-house,” recognising its cultural and economic value, the event is still owned by AHTA with a licence in place until May 2026,  If executed well, more government input could better align the regatta with national tourism goals. But it must preserve the expertise, relationships, and energy built by the current ASW team.

“There’s a conversation to be had with the government about what Antigua wants ASW to be,” says Alison Sly-Adams. “Through 2024 and right up to before 2025 ASW has engaged with stakeholders and put forth potential solutions to the issue.  Clearer and UNIFIED vision, better marketing and strong collaboration are critical to the future success.”

These are the winds worth chasing.

Antigua Yacht Club: The Beating Heart

The Antigua Yacht Club is the cornerstone of the island’s sailing legacy. Financially constrained, yet still host to all major international regattas, its role cannot be overstated. A glimmer of progress came this year with a new three-year agreement between AYC and RORC for the Caribbean 600—proof that solutions are possible.

To remain a true international sailing Mecca, Antigua needs a yacht club equipped to meet global standards. A prolonged financial dispute with the South West Properties Marina and Resort Ltd  has left the Antigua Yacht Club (AYC) unable to invest in its facilities for over six years. But make no mistake: to support Antigua’s sailing future as a world-class destination, serious investment in the AYC as a  world-class yacht club is not optional—it’s urgent.

Infrastructure: The Unseen Race

It is not just down to AYC or ASW. The wider infrastructure must support the event. In 2025, on the eve of ASW, the main road leading into the Yacht Club was dug up for repairs and simply left—prompting loud (and colourful) complaints from visiting crews. Parking in the area remains a major challenge. Moorings and jetties must be made safe and maintained before, not during, the regatta.

Cost is another growing challenge. A recent travel survey cited by The Daily Mail, named Antigua the second most expensive tourist destination in the world. Visiting sailors often cite the high cost of food, mooring, accommodation, and transport. These expenses weigh heavily when choosing among competing Caribbean events.

Sailing Forward

ASW has changed because the world has changed. But its spirit remains. It still combines serious competition on the water with warmth and welcome ashore. From elite racers to curious first-timers, everyone is invited.

This year confirmed what insiders already know: Antigua accounts for nearly 40% of all Caribbean racing activity. That’s not luck. That’s legacy. And leadership.

Whatever course ASW charts next, one thing is clear: the heart of Caribbean yachting still beats strong in Antigua.

This isn’t just a regatta.

This is Antigua Sailing Week.