Image: Jim Vos' RP 37 Warthog (ANT) on the final day of racing at Antigua Sailing Week © Paul Wyeth/pwpictures.com
Racing at Antigua Sailing Week came to a spectacular finale with Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Race Day. Full trade winds blasted across the race area, bathed in sunshine. The 55th edition was blessed with classic conditions to decide Class Winners for the world famous regatta.
The CSA Racing Classes raced on the exposed Windward Course with a strong south easterly breeze. The long windward-leeward courses used the offshore mark Shirley South as a top mark. On the Rendezvous Course, the Bareboats, Legacy and Club Classes enjoyed triangular courses including the offshore mark Old Road, which provided spectacular deep water downwind action for the fleet.
Congratulations to all of the provisional race winners on Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Race Day: Wavewalker, Whiplash, Pepsi Zéro–Montebello, Warthog, Holding Pattern, Assuage, Caccia alla Volpe, Credit Mutuel Jivaro, Strada Geothermal Escapado, Huey Too, RYU, Miro, Braque-KH+P, Botero, Barbuda KH+P, Nolde KH+P, Team Budget Marine Oozlumbird, and Simplicity Dragon.
“I hope all of the sailors have had a fun and safe regatta, and a special experience,” commented Hon. ‘Max’ Fernandez. The Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation & Investment. “Antigua & Barbuda is such a beautiful country, but even more important than that is the feedback from our visitors who say that the people of Antigua & Barbuda are so friendly. As well as coming here to race at Antigua Sailing Week, visitors are welcome into our communities and interact. We hope that the sailors at Antigua Sailing Week have enjoyed a wonderful experience. The Ministry of Tourism realises the importance of the yachting sector and we are working very hard to concentrate on that; we are committed to improve. To all the sailors at Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua & Barbuda treasure your presence here, and we look forward to seeing you in the near future.”
The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Race Day Daily Prize Giving was held after racing in Nelson’s Dockyard, honouring today’s race winners. To follow was one of the greatest occasions in sailing. The legendary Antigua Sailing Week Final Prize Giving in Nelson’s Dockyard has been a memorable event for over 50 years. Class winners will celebrate their triumphs in the historic surroundings of huge historical significance.
Special awards will also be announced, followed by the climax; the proclamation of the winner of the Lord Nelson Trophy at the 55th edition of Antigua Sailing Week. Live music will follow with the sensational Asha Otto & Itchy Feet. DJ Charlie will spin the tunes into the night for the after party.