Bernie Evan-Wong’s crew on Mumm 36 High Tension at the start off Fort Charlotte © Tim Wright – Photoaction.com/ASW
April 23, 2026: Antigua, W.I. – English Harbour: Caribbean bananaquits sang from towering palms, as they announced the start of Antigua Sailing Week. A mile offshore, sailors set off on a light upwind beat from Windward Bay to begin the event’s reimagined destination-style format. With light but swirling northeasterly trade winds and gentle ocean swells, day one offered a perfect introduction to the four-day circumnavigation of the island.
“The strategy today is vibes. Pure vibes,” said Nina Luckmann aboard Vildiur just before leaving the dock.
Spectators who had an opportunity to view the day’s sailing from Shirley Heights and the Blockhouse were treated to scenic views of full sails dotting the horizon. By late afternoon, the fleet arrived at the first destination, Green Island.
“The course was great and if you could keep out of the current, you were able to point quite high,” said Caipirinha tactician Chris Bock. “We’re looking forward to a bit of spinnaker work tomorrow.”
Close competition in CSA 1 at the start of racing on day 1 at Antigua Sailing Week © Tim Wright – Photoaction.com/ASW
Sam Masterman’s Condor 40 Troika © Tim Wright – Photoaction.com/ASW
On the beach, Race Officer Chris Mansfield said the day offered up both beautiful weather and tactical tests to racers and cruisers. “The wind wasn’t as forecast. In fact, it was all over the place,” he said. “But the most important thing on day one is that everyone gets here to the party.”
The ASW shoreside team, led by Shari Martin, assembled a festive barefoot beach barbecue hosted by Falmouth Ocean Club, where Phillies Grill whipped up lobster tail and whole snapper for hungry skippers and crew. During happy hour, Antigua Superyacht Marina and Resort hosted a Palmer & Co. champagne toast for the 50 women taking part in the regatta. Sailors swam and gathered to watch the sunset before heading back to their moorings at Green Island South and Willikies, with the community of local tenders, Falmouth Ocean Club, and Ship2Shore Water Taxi making sure everyone arrived at their destinations safely.
Time to enjoy a glass of Palmer & Co Champagne courtesy of Antigua Superyacht Marina & Resort © Tim Wright – Photoaction.com/ASW
The grills were fired up and everyone enjoyed a delicious BBQ after sailing © Tim Wright – Photoaction.com/ASW
A very relaxed beach vibe and fun afternoon was the order of the day at Green Island © Tim Wright – Photoaction.com/ASW
In the sand, Official Timekeeper Pam Mansfield shared stories of the day’s standout moments, which included some excitement in CSA Class 1 racing fleet. In a photo finish, Kali (Sao Jorge) took line honours, beating Hotel California Too by just 25 seconds.
“It was great competition to the finish,” said Kali (Sao Jorge) navigator Trish Kirkman. “We were close enough to talk to them. It was neck and neck.”
Cruisers sailing in the point-to-point rally also relished in a pleasant day on the water, enjoying a steady breeze and sunny skies as they tacked back and forth on the 9.6-mile course to Green Island.
Overall, day one of Antigua Sailing Week delivered world-class sailing, fun, and camaraderie. Friday’s forecast promises more of it, but in downwind and reaching breezes coming from the southeast.
Charles Bayer and Team Kermode – Grizzly on the First 47.7 Kali (Sao Jorge) had a great first day in CSA 1, winning their class © Tim Wright – Photoaction.com/ASW
 A first in CSA 2 for the Dutch team on HI1 (Contigo) - more used to racing their traditional 18-metre Lemsteraak back home |  The Westwind Snubbers Enjoying racing on the first day at Antigua Sailing Week © Tim Wright - Photoaction.com/ASW |
The daily prizegiving was held on Green Island with prizes for the top three in each class and other fun awards © Tim Wright – Photoaction.com/ASW
Results: HERE.
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As the sun set, participants were looking forward to another great day on the water as they head for Maiden Island/Little Jumby on Day two © Tim Wright – Photoaction.com/ASW
To track boats live as they sail to destinations around Antigua, visit https://watchliveallevent24.com/Antigua-Sailing-Week-2026/ and follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
For all the news and images of the day, please visit www.sailingweek.com.
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