© Visual Echo
Antigua Sailing Week roared to life at the Falmouth Rectory Grounds Tuesday night with its beloved opening celebration, “Reggae in the Park.” Local Antiguans and international sailors joined together under the stars to hear good music and share in the unmistakable excitement that signals the start of one of the Caribbean’s premier regattas.
“This is the true opening night of the regatta,” said Life of Riley III Skipper Peter Blunden, who attended the festivities alongside his son and tactician James Blunden and crewmate Glenn Richard. “We had to be here for Reggae!” he shared.
© Visual Echo
Steel pan rhythms and DJ sets from Wooden Foot and Nez got the crowd moving early, followed by standout performances from Zambai and Friends, Annia, Climaxx Band, and Bless Eye, who delivered some inspiration to the week’s racing and cruising sailors, reminding the crowd to not sleep on their dreams.
“Rise and manifest them!” he encouraged over the tempo of chest-thumping kick drums.
The night culminated with a headline performance from Luciano, whose powerful set carried the celebration into the early hours and could be heard across the water and all along the island’s south coast.
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ASW’s official rum and beer of the week, English Harbour 5-year and Heineken, were served up to thirsty revelers. Antiguan food, beverage, and apparel purveyors Kim’s, Sweet Delight, JP Chenet, Rudeboy, Cavalier, Boundary Bites, and Nakaza also joined music lovers on the park grounds, adding to the cultural vitality of the night’s entertainment.
“This music brings people together from all across the island and beyond,” said Nakaza’s Zaz Francis, who has been part of the vendor lineup for three years.
Reggae In the Park set the perfect tone for a week where competition on the water meets community, culture, and celebration ashore. As the night came to a close, sailors could be spotted walking back to their boats in the warm night air, ready for the week’s adventures yet to come.