Vivid Close of Antigua Sailing Week 2026: A Mixed Bag of Tight Racing and Laid-Back Cruising

As the sun broke through the Caribbean skies, the final day of Antigua Sailing Week 2026 kicked off with the forecasted breeze embracing the sailing fleet right from their departure at Ffryes Beach. Showcased amidst this beautiful spectacle was the intriguing blend of leisurely cruising and close racing. Tackling a humid Caribbean pressure system alongside dodging refreshing light rains, boats riddled with zest manoeuvred south, concluding their thrill-filled journey in the afternoon outside English Harbour.

Paul Bennett, securing an overall second-place finish in CSA Class 3 on board Caipirinha, intimated the challenging start of the race. Amid the ever-changing wind patterns, some sailors had to reach, while some were on the wind, making every effort to manoeuvre past Pelican Island and secure a favourable podium position.

In a biting climax, CSA Class 1 was the theatre of a nailbiting finish with second and third place finishers, Eira and Ilios, crossing the finish line just a second apart. This dramatic showdown accentuated the inherent talent and endurance of the competing teams, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the already thrilling sailing week.

Not discounting the casual cruisers, the crew on Mystic Lee savoured the contrasting yet vivacious sailing conditions. They embraced leisurely exploration of the island’s beauty, setting their own pace, stopping to enjoy nearby beaches and indulging in some snorkelling.

As the sun began to retreat, the crews retreated ashore to Nelson’s Dockyard, welcomed by jubilant music, English Harbour Rum, and a flurry of chatter highlighting adventures of the week. As the week-long sailing adventure concluded, with final tributes to class winners and overall champions, the indomitable spirit, breathtaking adventure and sporting camaraderie of Antigua Sailing Week 2026 were engraved in the annals of sailing history.