Thrills and Spills: A Glimpse into the Excitement of BPI Subic and Antigua Racing Cup 2026

Nothing beats the exhilaration of witnessing a top-level regatta, and the 2026 editions of the BPI Series Subic Regatta and Antigua Racing Cup proved no exception. The smell of the sea, the feel of the wind, and the sight of sleek vessels cutting through the waves- it’s indeed a spectacle to behold.

With the breeze coming out of 110 degrees, the BPI Series Subic race was nothing short of adventurous. Race Officer Simon James devised a windward/leeward course that demanded advanced sailing technology and skill. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. One involving incident saw the Centennial III colliding with the Belatrix, resulting in a ‘gentlemanly altercation’ and a little bit of awkward bowsprit interaction.

Days later, in the sun-soaked corners of Antigua, racing enthusiasts congregated for the annual Antigua Racing Cup. With ‘high teens’ gusting breezes topping 20 knots, competitors relished phenomenal tropical racing conditions on day one. Races were physically demanding, with punishing long beats offset by thrilling full-blooded runs, testing the endurance of even the seasoned sailors.

Adrian Lee’s HH66 Catamaran, Lee Overlay Partners, was the star of the show, zipping along at over 20 knots through the idyllic Caribbean surf. Tackling the big boat class, Dan Gribble’s custom Tripp 65, Prevail, fired across the finish line with an elapsed time of 3 hrs, 17 mins over the 24-nautical mile race. Sailing, as these two high-octane regattas prove, is about the thrill of the chase, the challenge of the elements, and the camaraderie among those braving the high seas.