Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2023

by The Islander photos Jean Jarreau www.AntiguaClassics.com

The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is the premier classic sailing event of the Caribbean, taking place from 19th-24th April. It attracts a large number of Classics every year from all around the world. The event enjoys a wonderful variety of competitors including traditional craft from the islands, vintage, classic and historic ketches, sloops, schooners and yawls. Then there are the more newly-built Spirit of Tradition yachts and a Dragon class.

The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2023 will be run by a new team headed by Paul Deeth. The vision is to restore the Regatta to the founder, Kenny Coombs’, original concept of “like-minded people coming together to share their passion of racing stunning yachts in superb sailing conditions”.

The first move by this group has been to change the event’s date back to the traditional period before Antigua Sailing Week. This means the 2023 Regatta will take place on 19th to 24th April, to include the Single-Handed Race, the Concours d’Elegance, three days of racing, the Parade of Sail into English Harbour, the Gig Racing and the Cream Teas. It will be mainly located at Nelson’s Dockyard, with plenty of opportunities to “swing the lamp” over a rum punch in this historic venue.

Some expected entrants are: the 163ft ‘Adela’; the 178ft Gaff Schooner, ‘Adix’; ‘Adventuress’; ‘Charm III’ from Anguilla; the 141ft schooner, ‘Columbia’; and the Carriacou sloop, ‘New Moon’. Others from Antigua along with the 100ft Barbados Schooner, ‘Ruth’; ‘The Blue Peter’ plus many more will attend.