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WELCOME FROM THE COMMODORE OF THE ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB
The Antigua Yacht Club Board of Directors and members are delighted to welcome back Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta in the form originally envisioned and delivered by Kenny Coombs and the founding committee 37 years ago.
The new Classics Team intend to run a casual and informal Regatta with the emphasis on safe and great Gentle(wo)manly “efficient sailing in company”, aka racing, in our near perfect conditions off the south coast of Antigua. There will be plenty of opportunities to admire the “grande dames” of yesteryear and to “swing the lamp” with like-minded people. All this being held against the historic background of Nelson’s Dockyard and liberally lubricated with the favourite libation of the islands…rum!
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I know that the Team are particularly keen to bring back all the old favourites, the Concours d’Elégance, the Single-Handed Race, the Parade of Classics into English Harbour, the Gig Racing - and the ladies of the Cream Teas are sprucing up their flowery hats as I type. We hope you’ll fully immerse yourselves and enjoy every diverse aspect.
The only change that Old Hands will notice is that some younger boats will be joining you in the Regatta in a new class, Modern Classics, for yachts designed over 35 years ago. Many have beautiful lines, have been lovingly maintained over the years and wishing they could join in the fun. It’s a fact of life that we’re all ageing faster than we’d wish.
As the penultimate Sailing Event of the 2022-2023 season, this is your chance to meet old and new friends and re-live your experiences of the Caribbean Season before you sail away to new waters or home, leaving us here to our sleepy and very hot summer.
Finally, may I take this opportunity to remind you that the Antigua Yacht Club is always looking for new members who’ll be able to fly our distinctive burgee with pride all over the World. It will keep you up to date with what is happening on this small island and hopefully inspire you to return very soon. Enjoy the Regatta and fair winds.
Franklyn Braithwaite
