Oh to be in Antigua, now that the Classics are back!

I have attended, participated in and photographed many regattas in many places and the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is my all time favourite! It’s not just one thing that does it; the yachts, the tradition, the sailing, the people, the island, the events and the fun all come together and make it an unforgettable happening. It takes you back to a different era and makes you feel a part of something that keeps old traditions alive. Walking the docks and taking in the classics, both big and small, is such a memorable experience. Sailing one hard on the wind with the spray flying as you slice through the tropical trades is something you just can’t forget. There’s nothing like classic schooners reaching for the line just before the start or fighting for the finish line. The boats range from Carriacou sloops to big schooners and they’re all art in motion.

Antigua’s warm trade winds make it both an ideal place for world class racing and for sailing which is consistently awesome. What happens ashore is also very special. Antigua is rich in culture and history and English Harbour is a special place. Steeped in history and tradition, you couldn’t ask for a better setting for a classic yacht regatta. Stepping into Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour is like stepping back in time.The locals are great. Be sure to stop by for a tot with the Royal Naval Tot Club of Antigua and Barbuda who have hoisted a glass to toast the king and queen every evening for over 30 years.There’s elegant dining but you can also sample a burger from a street vendor cart or have a mouth watering roti for lunch at a local restaurant.

From the welcome cocktails to the gig racing and cream teas, these are put on largely thanks to ever-faithful volunteers. I love the grandeur of the Concours d’Elégance, where you can tour beautifully maintained, classic yachts. The Parade of Classics in English Harbour is not to be missed. And the parties are always so much fun, with rum and beer galore and you cannot help but join in the dancing when the music is pumping and the dance floor jumping.

Racers from all walks of life attend the Antigua Classics Regatta: from professionals to armchair sailors, there is something for everyone. Youth also sail in this event and it is fun to watch them sail aboard the traditional Carriacou Sloop New Moon. The founder of the regatta, Kenny Coombs said it best “Everyone here is on the same level, Whether you come in flip flops or private jets, everyone is here for the sailing.” opposite: Columbia slicing through the waves. above: Author Robin Stout hoisting the main. below: Columbia’s beautiful bow.

I have been fortunate enough to ride along on some of these beautiful boats as a photographer. Being a racer myself made my ride-alongs momentous, such as the special memories aboard from New Moon, the smallest boat in the Regatta that year and crewed by local youth. The WISH foundation that runs this Carriacou sloop do an amazing job of getting Antiguan kids trained and on the water.

I have also been fortunate to sail aboard Ticonderoga (72ft ketch), a fast and fun ride, and Columbia (141ft Schooner) was an amazing experience. Skipper Seth never raised his voice and the crew worked together beautifully. We sailed fast and the day was a thing of beauty. Another favourite would have to be Aschanti IV. All 114ft of this yacht are pure beauty. Aschanti also has a skipper who never raises his voice and a crew that handles her beautifully.These are experiences that will last my lifetime and for which I am forever grateful.

As well as local volunteers, people come to this Regatta from all over the world by boat or plane so as not to miss taking part in this unique event. It takes a lot of volunteers to make the Regatta come off smoothly and I want to do all I can to see it succeed; the office helpers, start and finish line, mark-set boats, dingy wranglers and more all work together and create a memorable event. I am honoured to be asked to be the Regatta Organizer of this Regatta in 2023. I’m excited that we’re bringing back the traditions started by Antigua Classics founder, Kenny Coombs and going back to our roots in Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour.

I love Antigua. The island and her people are so very welcoming and friendly.The weather is almost always perfect. The water is a beautiful hue of blue, warm and inviting. Every time I return to Antigua I feel like I’ve come home.