CABINET NOTES: The Cabinet expressed its disappointment over the Antigua Sailing Week events.
Although the franchise is held by the ABHTA and that a contract with a well-known promoter permits all major decisions to be made by that promoter, the Cabinet sought answers from the Chairman of the National Parks Authority (NPA), Senator Philip Shoul, and the Executive Director of the NPA, Ms. Annemarie Martin.
The duo explained that in 2007/2008, the then Minister of Tourism, Hon. John Maginley, privatized Sailing Week by selling the franchise to the Hotel and Tourism Association.
A licence was then given to a private individual to determine the events which would characterize Sailing Week. In those days, as many as 142 boats would participate; the number today has fallen to less than 50 boats.
The Chairman sought and received policy guidelines that will result in Sailing Week continuing at the end of April each year, and that the licence to the private individual—which has expired—will not be renewed.
Nevertheless, a Committee made up of all stakeholders will be asked to plan and execute Sailing Week 2026 with Government support pledged.
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It’s gonna be hard to bring back the event to what it was in its glory days. Since Covid, the sailing work activities has taken a significant nose dive and is struggling to get into recovery mode. Important and critical marketing and sponsorship has literally dried up even as other regional countries has done a lot more to advertise and promote their event, eg, St Maarten Heineken Regatta in February and March, the Spring Regatta in the BVI in April and the Tahiti Pearl Regatta in May, Seychelles Challenge Regatta in July and more. Meanwhile, businesses in the Dockyard and surrounding communities are literally bawling as the returns that they are accustomed to during the sailing week has literally dried up as even locals are now uninterested in the event. Antigua sailing week needs brand new injection and input. The once remarkable staple on our calendar of events is on life support right now.
Not surprised people are losing interest. It’s lost its charm.
Whatever changes they make, please don’t let corporate sponsors take over entirely.
People just don’t feel included — and it shows in the turnout.
Revive it, yes — but don’t forget the people who made it what it was in the first place.
Sailing Week is a victim of several situations. This country, Antigua, is one of the most expensive islands in the Caribbean. We have a government which has individuals are of the mindset, what can Antigua and its citizens do for me instead of the opposite. They are simply in it for personal gain. There is no reason why the cost of living should be so high. The powers at be could perhaps follow the model like St. Maarten and making it a duty-free island. Doing so would encourage more visitors to come here and as a result would increase the volume of revenue and make up for any “loss” of said revenue.
Yes, there are many other islands in the Caribbean that have sailing events which also adds to the numbers being down. However, their numbers are also down. St. Barths has even cancelled one of their popular sailing events, the Bucket Regatta. Additionally, there are events going on in the Mediterranean that are closer and cheaper for a lot of the owners of racing sailing machines. What we have here are the challenging waters and the breathtaking views that attract them. At some point, it comes down to what is more financially feasible for most. There is only a small percentage of folks who can afford it.
The sport of sailing is not cheap by any means. Those who are in it to win it are usually the ones with deep pockets. Most are not as fortunate. If one has to hire a professional crew, there are many expenses associated with this. Room and board plus meals are added into the cost of having a professional crew. When equipment breaks and it will happen, to fix or replace broken hardware is also not cheap. These items here in Antigua are definitely not on the wallet friendly list.
Chicken City is no longer part of Sailing Week. Apparently, a certain entity decided it was not best for the area and didn’t align with UNESCO World Heritage ideology. Sailors and crew loved to hang out there and enjoy the local vibe and flavours. They didn’t have to wait for an hour to be seated. They could move from booth to booth seeing what they offered and could grab a beer sit down and relax. That choice has been taken away. All that’s left is the “higher end” restaurants that have limited seating and much higher prices and lower portions of food. Many locals from all over the island would also come and partake in the festivities and local dishes and without having to wait for a table or pay for “high end” meals.
They also used to move the venue around the island to different locations. While many thought this is a great idea, logistically speaking, it was an expensive nightmare for the sailors and crew. When racing, weight is a huge factor. Everything is done to make the boat as light as possible. When the race is over for that day, the crew now needs to be shuttled back to their boarding places. I am sure many of folks here know that taxi fares are not cheap either. It’s now a two-way trip to get back for the next day of racing. That’s more money out of their pockets. Renting a vehicle as an alternative is also not financially friendly. Maybe hotels and car rentals could offer discounts for bookings to help attract more competitors.
Reggae in the Park. That was another event sailors looked forward to. This year being the first time it did not take place. Many of them were asking why there wasn’t the usual event taking place. Instead, they had a mock version of it at the Antigua Yacht Club. That night was a dismal turnout compared to the past times. The last few years even the talent that was brought in for Reggae in the Park was not that great at all.
There is a lot of bureaucracy local “politics” that is happening down in English Habour which does not help the situation. The latest victim is Lucky Eddie’s. It’s not easy to own and run a business in that area unless you are in with the powers at be and that could easily change as the winds change direction. All this nonsense needs to end. The sooner the better and everyone will benefit.
There are some changes that have been made for Sailing Week 2026 and it remains to be seen if Antigua Sailing Week can be revived. There are a lot of moving parts that need addressing and unfortunately, I can’t see that happening due to egos, personal gains and power trips.
Government stole the Russians’ boat. The seizure of the Alfa Nero is all over yachting news. No one will come after that. We’re suffering from the sins of our Government.