The Antigua Sailing Week Youth Appreciation Afternoon held on April 11, was a resounding success as it highlighted the exceptional talents and enthusiasm of young sailors and artists alike. The event, held on the premises of the National Sailing Academy brought together the ambitious spirit of the Youth to Keelboat (Y2K) sailors selected to participate in Antigua Sailing Week – with the creative efforts of students whose artwork was most remarkable the submissions in the annual Harpers Office Depot School Art Competition.
Sponsored by Falmouth Ocean Club, the afternoon’s festivities included the 6th year of assignment of local youth sailors to a variety of boats racing in the 56th Antigua Sailing Week. This hands-on experience provides these future captains of industry with an invaluable opportunity to learn the intricacies of competitive sailing, teamwork, and navigation under the mentorship of seasoned professionals. 32 youth were assigned, receiving their signature sailing kit which allows them to stand out among the other racing crews during the event. Organizers expressed pride in empowering the youth to engage directly with the sport, ensuring that the legacy of Antigua’s rich sailing tradition continues to thrive through the next generation.
Winner of the 5-8 group Tameah Joseph with Harpers Office Depot Marketing Manager, Yuri Christian
Following the sailing assignments, the event celebrated young artistic talent by announcing the winners of the 2025 Harper’s Office Depot School Art Competition. The competition, which attracted submissions from over 11 schools across the island, showcased a diverse array of artworks depicting the roles that renewable energy could play in reducing the carbon footprint of Antigua and Barbuda while fostering a sustainable future for the islands. The award ceremony recognized the outstanding creativity and technical skill of the young artists, whose work will inspire future generations of creators and enthusiasts.
A thorough review of the 247 impressive entries yielded a dozen finalists and the first place winners of the contest from three age categories were Tameah Joseph (age 8) of Liberta Primary School; Ammar Luwaisa (age 12) of St. Anthony’s Secondary School & Shania McKenzie (age 15) of Christ the King High School.
Overall Winner Shania McKenzie receives her award from Emeka Roberts of Liat20
While Jaemiir Watkins (age 11) of Island Academy received the People’s Choice Award – chosen by members of the public via a Facebook campaign, Shania McKenzie was also selected as the overall winner. In addition to receiving a prize of round-trip flights compliments LIAT20 – her creative piece will be displayed at the Welcome to English Harbour billboard located at Cobbs Cross until Antigua Sailing Week 2026.
Prizes for other runner-ups included vouchers and stationery from Harper’s Office Depot, activities from Adventure Antigua and Stingray City plus awards from Cool N Smooth.
“Today’s event was a true celebration of youth and innovation,” said Rana-Jamila Lewis of the Antigua Sailing Week. “We endeavored to blend the exhilarating world of competitive sailing with the boundless realm of art, and in hopes of nurturing a holistic appreciation for both adventure and creative expression.”
The annual school art competition started in 1968 to encourage students and the wider community to get involved in Antigua Sailing Week and organizers are already planning future events to continue fostering these essential connections between sports and the arts, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to learn about, contribute to and benefit from Antigua’s maritime industry.
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Great for these youths. The yachting industry is a great one to grow up in and build great careers.
I was always intrigued with boat builders. It would’ve being nice if courses were offered in schools from an early age.
As a youth growing up in Villa, the fisherman and others would construct miniature yachts and sailboats to race at Dredge Bay.
Does the sailing week activities include, a miniature yacht or boat race (miniature as in 2’ /.6 M or less, wind powered only)?
I wonder how well, a program such as this would work at ABICE now that the old stigma of working in the yachting industry is going away?
I love the seas. Oceans, their shores and tributaries. You can never be bored living in their vicinity and world!
Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏾Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards