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Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet is weighing the possibility of assuming direct control of the country’s flagship Sailing Week event, following a notably low turnout in 2025 that officials attribute to poor promotion and declining engagement.
Speaking at the post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday, Chief of Staff Lionel Hurst confirmed that only around 42 boats participated in this year’s regatta—a significant drop from previous years.
The event, which once drew hundreds of international vessels and thousands of visitors, is considered a major pillar of Antigua’s tourism calendar and a contributor to national GDP.
“There was a general feeling that the promotion of the event was inadequate,” Hurst stated.
“When the government allocates significant funding—as it did this year, contributing over US\$140,000—it expects a corresponding level of effort and accountability.”
Hurst noted that the Cabinet believes new leadership and a fresh strategy may be needed to restore the event’s former prestige.
The National Parks Authority has been identified as a possible entity to lead the event’s restructuring and future coordination.
Antigua Sailing Week, which marked its 55th year in 2024, has long been one of the most renowned regattas in the Caribbean.
However, officials now acknowledge that regional competition has intensified, with other islands launching similar events that have drawn away participants.
“Other territories have studied our model and are now replicating it. We’re almost a victim of our own success,” Hurst said.
In addition to the lack of international promotion, Cabinet was also concerned about limited local engagement. Hurst said that more should be done to involve Antiguans and Barbudans—not only in the revelry and entertainment aspects of Sailing Week, but also in the economic opportunities around vending and logistics.
A full postmortem review of the 2025 event is currently underway, and officials say decisions regarding the 2026 regatta will be made after this process concludes.
However, early indications suggest a shift toward increased government oversight, with emphasis on long-term sustainability.
Plans are also under discussion to introduce a new regatta in March, potentially filling a gap left by the discontinued BVI Spring Regatta.
Hurst noted that many vessels remain in the region during that time, and the government is exploring ways to take advantage of their presence—though hotel availability during Antigua’s peak season remains a challenge.
Asked whether funding for other marine events, such as the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, will continue, Hurst confirmed that the Ministry of Tourism intends to support them as part of a broader maritime tourism strategy.
“The Classics regatta has become almost as popular as Sailing Week, and it too will receive funding to grow and thrive,” he said.
Despite this year’s setbacks, Cabinet remains optimistic that, with revised leadership and more aggressive international promotion, Sailing Week can once again become a premier global sailing event.
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Question. Could some of this decline be due to the state of Antigua today. Broken infrastructure, high crime, poverty and not to mention the greed of some? If we are honest, Antigua is not quite as desirable as it use to be, it seems to be in decline. Gaston, you need to take control of this situation.
THE LARGEST MARKET HERE, IS THE ANTIGUAN PEOPLE! OVER A 100,000 PEOPLE.
Involve local people. Spread the event around the island as in past years. Sunday sail around @ Dickenson Bay was a major event, cutting it was a mistake
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Go back to have sailing all around the island like it was. This not only gives vendors an outlet but provides differing sailing courses that challenge the boats and sailors.
Boat owners are very skeptical about mooring their vessels for even short periods, which might get the attention of some higher-ups who might deem them abandoned. The commission might not be as significant as the $10mil gotten from the Flagship, as these Yachts are much cheaper, but capturing and auctioning a few of them could still yield something appreciable.
Sailing week used to be my favorite week of the year, where the whole island was included..especially the 2 days at Dickenson Bay.. but nowadays if your not in English Harbour, you wouldn’t even know it’s happening..?
Not sure if National Parks are the right people to handle this event. National Parks does everything to make it hard for clubs and nightlife in English Harbour, suddenly also all vendors are gone, no more mumsi burgers, nice “clean up”. Yachts & crews want to have a good time and that involves partying and a healthy nightlife, SXM offers that doubles as nice for half the price. Thats where your yachts are going…