One of the most popular events held as part of the Antigua Sailing Week activities
has been Dockyard Day, which not only marks the end of the weeklong series of
races and parties, but which also signals the end of the sailing season.
“The rich and inherited cultural traditions of the communities of the National Park
will be on full display, during this year’s celebration of Dockyard Day, a long-
established custom in the Dockyard which brings the curtains down on the annual
yachting season,” a statement from the National Park Authority said.
It said Dockyard Day, is organised by the National Parks Authority (NPA) and is
slated for Saturday, May 6 from 12 noon to 8 pm. It will feature a host of activities
geared at exposing members of the public to the unique traditions of a thriving
yachting community.
A featured highlight of the activities will be the model boat race, which is deeply
steeped in the unique and indigenous traditions of English Harbour. Dockyard Day
creates a platform for skilled model boat builders to emerge from the shadows and
showcase their undeniable talents in building ready-to-race, intricately crafted and
designed vessels.
The boats will remain on display before and after the race, making it possible for
members of the public to get an up-close view of the amazing designs and to speak
with their skilled and talented builders.
Another major attraction of the seaside activities is the Greasy Pole contest,
another long-held tradition of Dockyard Day that will combine with the highly
anticipated Kayak race, to create an entertaining and exciting afternoon of
traditional activities for the entire family.
A host of activities have been organised to create a fair-type atmosphere on the
lawns of the Dockyard for all ages. The featured highlight will be the Tug-O-War
competition, which will, once again, put the Royal Police Force of Antigua and
Barbuda against the Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force.
The ceremonial Beating of the Retreat, led by the Royal Police Force of Antigua
and Barbuda, is another dominant activity of the evening’s proceedings and signals
the end of the yachting season.
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