The Antigua and Barbuda Yachting and Marine Association (ABYMA) is unveiling its calendar of marine and yachting events for the upcoming year in Antigua and Barbuda. Supported by the Ministry of Tourism and working within the UNESCO designated National Parks of Antigua and Barbuda, and with its team for many of the events, it is an enviable array of activities encompassing sailing, rowing, fishing, and more, and promises to be one of the most vibrant year yet.
Significantly, the iconic RORC Transatlantic Race will commence on January 11, 2026, from Lanzarote, marking an historic shift as the race makes its way directly to Antigua, rather than its traditional starting point in Grenada. Alongside existing feeder events of the World’s Toughest Row and the Salty Dawgs Rally as well as must-attend Antigua Charter Yacht Show, the season will be off to a phenomenal start.
International racing events such as the RORC Caribbean 600, the Antigua Superyacht Regatta & the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta will be joined by a brand new event, the Antigua Racing Cup. Taking place from 9-12th April, The Antigua Racing Cup is an event for racing purists—those who prefer high-energy, coastal racing with a fast-paced schedule and a focus on spirited competition. The event will feature 4 days of exhilarating races where participants can expect finely tuned variations of the exhilarating courses they would usually associate with sailing conditions along Antigua’s spectacular southern coast, and spectators will still enjoy the breathtaking views from land, sea, or air. Additionally, Antigua Sailing Week will return to its roots with a condensed format, focusing on point-to-point destination racing around the island. Each evening will culminate in lively celebrations at different locations, allowing sailors and locals to unite in cultural festivities.
The inaugural Mini Globe Race will hold its prize-giving ceremony in March to celebrate the return of the 19-foot sailboats that circumnavigated the globe, starting from Antigua. The boats are just over half way round at this point, and currently sailing between Fiji and South Africa.
The Antigua Yacht Club is introducing several invigorating events designed to enhance club racing, with highlights including the RS Elite Small Keelboat Regatta in January and the Caribbean Dinghy Championships, set to take place in October in Antigua.
Franklyn Braithwaite, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Yachting and Marine Association, states, “With all the changes to the calendar this year, it reinforces Antigua’s strength in the yachting market as the heart of Caribbean sailing. We look forward to seeing our many long-time friends along with new visitors throughout the year.”
The ABYMA is also excited to present the industry to the youth and interested adults of Antigua and Barbuda in order to engage them in opportunities within the yachting industry. The 4th Annual Discover Yachting & Marine will take place from 8-9th October, the main goal of enticing them to consider non-traditional career avenues upon graduation.
