Antigua & Barbuda Sailing Association
About
Based in English Harbour — the historic heart of Caribbean yachting — the Antigua & Barbuda Sailing Association serves as the official governing body for the sport across both islands, reporting directly to the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) and sitting as a member of the Antigua National Olympic Committee. For yacht crews, charter operators, and event organisers arriving in Antiguan waters, the Association is the definitive point of contact for sanctioned racing, club liaison, and the broader competitive calendar.
Regattas and Racing Events
Antigua's reputation as one of the finest sailing destinations in the Eastern Caribbean rests on a full annual programme of competitive events, all of which fall under the Association's umbrella. The best known internationally are the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and Antigua Sailing Week, which draw fleets from across the world to English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour each spring. The calendar extends well beyond those flagship events to include the Around the Island Race, the Jolly Harbour Valentines Regatta, the Annual Barbuda Cruise, Green Island and Carlisle Bay races, On-Deck Match racing on Beneteau 40.7s, Dragon Class events at the Harmony Hall Yacht Club, the Jolly Harbour Annual Regatta, and the popular High Tide series in December — culminating in the Lord Nelson's Pursuit Race.
Membership and Club Structure
Association membership is structured around sailing clubs and the major regattas, providing a formal liaison between individual clubs — including the Antigua Yacht Club and the Jolly Harbour Yacht Club — and international governing bodies. This framework ensures that racing rules, safety standards, and event certification meet ISAF requirements, which is particularly relevant for charter yachts and racing teams seeking officially sanctioned competition during their time in Antiguan waters.
Sailing in Antiguan Waters
Antigua and Barbuda offer some of the most reliable sailing conditions in the Caribbean: constant trade winds, a wealth of protected anchorages, and numerous beautiful bays that provide picturesque venues for both racing and cruising. The island's southern harbours — English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour — form the operational hub for the region's most active sailing community, placing the Association at the centre of a year-round marine economy.
Contact the Association today for information on upcoming regattas, membership, and how to get involved in sailing in Antigua and Barbuda.