Nelson's Pursuit Race

Anchored in the heart of Antigua's sailing calendar, this annual pursuit race takes place on New Year's Eve day with the first start between 11:00 am and 12:00 noon below Fort Charlotte, directly outside English Harbour. The format is a natural fit for visiting yachts — whether on private charter, crewed passage or longer Caribbean circuit — making it one of the most accessible race-day events in the Eastern Caribbean.

A race built for cruising yachts and charter fleets

Unlike invitation-only regattas, this is a genuine all-comers event. In past editions the fleet has included boats of under 20 feet, Carriacou sloops, racing yachts and cruising yachts of every description. Pursuing charter crews with no dedicated racing programme are warmly welcomed, and the pursuit format means that every entrant — regardless of size or speed — has a realistic chance of taking the flag.

The slowest boat starts first and carries the French flag, with all other boats staggered behind based on size and anticipated speed around the course. Start times are allocated at the skippers' briefing, held each year on 29th December at Antigua Yacht Club in English Harbour. Attendance at the briefing is essential, and entries should be submitted as far in advance as possible so that accurate start times can be calculated.

English Harbour as the race base

The race course begins and finishes in the waters off English Harbour, placing it squarely within Antigua's principal yachting hub. Yachts lying at anchor or on a mooring in English Harbour or Falmouth Harbour are ideally positioned for the race, with no significant repositioning required. The prize-giving ceremony takes place at 5:00 pm on the steps of the Officer's Quarters in Nelson's Dockyard — a wonderfully atmospheric setting that draws the afternoon naturally into New Year's Eve celebrations ashore.

Prizes and entry

Every entry receives a bottle of rum. Trophies are awarded for first, second and third in each class, and the overall winner of the race receives a commemorative scrimshaw engraving. Additional special prizes are awarded on the day.

All entry fees and additional donations are given in full to the St. John Hospice, which provides palliative care for the terminally ill in Antigua and relies entirely on charitable donations.

To enter or for further information, contact Nesie at Antigua Yacht Club on +1 268 460 1799 or Tom Paterson on +1 268 464 3424. Bookings can be made by phone, and early entry is strongly encouraged to ensure an accurate start time.