Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta: our fleet is shaping up nicely

Changing the dates of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta from the usual second half of April to the very beginning (1-7 April 2020) has enabled various past participants to come and join us again, notably the magnificent 137’ Herreshoff gaff schooner Elena of London, the beautiful 86’ 1939 Henry Gruber yawl Nordwind and the stunning 203’ Andre Hoek designed Athos. Meanwhile we have had a lot of interest from new would-be participants from far and wide, such as the 120’ schooner Goleto Gringo, built in 1886 and lovingly renovated in Argentina by its current owner, and gaff cutter Lady Free, a replica of a 1905 Colin Archer design, built in 1983, from Norway. Local owner Don Ward, who has taken part in the Regatta for many years, has a new entry: the 2004 Bill Dixon 40’ sloop Freya, a frequent past winner on the Mediterranean circuit. We also welcome back regular competitors, such as Columbia, Rhea, Chronos, Mary Rose, The Blue Peter, Eros, Petrana and Seefalke to name but a few.

The Dragon Class, re-introduced in 2019 to great acclaim, already has two entries for 2020 (six more Petticrows are still available for charter – or bring your own!). Registration fees will be waived in 2021 for the winner of this exciting and highly competitive class, which attracts world-class sailors from all over the world to experience Antigua’s superb sailing conditions.

We have strong interest in the Historic Class with new and returning boats.  These are yachts designed and built before the end of 1976 of any material with any keel configurations, such as various Sparkman and Stephens designs, Nautor’s Swan and Baltic Yachts.