Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua — April 13, 2026 — The inaugural Antigua Racing Cup has firmly established itself as a serious new contender on the Caribbean racing calendar, delivering high-level competition, tight racing, and a distinctly Antiguan atmosphere both on and off the water.
Set along Antigua’s south coast, the event brought together a wide range of boats—from grand prix racers to performance cruisers and sportsboats—for a regatta defined by tactical courses, consistent trade winds, and a strong international fleet.
CSA 1: Prevail Dominates
Dan Gribble and Dean Ziehl’s Tripp 65 Prevail (USA) delivered a flawless regatta, taking line honours and winning all six races on corrected time.
Behind them, the battle for second went down to the final race. Lennart Davidsson’s S&S 79 Kialoa III and John McMonigal’s Oyster 82 Zig Zag (GBR) finished tied on points, with Kialoa III claiming second on countback.
Prevail’s Dean Ziehl summed up the week simply: a competitive regatta in an exceptional setting, backed by strong camaraderie and a crew that has raced together for decades.
CSA 2: Decided by the Finest Margins
The performance boat class delivered some of the closest racing of the event.
Belladonna (GBR) and Warthog (ANT) were locked in a week-long duel, finishing tied on points after nine races. Belladonna ultimately secured the overall win on countback, with Rikki (USA) completing the podium.
Breakages, comeback performances, and razor-thin margins defined the class, with multiple races decided by less than a minute.
CSA 3: Danish Blue in Command
Poul Høj Jensen’s Danish Blue (ANT) delivered one of the most dominant performances of the regatta, winning eight races to secure both CSA 3 and IRC 2 titles.
Panacea X (CAN) finished second, while Team Strada Awaken (GBR) claimed third in CSA standings. Despite the decisive win at the top, the fight for the remaining podium places remained tight throughout.
Jensen credited teamwork and clean execution as the difference, particularly in critical moments like hoists and mark roundings.
CSA 4: A Perfect Scoreline for Whiplash
Ashley Rhodes’ Melges 24 Whiplash (ANT) delivered a standout performance, winning all nine races to secure a perfect scoreline in CSA 4.
The Project (USA) finished second with consistent podium finishes, while Montebello Pepsi (FRA) rounded out the top three.
Rhodes credited his crew for the result, highlighting the team effort behind what appeared from the outside to be a dominant campaign.
A Strong Start for a New Regatta
The final prizegiving at Nelson’s Dockyard underscored the success of the event’s first edition. Government officials and race organizers pointed to the Antigua Racing Cup as the opening chapter in a broader April racing series, alongside the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and Antigua Sailing Week.
The regatta also highlighted the importance of youth development, with local sailors gaining valuable experience through programs like Youth to Keel (Y2K).
Racing and Atmosphere, On and Off the Water
Beyond the racing, the event delivered a strong social component, with nightly gatherings in the UNESCO-listed Dockyard creating a lively backdrop to the competition.
Crews, organizers, and spectators mixed freely, reinforcing the blend of serious racing and Caribbean hospitality that the event aims to define.
Looking Ahead
For a first edition, the Antigua Racing Cup delivered exactly what it promised: competitive racing in one of the world’s great sailing venues.
With strong participation, positive feedback from competitors, and a clear identity, the event appears well positioned to become a fixture on the international circuit.
The next edition is already on the horizon for 2027
