Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta

The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is a moving museum under sail. Each April, gaff-rigged schooners, vintage ocean racers, and the occasional square-rigged tall ship converge on Nelson's Dockyard, the UNESCO-listed Georgian naval base in English Harbour. The 2026 regatta, its 37th edition, runs from 15 to 20 April.

Divisions cover Classics (built to traditional designs), Vintage and Classic racers, a Spirit of Tradition class for modern boats built in the old style, and Tall Ships. The result is one of the most photogenic events anywhere on the water: acres of varnished wood, towering masts, and white sails working the trade winds along the south coast.

The regatta deliberately slots in just before Antigua Sailing Week, letting sailing fans and photographers catch two very different fleets in a single trip. Shoreside, the Dockyard hosts the Concours d'Elegance, where boats are judged on craftsmanship, alongside cocktail parties and prize-givings among the restored stone warehouses.

The best public viewing is from the ramparts of Shirley Heights and from the Dockyard itself, where you can walk the docks between races and see the boats up close. Galleon Beach and the harbour entrance also offer fine views of the fleet beating out to sea.