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Antigua and Barbuda365
sportsEvent

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta

Tall ships and vintage yachts at the Dockyard

When2027: April 14 to 19 (mid-April, just before Sailing Week; dates vary yearly)
WhereEnglish Harbour, South Coast
CostFree to watch from shore and to walk the Dockyard docks (Nelson's Dockyard National Park admission applies). Racing entry fees apply for yachts.
FrequencyAnnual
Type
Sports
When
April to April
Duration
6 days
Location
English Harbour
Cost
Free to watch from shore and to walk the Dockyard docks (Nelson's Dockyard National Park admission applies). Racing entry fees apply for yachts.
Frequency
Annual
Attendance
Roughly 50 to 60 classic yachts and tall ships
Family friendly
Yes
First held
1987
Local name
Antigua Classics
Best arrival
Arrive before the first racing day to explore Nelson's Dockyard and see boats prepping at the docks.
What to wear
Light tropical clothing and a hat for daytime; smart-casual for Dockyard cocktail events.
Food highlights
Harbourside seafoodRum cocktailsLocal Wadadli beerDockyard cafe fare
Warnings
Historic Dockyard surfaces can be unevenStrong midday sunPopular week, so reserve dinner tables ahead
What to bring
SunscreenSun hatCamera with a zoom lensComfortable walking shoesCash (EC$)
The overview

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.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

When is the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta?

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The regatta is held in mid-April, immediately before Antigua Sailing Week. The 2026 edition (the 37th) runs from 15 to 20 April. Dates move slightly each year, so check the official Antigua Classics website before planning travel.

Where does the regatta take place?

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The fleet is based at Nelson's Dockyard, the UNESCO-listed Georgian naval base in English Harbour on the south coast. Boats race along the southern coastline, and the docks at the Dockyard host the shoreside programme, including the Concours d'Elegance.

Can visitors see the classic yachts up close?

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Yes. You can walk the docks at Nelson's Dockyard between races to see the classic yachts, tall ships, and vintage racers up close (National Park admission applies). For action on the water, the ramparts at Shirley Heights and the harbour entrance offer excellent views.

Is it the same event as Antigua Sailing Week?

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No, they are two separate regattas, but they are scheduled back to back on purpose. The Classic Yacht Regatta focuses on traditional, vintage, and tall-ship classes, while Sailing Week follows immediately after with modern racing and cruising yachts. Many visitors attend both in one trip.
Plan your visit

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta

When
2027: April 14 to 19 (mid-April, just before Sailing Week; dates vary yearly)
Duration: 6 days
Location
Nelson's Dockyard, English Harbour
South Coast
Cost
Free to watch from shore and to walk the Dockyard docks (Nelson's Dockyard National Park admission applies). Racing entry fees apply for yachts.
Get directions →
This event is in English Harbour & Falmouth →