Nelson’s Dockyard welcomed sailors from all over the world to the Copper & Lumber Store Hotel for a weather and safety briefing ahead of Antigua Sailing Week’s 4-day round-the-island regatta. Race officer Chris Mansfield discussed the light air forecasted for Thursday’s start.

“The cruisers will start first and have a laid-back ride to Green Island,” he said after the briefing. “The racers will have a challenging test ahead of them,” he added. “The boats that perform best tomorrow will be the ones who are gentlest with their manoeuvres. In this kind of weather, you have to move around the boat like a cat.”

During the briefing, presented by The Residences at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, ASW President Alison Sly-Adams outlined the week’s entertainment which includes a barefoot barbecue at Green Island hosted by Falmouth Ocean Club, steel pan music at The Hut, and a beach festival with vendors and live music at Ffryes Beach. Sailors then sipped on _Nautical Nomads_ , Nikki Beach’s signature cocktail.

Cruiser Nancy Karr said that in addition to the entertainment ashore, she’s most looking forward to the camaraderie aboard the 36-foot catamaran _Tropic Bird_. “The joy of having 5 people on the boat,” she pointed out. “It’s all fun and no stress.”

Class 2 racer Hans Voorn aboard _Contigo – Team Hi-1_ said the crew’s spirits are high and he anticipates all of what makes a good day on the water. “Sailing, sun, and fun – that’s all we need. And winning,” he added. “We want to win!”

Joining the cadre of cruisers and racers were the winners of the Antigua Sailing Week Happy Kids School Art Competition. The contest, held annually, invited students to capture the excitement of sailing, island landscapes, and the sense of adventure that comes with exploring Antigua by sea. Overall winner Zoey Carter of Sir Novelle Richards Academy and People’s Choice winner Savanah Holborough of St. Nicholas Primary School showcased outstanding talent and creativity in their original works, which were on display.

A welcome party sponsored by the Citizenship by Investment Unit followed, featuring music from the Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra and traditional Caribbean carnival dancing from The Xclamation Performers, saw several crew enthusiastically joining in.

As they danced, mingled, and shared stories of ocean exploits, all present looked forward to the start of their round-the-island adventure, setting off from Windward Bay at 10:30 AM and finishing at Green Island by 3 PM.

Now in its 57th year, Antigua Sailing Week is one of the Caribbean’s premier Spring racing events. The entry list can be viewed here. To learn more, visit www.sailingweek.com.