Antigua Sailing Week 2027 at a glance
Antigua Sailing Week is the island's big April regatta. The organizer lists the 2027 edition for 21 to 25 April and calls it the 58th. English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour are the sailing heart of the south coast, so many visitors plan their stay around it.
One change matters for spectators. In 2026 the organizer introduced a modernized point-to-point race format. Older spectator tips that describe racing only in front of English and Falmouth Harbour belong to the earlier format, so do not treat them as the 2027 programme.
Dates and events in April 2027
Use the organizer's current schedule as the final word.
| Event | Dates in 2027 | Where | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antigua Sailing Week | 21 to 25 April | – | 58th edition, point-to-point format since 2026 |
| Classic Yacht Regatta | 14 to 19 April | Nelson's Dockyard | Own event, pre-registration announced by the organizer |
| Calendar listing | 21 to 26 April | – | A 2026 magazine calendar gives one more day than the organizer |
The dates differ slightly between sources. Older calendars show other days again. Plan with the organizer's 21 to 25 April and confirm the days before you book flights and rooms.
What the new race format means for watching
Less is fixed than in earlier years.
Point-to-point racing
Since 2026 the race format is point-to-point. That means fleets can sail between places instead of staying in one harbour area. The full spectator programme and all race courses for 2027 are not yet set out in public.
Older vantage points
An earlier spectator page from the organizer names Shirley Heights, the Blockhouse, Fort Charlotte and Middle Ground as places to watch. The same page says races took place only off English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour and that Sunday was the first race day. That belongs to the old format.
A sensible plan
Read the organizer's notices for 2027 before you choose a viewpoint. Treat Shirley Heights as a good place for harbour views in general, and decide on race watching once the course for each day is published.
Shirley Heights guide →Boat trips and tours around English Harbour
Catamaran sails, island tours and sunset trips, with live prices and availability.
Classic Yacht Regatta
Historic yachts at Nelson's Dockyard.
The Classic Yacht Regatta is its own event and not part of Sailing Week. The organizer lists 14 to 19 April 2027 at Nelson's Dockyard and has announced pre-registration. Entry rules for visitors during the event are set by the organizers and the park, so check them before you go.
The Dockyard is a working marina as well as a historic site. Its stone buildings were built with the labor of enslaved Africans. The National Parks Authority names 130 enslaved Africans forced to build the Dockyard and says that historically more than 75 percent of the workers were enslaved. Read more in the Dockyard guide.
Sailing around English Harbour outside regatta week
The harbours stay active beyond April.
Falmouth Harbour
Falmouth Harbour Marina was founded in 1994 and has deep berths for large yachts and superyachts. It is a working marina and not a museum site, so access to the docks is up to the marinas.
Falmouth Harbour guide →Antigua Yacht Club
The club has a clubhouse in Falmouth Harbour for members and guests. It is separate from the commercial marina. Its 2025/2026 sailing programme, revised on 2 October 2025, lists local sailing events in May and June too, so the water is not empty after April.
Weather in April
Long-term averages at V. C. Bird International Airport (1981 to 2010) give April a daily high of 29.4 °C, a low of 23.4 °C and 72.0 mm of rain. These are historical averages, not a forecast.
Weather guide →Where to stay for regatta week
Three locations close to the water.
Inside the Dockyard
The National Parks Authority describes the Copper & Lumber Store Hotel inside the historic Dockyard. That puts you next to the marina and the Classic Yacht Regatta. No room prices are given here.
Freeman's Bay
The Inn at English Harbour sits on Freeman's Bay opposite the Dockyard, with a beach and water taxi access. The operator says it is not an all-inclusive resort.
Falmouth Harbour
South Point offers privately held self-catering suites for short stays, with a kitchen and a view over Falmouth Harbour. Restaurants and bars are within walking distance.
Where to stay →Rooms and berths are in demand around event dates. Check availability early and confirm your dates against the organizer's schedule first.
Plan the rest of your trip
Places that fit a regatta visit.
Antigua Sailing Week: frequently asked questions
When is Antigua Sailing Week 2027?
The organizer lists 21 to 25 April 2027. One 2026 calendar gives 21 to 26 April, so confirm the days with the organizer before you book.
Where can I watch the races?
An older organizer page names Shirley Heights, the Blockhouse, Fort Charlotte and Middle Ground. It was written for races held only off the two harbours. Since 2026 the format is point-to-point, so wait for the 2027 notices.
Is the Classic Yacht Regatta part of Sailing Week?
No. It is a separate event at Nelson's Dockyard, listed for 14 to 19 April 2027.
Does the $12 per foot fee apply to spectators?
No. The early bird fee applies to boats entering the race, and it was announced for payment by 31 October 2026. Spectator arrangements for 2027 come from the organizer.
Can I walk onto the docks to see the yachts?
Marinas are working facilities, and access depends on each marina. Falmouth Harbour and the viewpoints above the harbours give good views from the shore.