September 13th, 2017, English Harbour, Antigua: We were very lucky here in Antigua to escape the recent storms; the island is virtually unscathed. We have been overwhelmed by and very grateful for all your messages of support.
As we gear up for another Caribbean yachting season, our boatyards, marinas, docks and anchorages are intact and for our charter and service companies, it’s business as usual. Planning for our upcoming regatta season continues apace as we look forward to some brilliant sailing and yachting.
Here is a snapshot of the events we already have planned for what promises to be an unforgettable
season:
Antigua Charter Yacht Show
AYC Round the Island Race
Antigua Superyacht Challenge
Jolly Harbour Valentine’s Regatta
Antigua 360
10th RORC Caribbean 600
Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta
Antigua Sailing Week
Antigua to Bermuda Race
Antigua continues to offer the perfect winter escape – sunshine, steady trade winds and, of course, our famous Antiguan hospitality.
Even though the hurricane devastated many islands including our sister island of Barbuda, we know that the region will bounce back stronger than ever. The beauty of our islands and people, combined with our passion for yachting, will continue to win people over from around the world and ensure that events and the communities that host them overcome obstacles and remain ready to welcome you back to their shores.
President of the Antigua and Barbuda Marine Association Franklyn Braithwaite says, ‘Many people have been in touch to check that Antigua is still up and running. We thank them immensely for their concern for our island; we have been lucky. Many people have asked how they can help the affected islands. My best advice is to come to the region in the coming season as planned. I have told people not to change their plans, register early for events and come and enjoy your favourite yachting destinations. That will ensure that our economies continue to receive much needed support throughout the regatta season.’
To assist our island neighbours, shipping and logistics company Peters & May, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, the Antigua and Barbuda Marine Association and Antigua Sailing Week are working together to host a Caribbean Cocktail and Fundraiser during the Southampton Boat Show on Thursday 21st September at the Peters & May stand. If you would like to attend please RSVP to marketing@sailingweek.com. Funds raised for relief efforts at the event will be shared equitably among the islands of Barbuda, St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Barths, Anguilla, BVI and USVI.
The docks at Falmouth Harbour Marina looking left to the Antigua Yacht Club Marina and out to the harbour.
Slipway Boat Yard taken from the docks in Nelson’s Dockyard Marina with the newly restored Clarence House to the left.
Jolly Harbour Marina looking across to Jolly Harbour Boat Yard
Antigua Yacht Club Marina taken from upstairs at the Antigua Yacht Club complete with ABSAR rib on its boat lift.
About the Antigua and Barbuda Marine Association:
The Antigua and Barbuda Marine Association (ABMA) is the private sector organization which is the unified voice of the yachting industry in Antigua and Barbuda. It represents marine organisations to the government and stakeholders and the industry to the world. Updates on events and a full list of members can be found on the association website www.abma.ag.
Donations:
A list of reputable agencies collecting donations on behalf of Barbuda can we found here http://www.antiguanice.com/v2/client.php?id=806&news=10249 . We are currently working with other islands to establish a similar list.