The 2021 edition of Antigua Sailing Week (ASW), including the Round Antigua Race, scheduled for April 24 – 30 has been due to COVID-19.
The timing of this decision for the cancellation was taken after in-depth consideration of the obligations participants have to charter companies, hotels and villa companies, shipping companies, and also taking into account international travel restrictions and an inability to organise an impenetrable bubble for the safety of all participants, volunteers and the wider community.
With its position as the anchor event of an already uneventful Caribbean racing season, interest in the event was strong. “With entries still coming in we were grappling with finding the right formula to accommodate those interests, but with the increased restrictions being put in place to manage the further spread of COVID-19, cancellation is the only possible outcome at this time,” stated ASW commercial director, Alison Sly-Adams.
She went on to say, "For over 50 years we have looked forward to hosting the return of new and old friends to ASW as much as the sailors look forward to the epic racing conditions. This cancellation, while being the right thing to do, hurts our sailing soul. We are truly excited to get back to what we love, the business of yacht racing, next year."
The cancellation of the 2021 event further compounds the financial blow to the non-profit entity which organises this internationally respected event, as well as to the greater local community. The staging of the event results in a positive economic impact for the destination to the tune of EC$6 million each year.
This is a giant loss to the economy of Antigua and to the yachting sector in particular.
Minister of Tourism and Investment, Charles Fernandez said of the cancellation: “We are disappointed to have to cancel the event for a second year. Not only is it very important to us as an economy, but for many of us, it is our favourite time of year when we come together as a community with our visitors to celebrate the wonderful yachting season. This year, however, as a destination we are prioritizing managing the health care system and the vaccination programme for the good of the community, which in the long term will allow us to welcome back our visitors safely. In fact, we have started planning for 2022 and intend to make it bigger and better than ever.”
Participants on the 2021 entry list can opt to have entry fees transferred to 2022.
Despite the cancellation, however, the Antigua and Barbuda Marine Association (ABMA) has moved to reassure visiting yachtsmen and women that despite the cancellation of iconic Antigua Sailing Week the yachting industry in Antigua and Barbuda continues to be open for business.
President of the ABMA Franklyn Braithwaite states, "Our marinas and supporting marine service businesses remain open and with our many anchorages around both islands it's possible to enjoy charters between both islands and there still be enough space to socially distance. The refit business, sail training operations including RYA keelboat and dinghy courses, MCA and STCW all continue year round."
