The inaugural Antigua Racing Cup has concluded at Nelson’s Dockyard, marking a new addition to the Caribbean racing calendar. The event delivered close racing across multiple classes in steady trade winds off Antigua’s south coast. Organisers said the regatta combined technical courses with strong international competition and a diverse fleet.
In CSA 1, the Tripp 65 Prevail (USA), skippered by Dan Gribble and Dean Ziehl, took overall honours with a clean sweep of six race wins. Ziehl said the event exceeded expectations. “It has been a great regatta for us and a real pleasure to be part of the first Antigua Racing Cup,” he said. Second place went to Kialoa III after a tie on points with Zig Zag, decided on countback.
In CSA 2, Belladonna (GBR), owned by Steve Rigby, secured victory after a tie with Warthog (ANT). Crew member Josh Redgrave said the racing was intense. “Every day we came in tied on points with Warthog, which shows just how close it was,” he said. Rikki (USA) placed third overall but won IRC 1 under dual scoring.
In CSA 3, Danish Blue (ANT), led by Poul Hoj Jensen, dominated with eight race wins to take both CSA 3 and IRC 2 titles. Hoj Jensen said teamwork proved decisive. “We got the spinnaker up faster, got clear, and that made the difference,” he said.
In CSA 4, Whiplash (ANT), skippered by Ashley Rhodes, recorded a perfect scoreline to win all nine races. Rhodes credited his crew for the result. “It was not easy at all; the team made it happen,” he said.
The regatta concluded with a prizegiving ceremony at Nelson’s Dockyard, attended by government representatives and competitors. Antigua Racing Cup Race Manager Jaime Torres praised the fleet. “The sailors were the real rock stars of the Antigua Racing Cup,” he said.
Officials said the event is expected to return in 2027 as part of Antigua’s expanding racing calendar.
As Afloat reported previously, Dun Laoghaire's Adrian Lee was part of the startling lineup for the regatta and was out sailing each day of the event, but needed other multis to race.
