Antigua & Barbuda Hampton’s Yachting Challenge goes off and ends with a bang!

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Twin Island Destination Celebrates Success of Annual Regatta and Strengthening Ties in The Hamptons. The Antigua and Barbuda Hamptons Yacht Challenge went off with a bang in picturesque Sag Harbor in The Hamptons. In its’ 4th year, a record-breaking 27 yachts, with over a hundred crew members, entered the regatta in the fastest growing one-day yachting event in the Northeast that took place on Saturday, August 18th.

The Antigua and Barbuda Hamptons Yacht Challenge went off with a bang in picturesque Sag Harbor in The Hamptons. In its’ 4th year, a record-breaking 27 yachts, with over a hundred crew members, entered the regatta in the fastest growing one-day yachting event in the Northeast that took place on Saturday, August 18th.

The Regatta, that takes place on Noyac Bay, saw racers avail of the ideal conditions wind conditions with a steady 8-10 knot breeze that made for an exciting competition. The winners of the Antigua and Barbuda Hamptons Challenge 2018 were Captain Phil Walters and the crew of “August Sky.” The Captain and crew, from the winning yacht received as the FIRST PRIZE an allexpenses paid trip with a Charter Sailboat to race in Antigua Sailing Week 2019.

Antigua Sailing Week, is one of the premiere sailing regattas in the world, with the best on water action as well as phenomenal parties on land. Taking place every April since 1965, it is the longest running sailing regatta in the Caribbean and is still one of the best loved races worldwide, for both participants and viewers alike. This prize offers the Captain and crew an incredible opportunity to experience the magic and excitement of this prestigious event firsthand.

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The Elite Island Resorts St James’ Club, one of the destination’s co-sponsors for the event, will provide on-island accommodations for the winning team. Other prizes included a stay at the Historic Copper and Lumber Store Hotel, and a keg of award-winning English Harbour Rum. The American University of Antigua (AUA) which has been a key co-sponsor of the event from inception was present in supporting the country’s tourism efforts in The Hamptons.

The day culminated in an awards Caribbean cocktail party that truly brought Antigua and Barbuda to The Hamptons. Hundreds of sailors and crew, yachting enthusiasts and fans of the twin island destination, celebrated under the big tent at Havens Beach where they danced the evening away to the music, food and liberal amounts of the award-winning English Harbour Rum of Antigua and Barbuda.

Prior to the event, Tourism officials led by Minister of Tourism and Investment, the Hon. Charles Fernandez with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, used the opportunity to further engage the Hamptons community. Minister Fernandez and CEO Colin C. James had interviews with local media including Sag Harbor Express newspaper and the WLNG radio station. Minster Fernandez strengthened ties with dignitaries by meeting with Sag Harbor’s Mayor, Sandra Schroder.

During the meeting the two agreed to an exchange program that will see Antigua and Barbuda’s young sailors visiting The Hamptons and a team from The Hamptons participating in next year’s World Dingy Championship in Antigua and Barbuda.

“The Antigua and Barbuda Hamptons Yachting Challenge is a critical part of our Yachting marketing strategy. The reception and interest that was generated by Antigua and Barbuda with this weekend’s activities will support our continued growth in yachting visitor arrivals from The Hamptons, and further cement our position as the mecca of Caribbean Sailing,” said Hon. Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism and Investment.

The evening was also a celebration of the life of Rob Roden, who sadly passedaway, a week prior to the event. Rob and his wife Theresa, are the publishers of Captain’s Guide Yachting Magazine. He was instrumental in starting the event, which has linked the yachting communities of Sag Harbor and English Harbor.

ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. Voted the World Travel Awards 2015, 2016 and 2017 Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination, the twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 17 mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere. Find information on Antigua & Barbuda at: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or follow us on Twitter. http://twitter.com/antiguabarbuda Facebook www.facebook.com/antiguabarbuda; Instagram:  www.instagram.com/AntiguaandBarbuda

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About the author

Avatar of Juergen T Steinmetz

Juergen T Steinmetz

Juergen Thomas Steinmetz has continuously worked in the travel and tourism industry since he was a teenager in Germany (1977).
He founded eTurboNews in 1999 as the first online newsletter for the global travel tourism industry.

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