Antigua Sailing Week, held in the last week of April, is one of the Caribbean's major sailing regattas — established in 1967, it now draws 150 to 200 boats from over 30 countries, ranging from serious offshore racing yachts to classic wooden boats. The racing takes place in English Harbour and in the channels between Antigua's southern headlands; the social scene operates in the dockyard and at Shirley Heights every evening.
Even for visitors with no sailing connection, the week is worth catching: the harbour fills with extraordinary vessels, the atmosphere is festive and international, and the racing itself is visible from the heights above the harbour. The Classic Yacht Regatta, held in the preceding week in mid-April, draws a separate fleet of vintage racing yachts. Both events together make April the busiest and most atmospheric time to be in English Harbour.