ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

(L- R) Dean Fenton, Director of Tourism, USA; Colin C. James, CEO, The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; the winners from Team August Sky, and The Hon. Charles “Max” Fernandez, Minister of Tourism and Investment.

Sag Harbor, NY, August 14, 2019 – The results are in and the annual Antigua Barbuda Hamptons Challenge Regatta was celebrated in style as the race festivities provided entertainment and excitement for the winners and attendees.

Close to 30 vessels entered the race this year; all passionate sailors who were eagerly competing to win the prize: the chance to participate in next year’s Antigua Sailing Week, which will be held from April 25 – May 1, 2020 in the UNESCO World Heritage site, Nelson’s Dockyard.

The fastest boat and overall winner was ‘August Sky’ skippered by Philip Walters of the Lloyd Harbor/Centerport Yacht Club with a time of 1:14:58. Walters, as the winning captain will travel to Antigua with his crew to participate in the 2020 Antigua Sailing Week, with a charter boat provided by Dream Yacht Charter and accommodations by the Elite Island Resorts. Second place went to ‘Big Boat’ skippered by Bud Rogers of Breakwater Yacht Club and came in with a time of 1:15:49. They won lunch for 4 at the American Hotel, Sag Harbor and third place was awarded to ‘Firefly,’ which was skippered by Peter Carroll of the Peconic Bay Sailing Association with a time of 1:16:13 with a prize of a “mini barrel” of English Harbour Rum.  Trophies were presented including a Perpetual Cup to be engraved with the winning boat’s name and smaller cups for the runner ups.

“Antigua Sailing Week has become one of the biggest events on the international sailing calendar and the Caribbean’s most exciting and largest Regatta,” says the Honorable Charles “Max” Fernandez, Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism and Investment. “It is one of the most fantastic times to visit Antigua and Barbuda and take advantage of an island-wide party, our 365 beaches, and all that our islands have to offer.”

The Antigua & Barbuda Hamptons Challenge Regatta is a handicapped race using ratings provided by PHRF of Eastern Long Island.  The Organizing Authority is the Peconic Bay Sailing Association. This regatta and awards party is financed by the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority as a way to increase tourism and participation in Antigua Sailing Week.

The Antigua Barbuda Cocktail Awards Party following the race took place at Breakwater Yacht Club in Sag Harbor, which flew the Antigua and Barbuda flag during the popular sailing event and was accompanied by live music, delicious food and celebration. A great time was had by all.