Sailing Week plans are falling into place, says commercial director, but the event is still in recovery from COVID fallout

Plans are falling into place for the execution of Antigua Sailing Week 2023, which is slated to run from April 29 to May 5.

That is being confirmed by President and Commercial Director Alison Sly-Adams, who says the regatta has attracted 76 boats – including local, regional and international vessels – this year.   

She says the management team has been working feverishly, since last May, to market the event; seek sponsorship; and, subsequently, plann the regatta.

While the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the event’s finances in recent years, Sly-Adams says the team was able to use the experience to improve the overall planning process.

Meanwhile, the director says the regatta has not yet fully recovered from the economic effects of the pandemic. While an increase in sponsorship has been seen this year, she says the financial fallout is not fully behind them.

According to Sly-Adams, trends in the yachting industry show a decrease in the number of boats participating in regattas across the world, pointing to a changing marketplace.