Now in its 15th year, the Antigua & Barbuda Hamptons Challenge Regatta celebrates the deep maritime and cultural ties between Antigua’s English Harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Sag Harbor. Organized by the Peconic Bay Sailing Association, the race features boats competing in a handicapped race around Noyack Bay.
Antigua offers world‑class sailing thanks to its reliably steady tradewinds, crystal‑clear turquoise waters, and the historical backdrop of Nelson’s Dockyard. Antigua Sailing Week, held each spring in English and Falmouth Harbours, and dating back to 1967, combines fierce international racing with vibrant shoreside parties. Back stateside, the upcoming Hamptons Challenge Regatta brings East Coast sailors together in late summer for a beautifully competitive finale in Noyack Bay, off of Sag Harbor.
The event underscores the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority’s dual mission of promoting Antigua as a premier sailing destination and supporting youth empowerment via its partnership with i‑tri, the nonprofit that mentors East End girls through triathlon training.
This year’s Regatta events will be led by Hon. Charles “Max” Fernandez, Antigua & Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment. He will head the delegation visiting Sag Harbor for the weekend, which kicks off with social and media events on August 7-8, including a reception at Love Binetti and a media luncheon.
In an innovative effort to attract even more yachts to the 15th Annual Antigua & Barbuda Hamptons Challenge Regatta, ABTA is offering an extraordinary referral grand prize to participating captains. Captains who register their boat to race on Saturday, August 9, 2025, and refer five first‑time ABHC entrants who then register and compete, will earn round‑trip airfare for two to Antigua, and four nights / five days accommodations for two on Antigua.
Referred captains must be first‑time entrants to the ABHC and must list the referring captain’s name on their entry form at registration to qualify. The Prize Trip Certificate will be presented at the Taste of the Caribbean Awards Cocktail Party on August 9, and travel must take place between August 30, 2025 and August 31, 2026, subject to availability.
Following the race, all are invited to join the “Taste of the Caribbean Awards Cocktail Party” at Bell & Anchor in Sag Harbor from 5:30 pm to 8:30 PM. Non‑racers and the general public are welcome to enjoy. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.