ntigua’s Classic Yacht Regatta celebrated its 35th running in April, serving up a tonne of weather and entertaining happy hours. An international fleet of 43 vessels ranged in size from the 29ft (8.8m) to two and . In between was a medley of size, design, and age, each seeped in history. The 70ft (21.3m) (1899) regally wore the crown of matriarch, along with coats of fresh varnish. The week kicked off with the Concours d’Elegance as judges combed vessels for character, nuance, and a well-worn story. Overall winner was the 1939, 85ft (26m) Pageantry continued at a party welcoming hundreds of sailors to Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Race one took place in freakishly flat seas with wind that barely whispered. Though the Old Road course was shortened, the day was a sweaty marathon of hoisting and dousing sails in an attempt to achieve propulsion. Strategies for rounding marks were replaced with efforts to not drift into them. Luckily, 7kts showed up for race two, allowing completion of the entire butterfly course and providing some much-needed air conditioning. Race three began with similar wind until the first gun fired, unleashing a full 15kts, complete with waves and white caps. Over-canvassed rigs were reduced, and a euphoric fleet enjoyed the new caterpillar course. After days of tropical heat and nights of Red Stripe beer and English Harbour Rum, no one complained when there was less wind for the fourth race. As befitted tradition, the cannon course ended with the parade of sail through English Harbour complete with black power salutes. The ACYR’s final day included the singlehanded race, cream teas and dinghy racing (with a bit of unplanned swimming), culminating in a moonlit prizegiving ceremony. As regatta chairperson Robin Stout announced results, participants pranced onstage collecting kegs of rum and silver loot. Mathew Barker’s 65ft (19.8m) (1930) was the overall winner. It was an exhausting week, but every sailor left with a vow and a course set for ACYR 2025.
