Dubliner Johnny Mordaunt skippering the Fast40+ Tschuss was the overall winner of division CSA - Racing 2 at Antigua Sailing Week in the 2022 Caribbean regatta season.

Dun Laoghaire's Adrian Lee in the Swan 60 Lee Overlay Partners II of the Royal St. George Yacht Club took third overall in a five boat CSA - Racing 3.

As Afloat reported earlier, Mordaunt was in a two boat division with a strong Irish crew on board.

Royal St. George's Lee maintained his third place gained at the halfway stage on Wednesday until the regatta concluded on Friday.

The final day of racing featured a full schedule of racing for all classes. Teams from over 20 different countries have been competing this year; a welcome return after the disruption of travel for the last two years. On the final day, the trade winds delivered, as they have done all week, with competitors enjoying 18 knots of breeze and a moderate sea state.

Final results here

The podium after the second day of racing at Antigua Sailing Week had Irish interest with both Jonny Mordaunt's CSA 2 Tschuss and Adrian Lee's Lee Overlay Partners in CSA3 were race winners.

The race was blessed with stunning conditions with 15-20 knots of wind from the east, according to RORC's Louay Habib.

Jonny Mordaunt, Tom McWilliam and Simon Johnson are onboard Tschuss along with Dun Laoghaire's Cian Guilfoyle and Christy Welsh (who won the Caribbean 600 on Warrior). Helmsman Christian Zugel is a member of Royal Cork YC. Tschuss is racing in a two-boat fleet but a startline shared with CSA1 and the Multihulls is keeping everyone busy.

"Bright sunshine, ocean swell and solid trade winds provided the perfect cocktail for thrilling racing at the world-famous regatta", Habib writes on the event website.

Winners on Day Two were: Ambersail 2; Tschuss; Pata Negra; Lee Overlay Partners II; Blitz; Scarlet Oyster; Hermes; Kai; NSA Spirit; Whiplash; Tosca; Rebel; Holding Pattern; Blue Skies; Libertas; KH+P Bermuda; KH+P Culebra; KHS&S Contractors; SqueakyBrat II; KH+P Rubens and Voilactus.

Some photos of Tschuss by photographer Paul Wyeth at Antigua below: 

Results from Antigua Sailing Week here

Having cancelled its Antigua Sailing Week, the Caribbean organisers have announced a Sailing Week Sunday – a virtual event with stories, interviews and entertainment, transmitting from Antigua on April 25, 2021.

Annually the international coverage of Antigua Sailing Week places Antigua & Barbuda as an "unparalleled destination for an active lifestyle".

With 2022 on the horizon the event is taking this opportunity to begin to build momentum for what will certainly be a bumper year.

Event manager Rana Lewis stated: “In the void created by the 2020 cancellation we relied on social media flashbacks to previous years to maintain visibility and our spot on the calendar. After the cancellation of 2021, we sensed the need to interact with our worldwide audience in a festive manner while sharing the highlights of racing in Antigua & Barbuda. Essentially it is our way of extending an invitation to come as soon as is safely possible to race, chase and celebrate with us.”

The 2-hour programme aims to connect with locals, the diaspora and reconnect with an audience who are longtime supporters and participants of Antigua Sailing Week, their friends who have heard great things about it, as well as fans of the sport and the destination - any of whom may be considering Antigua & Barbuda as an active or leisure vacation option.

This year’s Antigua Sailing Week, which was originally scheduled for Sunday 26 April to Friday 1 May, has now been cancelled amid the continuing coronavirus situation.

In a statement, the major offshore regatta’s president Alison Sly-Adams said: “As a result of national and global measures being taken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and the priority being the health and safety of our citizens, competitors, spectators and volunteers, the decision to cancel Antigua Sailing Week is the only viable option.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported the event and worked diligently behind the scenes towards creating what was to be a remarkable edition. Now more than ever, we are committed to building on this unfortunate turn of events for a phenomenal 2021 event.

“If you are a registered participant with a boat in the region and in need of advice for onward logistics we are standing by, available to assist you.

“Please note that we will be reaching out to registered participants, sponsors and the Sailing Week team over the next week.”

Meanwhile, this summer’s Kiel Week (Kieler Woche) in Germany has been pushed back from June to September in the wake of the pandemic.

In the next few days, organiser Dirk Ramhorst says, the focus will be on informing participants and classes of preparations for the move to the new dates of 5-13 September, and the possibility of adapting the programme to new requirements.

“We still have a lot of fine-tuning to do, among others with the German Sailing Association and the World Sailing Federation. First of all we wanted to create facts for the planning,” Ramhorst says.

Recent days have seen the cancellation of the RORC’s Easter Challenge and the Scottish Series over restrictions imposed in the UK to hold back the surge of the virus.

Greystones Sailing Club and Lough Derg Yacht Club member Pamela Lee racing on TP52 'Conviction' as Bow at Antigua Race Week wrapped up class RSA3 in impressive style.

When we last reported, Conviction led with four wins from five races and she continued on that consistent tack taking seven wins from eight races overall.

It wasn't the only Irish success in Antiqua either. A Howth Yacht Club crew led by Ian McCormack on USA entry Porthmeor, Neil Styler's Oyster 49 were second in RSA nine.

The Grand Awards Ceremony for Antigua Sailing Week was held in Nelson's Dockyard and the UNESCO World Heritage Site was a fitting venue for the 50th edition of this historic occasion. Thousands of sailors attended the ceremony and whilst all of the respective class winners had been posted, there were special awards that were still to be announced, including the biggest prize in Caribbean sailing, the Lord Nelson Trophy.

The Portmeor Oyster 49 crew including Howth sailors. Photo: Ian McCormack/Facebook

Asot A Michael, MP, Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment & Energy of Antigua and Barbuda, gave a heart-warming welcome speech to the crowd, which highlighted how important Antigua Sailing Week is to the twin island nation. Guest of Honour, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua & Barbuda presented the main prizes.

The stage was glittering with dozens of trophies, many of which have been sought after for decades of Caribbean racing. Winners took to the stage to receive their appreciation from the crowd, and finally there was just one trophy left. You could feel the tension as MC Tommy Paterson announced the winner of The Lord Nelson Trophy as Sergio Sagramoso's Puerto Rican Melges 32, Lazy Dog.

Sergio Sagramoso and his team took to the stage to tumultuous applause and then crowded around the historic Lord Nelson Trophy after the prize giving, scanning the list of names etched upon it over the years. The last Puerto Rican boat to win the trophy was Tom Hill's Titan XII in 2005.

"It is really amazing," smiled Sergio who had been racing in the highly competitive CSA 4. "I am so proud.
The Lazy Dog team will always remember this moment; this is why we do it. This was the toughest regatta I have ever been to with eight races and a very high level of competition.

Ross Applebey's Oyster 48, Scarlet Oyster had been in impressive form all week, however the British charter boat was once again just short of winning the Lord Nelson Trophy. Ross and his crew didn't leave empty handed though, as the team left the stage with a huge haul of silverware for their efforts including: The Governor General's Cup for first overall in CSA 5, Best British Race Charter Yacht, Royal Southern Yacht Club Shield Trophy for the Inter-Yacht Club Challenge and the Peter Deeth Trophy for 2nd overall in CSA 1-6.

Sir Peter Harrison's Super Maxi Sojana racing in CSA 1 was close to winning the Lord Nelson Trophy for the second time and the crew where in good spirits as they took to the stage to receive multiple awards. They broke into song, singing 'Happy Birthday' to both the regatta and Sir Peter who celebrated his 80th birthday during the week. Sojana's trophy haul included: the Curtain Bluff Trophy for the overall win in CSA 1, The Corum Cup for winning overall in CSA 1-6, and the Fletcher Trophy for Best British Yacht.

Fritz Bus's St. Maarten Melges 24, Team Island Water World had an epic battle in CSA 6 with Antigua National Sailing Academy's Cork 1720, Spirit, skippered by Jules Mitchell. Team Island Water World won the class and Best Caribbean Boat in Start Boat A. Spirit was the Best Antiguan Boat in Start Boat A. After a keenly contested duel it was great to see the two teams sharing a photograph at the Awards Ceremony.

The K3 Foundation, racing Kialoa III and Clint Brooks' Bajan TP52 Conviction had a fantastic regatta; both yachts scoring seven bullets to win their respective classes, CSA 2 and CSA 3.

Winning the Big Banana Trophy for Best Caribbean Yacht and the Grant Thornton Trophy for Best Boat Overall in CSA 7-9 was Cary Byerley and Sir Robbie Ferron's Micron 99 Lord Jim from St. Maarten. The team had to overcome a 1.5 point deficit in the last race to their long term rivals, Sir Bobby Velasquez and his St. Maarten team racing L'Esperance. They went on to achieve victory by just two seconds!

"Two seconds and half a point; shockingly dramatic," commented Sir Robbie Ferron. "I could never believe it would be that close. In all my years, I have never won a regatta like that and I doubt if anyone else has. For the last three years, I have been racing against Bobbie in many regattas and we have always just missed out. I have great respect for him so we have a great ambience. Reflecting on how Antigua Sailing Week had evolved, this regatta has done the right things for the competitors and it is getting the appropriate response. Sailors are enjoying the experience and that is why it has such a great turnout and I believe that the momentum will continue beyond the 50th regatta, continued Ferron."

Antiguan, Sir Hugh Bailey won the Lord Nelson Trophy last year and was second in CSA 3 this year with a new acquisition, his Farr 45 Rebel-B. Sir Hugh has been involved in all 50 editions of Antigua Sailing Week.

"Back when it all started, if you told me that 50 years on we would have thousands of people racing in Antigua from all over the world, I would have said that was far from our thinking. I am happy to see the growth and I feel privileged because I am the only captain from the early days still alive and on the race course. This year I really enjoyed my new boat Rebel-B; we have a lot to learn, and I am sure we will get the boat even faster."

Winning the Dream Yacht Charter Trophy and one week Bareboat charter from Antigua was Mike Cannon & Neil Harvey's KHS&S Contractors from Florida, USA. "The team has won multiple times all over the Caribbean, but this was its first trip as a team to Antigua Sailing Week.

"I cannot believe how good this experience has been," commented Mike Cannon. "The crew and the people in Antigua have been just fabulous - unreal. I am not sure why it has taken us so long to come here. I have been to a lot of regattas in my life and this is one of the best places I have ever been and you can be sure we will be coming back!"

Steve Carson's Dehler 33, High Tide won CSA 8 after seven years of trying.

The 51st edition of Antigua Sailing Week will take place from April 28th to May 4th, 2018.

Greystones Sailing Club and Lough Derg Yacht Club member Pamela Lee is racing on TP52 'Conviction' as Bow at Antigua Race Week. Conviction leads class RSA3 with four wins from five races so far.

Lee has been racing as a bowman for the last few years around the world, including several Sydney to Hobart Races. Lee is eldest daughter of Norman Lee, the well known GP14 sailor.

The third day of racing at the 50th edition of Antigua Sailing Week was once again blessed with glorious conditions. Squally pewter skies cleared shortly after the first warning gun and the breeze slowly woke up as the skies cleared, touching 17 knots at times. Ten teams went out to the race course unbeaten, but only three returned with their perfect score intact after some intense racing; hotter than jerk chicken! The big boat CSA classes were treated to long windward leeward courses off the spectacular cliffs on the south coast of Antigua. The bareboats and smaller CSA classes raced in more sheltered conditions off Rendezvous Beach with short sharp legs testing boat handling skills and boat-on-boat tactics. Two races were held for the majority of the 150 yachts racing at Antigua Sailing Week.

A shuffle in the results today meant that the leaders have changed in several classes, but not amongst the undefeated teams: Peter Harrison's Sojana in CSA1, Ross Applebey's Scarlet Oyster in CSA 5 and Robert Szustkowski R-Six in Offshore Multihull. Race winners today included Kialoa III; Conviction; Rebel-B, Dingo; Perseverare Diabolicum; Spirit (Antigua National Sailing Academy); L'Esperance and Hightide.

The closest race today was Race 4 in CSA 4. Mark Chapman's Trini Ker 11.3, Dingo was the winner by just 5 seconds from Ian Hope-Ross' St. Maarten team racing Melges 32, Kick 'em Jenny 2. Dingo now leads the class with Douglas Ayres' American J/122, Team Skylark/El Ocaso in second, just a point ahead of Sergio Sagramoso's Puerto Rican Melges 32, Lazy Dog.

"We got holed on the first day and the whole team stayed up on the first night to get us back in the game," said Dingo's Mark Chapman. "Today we really clicked together and we had great boat speed which is a real weapon in a close class. After the terrible first day we are just delighted, but this regatta is far from over."

In CSA 7, Sir Bobby Velasquez's St. Maarten team racing First 45, L'Esperance had a perfect day on the water scoring straight bullets to lead the class after five races; just half a point ahead of their long-time rivals, also from St. Maarten; Byerley & Ferron's J/39, Micron 99 Lord Jim.

"We had a problem with our propeller folding on the first day and we went round the wrong mark on the second day, so we didn't have the best of starts to the regatta," explained Sir Bobby Velasquez. "The racing today could not have gone better as we made some good decisions that worked out well. However, the regatta is only half over."

In CSA 8, the class lead has changed hands every day. Steve Carson's Dehler 33, Hightide is the latest yacht to wear the bullseye, posting two wins today to open up a five point lead at the top of the class from Geoffrey Pidduck's Modified 6 Metre, Biwi Magic and Tanner Jones' J/30, Caribbean Alliance Insurance.

"Four of the boats in the class race together in Antigua on a regular basis, so it is no surprise to me that we are so closely matched and we know each other's strengths and weaknesses. Today it was our turn to get the upper hand, but it is never over until the fat lady sings," says Carson.

Tonight is the big entertainment night at the 50th edition of Antigua Sailing Week. Internationally-acclaimed reggae artiste, Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, the youngest son of Bob Marley is set to headline the eighth edition of Reggae in the Park, live in Nelson's Dockyard. Over 4,000 party-goers are expecting a phenomenal performance from the Grammy award-winning artist when he takes the stage.

Tomorrow, Wednesday 3rd May is President Lay Day Beach Party featuring the Nonsuch Bay RS Elite Challenge. Eight teams will race for the top prize of a week's all-inclusive accommodation for two people in a deluxe suite at the fantastic Nonsuch Bay Resort. The ultimate Caribbean beach party kicks off at Pigeon Point Beach at midday. The grills fire up from noon with top entertainment from DJs, live music and some crazy beach games.

Antigua Sailing Week has been running for 45 years and the Bluff Cove "Bell" is probably the most famous regatta trophy awarded so there was great celebrations at the weekend when an Irish sailor got his hands on it writes Louay Habib.

The Bluff Cove Trophy has some very famous yacht names on it; Marionette, Highland Fling, Morning Glory, Titan and more recently Ran.

Dubliner James Carroll (pictured below) lifted the bell at the weekend for his role racing one of the most powerful yachts in the world.

'Jimbo' was the Pitman on Hugo Stenbeck's canting keel Dubois 90 Genuine Risk for Antigua Race Week, winning Class One.

"Obviously delighted to be on Genuine Risk and over the moon to win", Carroll told afloat.ie

With less then four months until the start of Antigua Sailing Week, entries are coming in fast and plans are well underway to make the most famous regatta in the Caribbean, a truly memorable event. If you want to take part, there are many charter opportunities for groups of friends or individuals to enjoy sailing and partying in one of the best places in the world.

Gold sponsor, Ondeck has a range of easy solutions to get you racing whether you are a beginner or a seasoned racer. Based in Antigua, OnDeck are Caribbean specialists, providing top quality, whole boat yacht charters and places for individuals to sail in the official Antigua Sailing Week programme.

As well as great service on the water, Ondeck pride themselves in the best possible shore support by using their own local maintenance team along with the help of trusted local Antiguan contractors. The hospitality side is not forgotten with complimentary happy hour frozen cocktails, Chivas Whisky and cold Carib being served to their guests each evening after sailing, from their hospitality tent right in the heart of the action at Nelson's Dockyard.

Simon Hedley from Ondeck commented "We are looking forward to a fantastic regatta in 2011 and will be working with the organisers and other supporting sponsors to help maintain this regatta's reputation for great sailing and serious partying! We have a limited amount of yacht availability with 40.7s, one last Farr 40. There is also a limited amount of individual places available on one of our Farr 65s if you are quick. The recent addition of two beautiful Shipman 63s, under management to Ondeck, will also be a great addition to the regatta and we are looking for charters for these yachts.

Ondeck are also the official merchandiser for the event and as well as having a merchandise tent in Nelson's Dockyard during the event, they also have gear available online and are actively taking advance orders for your own team branded kit.

From Mini-Transat to extreme Maxi record holder, there are many opportunities to come and enjoy Antigua Sailing Week.

Mike Slade's 100 foot Maxi ICAP Leopard holds five world sailing speed records and numerous course records. Her first offshore race for the 2011 season will be from Antigua, in the RORC Caribbean 600, the kick off event of the Atlantic Ocean Racing Series, which includes seven of the great blue water races in the world. This is one of the most extreme yachts ever built and this remarkable race boat has limited availability to entertain charter guests during Antigua Sailing Week. Up to eight VIP guests can join the full race crew for the ride of their lives.

One of the stalwarts of Sailing Week, KH+P yacht charter from Germany have been bringing crews to Antigua for the last twenty years (380 of them to be exact!). Offering both bareboat and crewed charter, along with singles and all women crews on both charter yachts and catamarans from 35 to 52 feet. Daily meeting points, professional race trainers, a good selection of yachts and a KH+P service team on spot on a special lead boat is the reason for many top results in the bare boat classes (about 130 trophies during the years).

KA Yacht Charter's 2007 Beneteau First 40.7 is available in full race trim with an owner's rep. onboard whilst racing. The yacht came third in class at Antigua Sailing Week 2009.

Sailing Logic's British Beneteau First 50, Hydrocarbon is skippered by the highly experienced, Philippe Falle. The yacht has all mod cons, full set of racing sails and instrumentation, is beautifully fitted out and even has Air con!

German charter company, Racecharter have several yachts available including; Jeanneau 35 One Design, Beneteau First 40.7, Farr 60 and a Mini-Transat. Some of these yachts are available just for day charter.

Global Yacht Racing's Beneteau 47.7, EH01 is a proven race winner, having come out top yacht overall in this year's ARC under IRC. Individual places are still available for Antigua Sailing Week.

Starchaser Sailing's Swan 48 Snow Wolf is a beautiful, S&S Swan 48, which was completely refitted in 2009 and is well equipped for racing, coming second in Class in the last ARC. Snow Wolf can accommodate up to eight guests on board. Starchaser Sailing has other boats that can be made available.

Northern Child is a veteran of many Antigua Sailing Weeks, the Swan 51 has a good track record and places are available for Sailing Week, the yacht can accommodate up to eight live-aboards and a race crew of 12.

Girls for Sail has just two places left on their Elan 37, Diamonds are Forever, the team have a reputation for sailing hard and playing hard. Both experienced sailors and novices are welcome but it is unlikely that you will spend too many nights in-doors with a good book! RYA Sailing courses are also available.

Phil Munday reports that there are still spaces available aboard Jeanneau 52.2, Great Escape, with opportunities for live-aboard. Munday is a seasoned campaigner and Great Escape completed this year's ARC in just 13 days.

Horizon Yacht Charters are based in Antigua and have 'mother-ships' and spectator boats available from 40-60 ft

For more information on charter opportunities and accommodation enquiries, go to the official Antigua Sailing Week web site here.

Adrian Lee’s Cookson 50, Lee Overlay Partners has won the 2010 Antigua Sailing Week, Ocean Series writes Louay Habib. For the second year running, Lee’s international crew beat Peter Harrison’s Farr 114, Sojana, to claim the overall title for the offshore series at Antigua Sailing Week.

“Offshore racing in Antigua is just fantastic, constant trades and ocean swell but for me its more than just that.” Commented Adrian Lee, CIO of Lee Overlay Partners. “I am passionate about offshore racing but the sport shares so many values in business as well; skill, technology, experience, team work and a lot of persistence. My team have shown those qualities again this week and I would like to thank them all for their efforts.”

Lee Overlay Partners were first in the Guadeloupe race, third in the Round Antigua Race and second in the Redonda race, three podium finishes in over 200 miles of yacht racing. Probably, the most impressive performance was in Sunday’s Round Antigua Race. In a fleet of 30 world class boats Lee Overlay Partners crossed the line in fifth position. just a handful of much larger and more powerful boats where just a few minutes ahead.

Irish sailor Adrian Lee and his international team aboard the Cookson 50 Lee Overlay Partners matched their star performance from last year by – once again – winning the Racing Division of this opening race in the Antigua Ocean Series, beating Peter Morris’ Frers 43 Jaguar by less than four minutes on corrected time.

A 0900 start from Des Haies, Guadeloupe this morning created plenty of interest from spectators as the fleet made its way across the line in a steady 7-10kt breeze. Roman Paske’s 90ft catamaran R-Six Team (Gemini) was first to nose ahead and cross the finish line off English Harbour but Team Lee Overlay Partners stole the show with their race-winning performance.

The winds were far from taxing which meant optimum boatspeed obtained by smart crew-weight, distribution was an important factor in this offshore race to Antigua. Flavio Zamboni – bowman – talking about the conditions said: “It was unusual in the fact we were on starboard tack the whole way across. The wind was just north of east and we had the Number 1 up all the way and didn’t tack once.”

Scott Wilson – boat captain – who shared the helm with the owner Adrian Lee today added: “We had a great race and winning is obviously a good start to the Ocean Series. We are looking forward to the rest of the series because there are some good boats here including Peter Harrison’s 115ft Sojana.”

In the Cruising division it was Steve Schmidt’s Santa Cruz 70 – Hotel California – that won the class, which puts her in a good position for a top result in the overall Antigua Ocean Series.