Take-no-prisoners racing and nonstop partying in magnificent sites with great weather: That’s what makes Antigua Sailing Week one of the world’s premier sailing events. More than just a race, it’s a happening, one not missed by knowing sailors.

Now the largest warm-water sailboat race in the world, Antigua Race Week began modestly in 1967 when 14 local charter boats got together to relax at the end of the winter season after the last customers departed.

In 1996, more than 200 boats competed in Race Week. Competitors included huge 70-foot maxi-yachts, hot one design boats like Melges and J boats, live-aboard cruisers and a growing fleet of chartered bareboats that allow wider numbers of sailors to participate.

Official Race Week activities began Sunday with a race from English Harbor in southeast Antigua to Dickenson Bay on the northwest coast. Spectators on land enjoyed a great view from Shirley Heights above the Harbor, preclude to a day-long party.

English Harbor is a perfect, land-locked refuge for boats, but Dickenson Bay boasts the palm-lined beaches travel brochures trumpet. It was the ideal site for a mile-long party in the evening that featured four reggae bands and shacks selling local food and drink, interspersed with many of the island’s premier hotels and restaurants.

Each night during the Week, in fact, there was a party for participants and spectators. Many of the parties were sponsored by rum companies that poured samples to promote their products, helping the crowd relax and mingle. They also gave out the treasured T-shirts and caps that celebrate the Week.

On Monday, the boats raced Olympic-style courses off Dickenson Bay. Tuesday, they beat into the wind and seas back to English Harbor, providing the adrenaline-pumping excitement intense racers seek.

May Day, lay day for races, featured rowdy competition between crews, from the tug-of-war to beer-drinking races, to the wet T-shirt competition, this year opened to male contestants to little acclaim. The partying continued late, alleviated by Antiguan snacks from rustic stands set up by local people.

Thursday and Friday featured more exhausting races, with the evening parties somewhat subdued -- even young crew members eventually run down.

The week ended with prizes awarded on a hill overlooking the Harbor, followed by -- what else? more partying and dancing.
Another Antigua Race Week ended, letting all who participated recuperate but ready to do it all again next year. All agreed: It wasn’t just one of the world’s best race series. It was one of the world’s great experiences.