Antigua and Barbuda shine at 14th Annual Hamptons Challenge Regatta

The Antigua and Barbuda competitors gave a good account of themselves during the recent 14th edition of the Antigua and Barbuda Hamptons Challenge Regatta held on 11^th August 2024, in Sag Harbor, New York.

This is an annual event well anticipated in the Hamptons’ summer and a perfect opportunity to popularize the twin-island nation’s sailing culture to a very active and wealth creating sailing fraternity in the United States of America.

Heading the delegation from Antigua and Barbuda was Minister of Tourism, Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez along with other officials from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, the authority’s CEO, Colin C James; and the Deputy Chairman of the Board, Alan Hosam.

In the countdown to the Regatta, a glamorous champagne media reception was held at Baron’s Cove, a landmark spot in Sag Harbor. This event was attended by some of the leading citizens of the Hamptons along with the delegations from Antigua, hence provided the needed forum to market the cultural and sailing tourism products of Antigua and Barbuda.

The engagement also sought to interact with the local media, hence, the delegation was involved in several Hamptons regional papers.

The Regatta was the Atlantic link from Antigua English Harbor to Sag Harbor and consisted of 22 fully crewed boats in a race around Noyack Bay by the Peconic Bay Sailing Association.

John Pearson took the overall win and claimed Northeast’s most coveted sailing trophy along with a paid trip to compete in the 2025 Antigua Sailing Week, slated for April 27-May 3.

The Regatta also sponsored i-TRI, an independent youth organization by Theresa Roden, that uses the sport of triathlon to help young women to be independent.

Regatta spirits were followed by the Taste of The Caribbean Awards Party at the Bell & Anchor restaurant in Sag Harbor, with former Mayor, James Larocca; and current Mayor, Tom Gardella, sailing spectators, fans and other members of the society in celebration of the day’s activities.

Crooned by English Harbour Rum, the Antigua and Barbuda journey to Hamptons Challenge Regatta did not only work on the bond between Antigua and Barbuda and the Hamptons but also solidified the island as a first-rate sailing destination.

The event fulfilled the island nation’s purpose of celebrating Antigua and Barbuda and effort to popularize their sailing culture and put the islands on the map of the most desirable sailing destinations globally.