Since January I have been going racing in the Caribbean. Crystal waters, virgin nature, sailing for all

At yet another comment from a reader expressing all his envy to us after seeing the splendid photo galleries of Caribbean regattas, from Les Voiles de Saint Barth to Antigua Sailing Week, we decided to survey them all. We collected a total of 20, and by time, hoping to facilitate your choice of alternative sailors/vacationists. That’s right, because from January to June, off-season, the prices of low-cost flights to the Caribbean are definitely more affordable (leaving from Milan, we found an average of between 400 and 1,000 euros per person, not very cheap, but affordable). From among the 20 sailing events/festivals, we have selected the 5 that, at least once in a lifetime, a true sailor should attend, giving a brief description of them and pointing out charter opportunities to race (so many, from ultra-racing boats to vintage sailboats). In some cases, you will see that there is an opportunity to participate at no cost since some event sites also feature a “looking for/off boarding” section. Pack your bags, it’s off to race in the Caribbean Sea!

THE 5 CARIBBEAN “MUST-SEES”

GRENADA SAILING WEEK
(January 30-February 4, 2017. Grenada)
Since 2013, it has replaced the Grenada Sailing Festival and maintained its spirit. Regatta open to many boats, of all sizes and philosophies. On land great parties, at sea you can race in beautiful locations.
www.grenadasailingweek.com
Looking for a charter boat to participate?

RORC 600 CARIBBEAN
(February 20-24, 2017. Antigua)
One of the must-attend events for those who love to race in the Caribbean. The route, which varies from year to year, is a real training ground for tacticians, as it is a continuous zig zag between beautiful islands. In addition, you can meet great sailors live and see superboats in action.
www.caribbean600.rorc.org
Looking for a charter boat to participate?

BVI SPRING REGATTA & SAILING FESTIVAL
(March 27-April 2, 2017. British Virgin Islands)
Warm waters, exciting regattas, cool parties. These are the three ingredients of the BVI Regatta, the flagship event in the British Virgin Islands sailing calendar, starting from Nanny Cay.
www.bvispringregatta.org
Looking for a charter boat to participate?

LES VOILES DE SAINT BARTH
(April 10-15, 2017. Saint Barthelemy)
It’s a big party in the Caribbean at the Voiles de Saint Barth, a regatta that has now become a fixture: both for the beauty of the race course (the waters off the island of Saint Barthelemy) and for many shore-based initiatives dedicated to crews and “race” boats.
www.lesvoilesdesaintbarth.com
Looking for a charter boat to participate?

ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK
(April 29-May 5, 2017. Antigua)
The organization is similar to that of the Voiles of Saint Barth, with coastal regattas and many initiatives for the enjoyment of participants.
www.sailingweek.com
Looking for a charter boat to participate?

… AND ALL THE OTHERS

Mt. Gay Rum Round Barbados Race Series
(Barbados, Jan. 16-24)
www.mountgayrumroundbarbadosrace.com

Antigua Superyacht Challenge
(Antigua, Feb. 2-5)
www.superyachtchallengeantigua.blogspot.it

Round Redonda Race
(Antigua, Feb. 14)
www.jhycantigua.com

Antigua 360° Race
(Antigua, Feb. 17)
www.superyachtchallengeantigua.com

Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean
(Virgin Gorda, BVI, March 1-5)
www.yccs.it

Gill’s Commodore Cup
(St. Marteen, March 2)
www.heinekenregatta.com

St. Marteen Heineken Regatta
(St. Marteen, March 3-5)
www.heinekenregatta.com

Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous
(Virgin Gorda, March 10-13)
www.boatinternational.com

St. Barths Bucket Regatta
(St. Barths, March 16-19)
www.bucketregatta.com

STIR Round St. John’s Race
(St. Thomas, March 23)
www.stthomasinternationalregatta.com

Saint Thomas International Regatta
(St. Thomas, March 24-26)
www.stthomasinternationalregatta.com

Oyster Regatta
(British Virgin Islands, April 10-15)
www.oysteryachts.com

Antigua Classic Yachts Regatta
(Antigua, April 19-25)
www.antiguaclassics.com

Round Antigua Race
(Antigua, April 29)
www.sailingweek.com

Antigua Bermuda Race
(Antigua, May 12)
www.antiguabermuda.com