IT’S THAT time of year again. During March and April, the Caribbean plays host to some of the finest yachting events in the world. Each year, the top international circuit of sailing comes to the region, and the best events are more than regattas: they are island-wide celebrations of the sea, with a long tradition: Antigua sailing week was started in 1968 and the St Maarten Heineken Regatta is celebrating its 34th year, for example. Here are our favorites for the peak of the 2014 season.
St Maarten Heineken Regatta
Dates: March 6-9
This sets the gold standard for fun destination regattas. It’s more than a regatta, with parties, concerts and festivals. Described as “serious fun” and it lives up to the label.
Loro Piano Super Yacht Regatta and Rendezvous, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Dates: March 19-March 22
A relatively new event on the circuit, this is organized by the prestigious Yacht club Costa Smeralda and attracts some of the most spectacular yachts in the world.
St Barth Bucket Regatta
Dates: March 27 to March 30
Limited to just 30 yachts, this event has roots back to Nantucket in 1986. A gentleman’s event whose stated goal is to “win the party.”
St Thomas Rolex Cup
Dates: March 28 to March 30
A seriously competitive event that the organizers describe as rigorous preparation, single-minded determination superlative timing … three days of unparalleled competition and shoreside excitement.
BVI Spring Regatta
Dates: March 31 to April 6
This event has won recognition as the world’s first carbon-neutral regatta. With 18 classes of competition taking place in three separate areas, the event takes advantage of the beautiful sailing venues in the British Virgin Islands.
Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta
Dates: April 17 to April 22
This race of classic boats has a heritage dating back to the 1960s, and the tradition continues to be strong today.
Antigua Sailing Week
Dates: April 26 to May 2
This is an action-packed week of sailing, partying and racing, including a Guadeloupe to Antigua race.