The Antigua and Barbuda yachting industry is open for business, the destination’s leading marine association said this week. 

The Antigua and Barbuda Marine Association is urging yachters that, despite the recent cancellation of Antigua Sailing Week, the yachting industry continues to be open for business. 

“Our marinas and supporting marine service businesses remain open and with our many anchorages around both islands it’s possible to enjoy charters  between both islands and there still be enough space to socially distance. The refit business, sail training operations including RYA keelboat and dinghy courses, MCA and STCW all continue year round,” said Frankly Brathwaite, President of the ABMA. 

Since the start of the pandemic, the destination’s yachting industry has been able to operate “very effectively,” he said, pointing to the protocols put in place by businesses and visiting yachts. 

The destination is also well positioned for yachts looking for summer dock space, mooring or haul out and storage, the organization said. 

Antigua Sailing Week, which had been slated to take place in late April, was postponed amid the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. 

— CJ