RS Elites and RS Fevas at the 55th edition of Antigua Sailing Week
by Bex Foot 27 Apr 06:52 NZST
27 April - 3 May 2024
RS Feva at Antigua Sailing Week 2024 © Paul Wyeth
Wall-to-wall sunshine, windward-leeward racing on Caribbean trade winds, and amazing beach-side parties, Antigua Sailing Week is here for the 55th edition of this famous island regatta.
Thirteen racing classes will enjoy five days of racing, starting on Sunday 28th April. The RS Elite class is amongst them, racing in the One Design division. The class's race area in Falmouth Harbour is one of the closest to the shoreline, offering great viewing opportunities for those ashore to witness the action. The boats can go close in thanks to their shallow draft. Teams from over 20 different nations are competing in Antigua Sailing Week, and among the RS Elites there is representation from the Netherlands Antilles, the United Kingdom as well as the host nation. Local legend and RS Sailing dealer, Lesley Martin of LM Watersports Antigua, is helming RS Elite 'Donna'.
The high ballast ratio, carbon mast and symmetrical spinnaker make the RS Elite both forgiving and fast, with manageable loads that suits both men and women for a super social keelboat. "On any point of sailing the Elite is a nimble boat and a joy to sail." Matthew Sheahan, Racing & Technical Editor at Yachting World.
The party atmosphere at Antigua Sailing Week is also electric. There's a whole host of socials ranging from rum parties to Reggae in the Park. The mid-week Lay Day, on Wednesday 1st May, features a range of fun activities on the beach at Pigeon Point. Alongside beach games and SUP challenges, the crews are also invited to take part in the RS Feva Challenge. A fleet of RS Feva XLs will be launched from the beach, with the bigger boat crews getting a chance match each other in a much smaller dinghy. Expect sandy toes, lots of laughs, and competitive camaraderie along the way.
RS Sailing are proud to be a sponsor of this sun-soaked, legendary regatta which matches the ethos of the RS Sailing brand; #sailitliveitloveit. From classic keelboat racing to dipping into double-handed dinghies, there is plenty to celebrate at Antigua Sailing Week.