In The Hamptons: Antigua and Barbuda Hamptons Challenge Regatta lunch
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA CELEBRATE LEGENDARY SAILING TRADITIONS AT THE ANNUAL HAMPTONS FESTIVAL & REGATTA
This past week in the Hamptons, The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) showcased the beautiful twin-island destination in a series of events in Sag Harbor to unite the two islands’ destinations in the Hamptons and the Caribbean.
Now in its thirteenth year, the popular Antigua & Barbuda Hamptons Challenge Regatta has expanded to a four-day family festival. Visitors were treated to steel pan music, a host of family-friendly activities and costumed dancers, and delectable Antigua and Barbuda cuisine. 30 exhibitors attended the festival at the Marine Park in Sag Harbor, including travel advisors who will be promoting the twin islands.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Charles “Max” Fernandez”, led the delegation from Antigua & Barbuda. Minister Fernandez traveled to the Hamptons to oversee and to attended a series of events, “The Antigua & Barbuda Hamptons Challenge is one of the most eagerly anticipated events, which highlights our dominance as a premier sailing destination and Antigua Sailing Week. We are delighted to expand our outreach this year by extending the promotion to a four-day event, bringing greater awareness of our multi-faceted, twin-island destination to the Hamptons.”
The highlight of the festival is the Antigua & Barbuda Hamptons Challenge Regatta took place on Saturday, August 12th. Nineteen yachts competed in and around Noyack Bay in this handicapped race organized by the Peconic Bay Sailing Association.
The winning team received the biggest sailing prize in the Northeast, an all-expenses paid trip for the Captain and Crew to Antigua to race in the spectacular 2024 Antigua Sailing Week (April 27th — May 3rd, www.sailingweek.com).
The race was followed by a special awards cocktail party also in Marine Park. Also, last year’s winner was “Big Boat”, skippered by Bud Rogers with a time of 1:11:10. Rogers and his crew then traveled to Antigua to participate in Antigua Sailing Week held from April 29 — May 5, 2023. Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Minister presented the Antigua and Barbuda top prize at the Awards Cocktail Party to Rogers and his crew. Also, last year Minister Fernandez was presented with a City Proclamation on behalf of the people of Sag Harbor from the Mayor to honor and recognize the bonds of friendship that exist between communities.
CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority said, “We appreciate the tremendous support we receive each year from the wider Sag Harbor community.”
Additional members of the Antigua & Barbuda delegation are Dean Fenton, Director of Tourism, ABTA USA; Marilyn Pires, ABTA USA, Noel Mignott, Founder & CEO of the PM Group, ABTA’s in-market agency.