The Antigua and Barbuda Yachting and Marine Association (ABYMA) welcomes the exciting announcement that the prestigious international 44Cup racing circuit will stage two events in Antigua in 2027, further strengthening an already impressive calendar of international yachting and marine events.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2027, the 44Cup brings together some of the world’s leading professional sailors and international owner-driver teams, competing aboard identical, high-performance RC44 racing yachts.
Antigua has been selected to host the opening two events of the circuit’s anniversary season, with racing scheduled for 27–31 January from Falmouth Harbour Marina and 3–7 March in English Harbour, where the fleet will be based in historic Nelson’s Dockyard Marina.
The 44Cup is an international one-design yacht racing circuit built around the RC44 keelboat, a high-performance carbon-fiber vessel co-designed by five-time America’s Cup winner Russell Coutts and naval architect Andrej Justin. Pitting owner-drivers against professional sailors in strict one-design conditions, the tour combines competitive fleet racing across premier global venues with an emphasis on close, tactical competition.
The addition of these two international events represents another significant milestone for Antigua and Barbuda’s yachting industry, demonstrating the destination’s ability to attract and host some of the world’s most prestigious racing circuits.
More Than Racing – An Opportunity for the Wider Marine Industry
While the 44Cup will bring exceptional racing talent and international attention to Antigua, its significance extends well beyond the racecourse.
The arrival of professional teams, support personnel and international visitors presents valuable opportunities for the island’s marinas, marine service providers, accommodation sector, restaurants, provisioning businesses and transportation operators.
With two events scheduled several weeks apart, there is also an opportunity to encourage extended stays and increased use of Antigua’s established marine infrastructure and specialist services.
ABYMA President Franklyn Braithwaite commented:
“The addition of these 44Cup events to our calendar is another tremendous endorsement of Antigua and Barbuda as a world-class yachting destination. Attracting international events of this calibre is important not only for the sport but for the wider economic benefits they bring to our island.”
“Our yachting industry supports a substantial network of businesses and skilled professionals, from marinas and marine services to hospitality and tourism. These events create opportunities across the sector while reinforcing the importance of continued investment in our marine infrastructure, services and workforce.”
Building on an Exceptional Yachting Calendar
The announcement follows ABYMA’s recent release of the 2026–2027 Yachting and Marine Events Calendar, which showcases the remarkable diversity of maritime activity taking place across Antigua and Barbuda.
From the internationally renowned RORC Caribbean 600 and Antigua Racing Cup to the Antigua Superyacht Challenge, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, One Design Elite Caribbean Championship and the newly formatted Antigua Sailing Week, the destination continues to offer racing opportunities for an exceptionally broad range of vessels and sailors.
The 44Cup adds another dimension to this offering, bringing a highly competitive international one-design circuit to Antigua’s waters.
Beyond the immediate economic benefits, the presence of internationally recognised professional racing teams also offers opportunities for knowledge exchange, race management development and engagement with Antigua’s growing sailing community.
As Antigua and Barbuda continues to develop its yachting and marine sector, ABYMA remains committed to promoting the destination, supporting industry growth and ensuring that the benefits of international yachting activity are felt throughout the wider economy.
For the full updated 2026-2027 Yachting & Marine Calendar visit www.abyma.ag/events-calendar/
Source: Antigua News Room Antigua and Barbuda to host first two events of 44Cup’s 2027 anniversary season.