While the sailing season has only just begun, Antigua Yacht Club (AYC) has already enjoyed a packed and successful month on the water. The popular Jol Byerley High Tide Series set the pace ahead of Christmas, delivering competitive racing and whetting sailors ’appetites for the season ahead. This was followed by the ever-popular Boxing Day Barrel, once again drawing a strong turnout and plenty of festive spirit.
Sailors now turn their attention to the final race of 2025, the much-anticipated Nelson Pursuit Race, taking place on New Year’s Eve. This historic and highly popular event commemorates the pursuit of the French fleet under Admiral Villeneuve by the Royal Navy, commanded by Admiral Horatio Nelson, in 1805.
In true pursuit-race tradition, the slowest boat in the fleet will fly the French ensign, while faster boats set off at staggered start times according to their rating. The aim is for the fleet to converge dramatically at the finish — with first across the line declared the winner.
The race is open to all sailboats and is sailed using working sails only: jib and mainsail. Regularly attracting over 30 yachts, the Nelson Pursuit Race raises funds for the St John’s Hospice. The event concludes with a lively prize-giving ceremony in where else but Nelson’s Dockyard, fuelled by generous helpings of rum punch, ensuring a memorable end to the year both on and off the water.
For more information, contact Antigua Yacht Club on 460-1799.
Zoë Carlton