To talk about benchmark events in sailing is to talk about the Old Sailing Week. In 2026, a big change was introduced to this iconic regatta: it was divided into two dates, with two different regatta concepts. I’ve had the honor of being in charge of social media for the all-new Antigua Racing Cup and the revamped Antigua Sailing Week.
Antigua Racing Cup
From 8 to 12 April, pure competition, spectacular coastal navigation. High-performance boats and crews. It’s all about who wins the race (and the rum on the grass at the end of the day). Departure and arrival at the mythical English Harbour.
Antigua Sailing Week
Destination navigation.
One regatta a day circling Antigua. You could haggle or follow it at your own pace. Amazing parties and very special places at the end of each day.
I had the privilege of building the Antigua Racing Cup account from scratch, starting just a few months before the event. It brought with it its challenges. I had never been to the island before, I didn’t know English Harbour yet and I had no references to the atmosphere, the scenery or even the sounds that make this place so special. Trying to capture the essence of something unknown is never easy. That changed as soon as I arrived. Getting to know the organization, connecting with the sailors and experiencing the environment first-hand made everything fall into place. From that moment on, it was clear what direction we should take at the media level to bring this regatta to life in the digital world. The energy was incredible and the level of competition was just as impressive. In addition, I had the pleasure of working alongside an exceptional team: Roddy Acqua, one of the most respected sailing videographers in the world, and Corina Hayes, a hugely talented videographer and editor. Rana, Alison, Colin, Louay Habib, Jaime Torres, PRO Paul and Meredyth also played a major role in shaping the event. Her open, positive and engaged attitude made a huge difference, both behind the camera and in front of it. Now that I have experienced this regatta, it is easy to understand why so many people return to Antigua year after year. There is something truly special about the atmosphere of this place, combined with a warmth and energy that is very difficult to replicate elsewhere. |
Antigua Sailing Week was another big challenge for me and as an athlete, I enjoy a good challenge. Why a challenge? Because when you take the reins of a social media account that has become a benchmark and has influenced the way a regatta communicates and competes, suddenly you’re responsible for at least living up to what’s been done before, if not raising the bar.
And again, no one had ever done this race as it is now, so we were all coming in as newcomers. You have a plan, but then you’re sailing around an island you don’t know and you have to be willing to change plans and adapt quickly. I’m lucky enough to love my job and, when you also work with great professionals in a spectacular place, everything becomes even more enjoyable. I enjoyed every second of Antigua Sailing Week. I think it’s an amazing concept and a unique opportunity to get to know much more of Antigua than “just” English Harbour, doing what you love the most: sailing. And to do so surrounded by a group of extraordinary people. Following the race with Calvin Air or Wadadli Cats also helped bring spectators, friends and family much closer to the action.
Antiguans truly have a knack for creating vibrant, welcoming, and well-organized events, and I'm deeply honored to have been able to work alongside them. I am very much looking forward to continuing to collaborate with them for many more years and to be part of the stories and experiences they create.