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SAG HARBOR, NY, August 14, 2024 – The Honourable H. Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment of Antigua and Barbuda, led a delegation to Sag Harbor, New York, for the 14th Antigua and Barbuda Hamptons Challenge Regatta. The delegation included Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), and Alan Hosam, Vice Chairman of the ABTA Board of Directors. The event promoted the rich sailing tradition of the beautiful twin islands to the Hamptons sailing community, a group of affluent enclaves on the South Fork of Long Island.
Prior to the regatta, ABTA hosted a media reception at Baron’s Cove attended by prominent members of the Hamptons community. ABTA was also featured on WLNG 92.1 FM radio and in several local newspapers.
Perfect weather greeted the regatta teams on Saturday, August 11. The event connects English Harbor in Antigua to Sag Harbor in the Hamptons.
Additionally, it supports local charity i-TRI, a community nonprofit founded by Theresa Roden that empowers young women through the sport of triathlon.
Twenty-two fully-manned sailboats competed in the Noyac Bay Handicap Race, organized by the Peconic Bay Sailing Association. John Pearson was the overall champion of the regatta and received the most prestigious sailing prize in the Northeast – a fully funded trip to Antigua to participate in the amazing Antigua Sailing Week 2025 (April 27-May 3, www.sailingweek.com). A highlight of the regatta was the arrival of young Antiguan sailor Tyrique Adams, who came to Sag Harbor to compete.
Commenting on the event following the successful completion of the on-water event, Minister Fernandez said: “We are delighted to continue to raise awareness of Antigua and Barbuda as the Sailing Capital of the Caribbean. Tyrique’s presence as a competing sailor was truly remarkable as he demonstrated the sailing prowess and skills of our twin-island destination during the race. We look forward to seeing the winning crew of this year’s Antigua and Barbuda Hampton Challenge join us in Sag Harbor for what promises to be an exciting race at English Harbor’s 2025 Antigua Sailing Week.”
Other Antigua and Barbuda delegation members at the regatta, sponsored by English Harbour Rum, included Dean Fenton, Director of the U.S. Tourism Office, Marilyn Pires, ABTA USA, and Devin Joseph, Yachting Business Development Manager.
Following the regatta, the Caribbean Culinary Awards Gala was held at Sag Harbor’s renowned restaurant Bell & Anchor, with former Sag Harbor Mayor James Larocca and current Mayor Tom Gardella, sailing enthusiasts, spectators, community members and supporters attending the lively celebration.
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