Antigua Yacht Club Hosts Thrilling Prize Presentation for the 2025 Budget Marine Laser and Optimist Open Regatta

By Briana Anthony

The Antigua Yacht Club hosted a successful and exciting prize presentation ceremony on Sunday, March 23, 2025, following the conclusion of the highly anticipated 2025 Budget Marine Laser and Optimist Open Regatta. The regatta, which took place on March 22 and 23, 2025, in Falmouth Harbour, brought together both national and regional sailors, showcasing their skills, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit on the water.

This year’s event saw a remarkable turnout, with talented Laser and Optimist sailors from Antigua, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the British Virgin Islands, among others, participating in a series of 12 challenging races. The conditions proved demanding, with winds ranging from 18-20 knots and a highly shifty breeze that tested the sailors’ adaptability and strategy.

While the races were fierce and competitive, the regatta also provided ample opportunities for social interaction and networking among sailors, supporters, and sailing enthusiasts. The event was a celebration of camaraderie, bringing together individuals from different backgrounds and skill levels to enjoy the sport and learn from one another.

At the prize presentation ceremony, Commodore Clarence E. Pilgrim expressed his immense satisfaction with the event and offered heartfelt congratulations to all the young sailors who participated. “It is inspiring to see such a strong display of talent and sportsmanship from our sailors, especially the younger generation. These young sailors are the future of our sport, and today’s regatta has proven that sailing in our region is in great hands,” said Commodore Pilgrim.

He also took the opportunity to thank the event’s sponsors, particularly Budget Marine, for their continued support. “We are deeply grateful to Budget Marine for their commitment to the development of sailing in the region. Their support ensures that events like this can continue to thrive and gives our sailors the platform to showcase their talents,” he added.

Commodore Pilgrim also praised the organizing team for their hard work and dedication in making the regatta a success. “The efforts of the organizing team have been outstanding this year. From race logistics to social events, everything has been executed with precision, and the result is a highly successful regatta. I extend my thanks to everyone involved for their dedication and teamwork.”

The 2025 Budget Marine Laser and Optimist Open Regatta concluded with the crowning of two new Antigua National Champions: Jules Mitchell in the Laser Class and Tyden Jones in the Optimist Class. Their remarkable performances earned them top spots on the podium, and they were celebrated in front of a crowd of fellow competitors and supporters during the prize presentation ceremony.

2025 Antigua National Laser Champion 1st – Jules Mitchell 2nd – Ozani Lafond 3rd – Diego Ewinger

2025 Antigua National Optimist Champion 1st – Tyden Jones 2nd – Lluc Agusti 3rd – Zahid Derrick

The regatta not only highlighted the skill of seasoned sailors but also served as an inspiring platform for the youngest emerging talents in the sport. Both the Laser and Optimist fleets featured up-and-coming sailors who displayed impressive potential, ensuring the future of sailing in Antigua and the region remains bright.

A special thank you was extended to Budget Marine, the event’s title sponsor, for their ongoing dedication to the development of sailing. Their support plays a pivotal role in fostering the growth of young athletes and ensuring the success of events such as the Budget Marine Laser and Optimist Open Regatta.

The Antigua Yacht Club is proud to have hosted this prestigious event and looks forward to welcoming more sailors in future regattas, continuing to cultivate a spirit of competition, community, and excellence in the sailing world