These are the upcoming events and specials you should be aware of in Antigua and Barbuda.

The tournament is played on a single elimination knockout basis. For 2008, 21 teams from across the Caribbean will compete for prizes worth US$1,960,000. 14 cricket legends act as ambassadors for the tournament, advancing the philosophy behind the event, assisting with the promotion of the competition throughout the region and supporting the participating countries.

The Valentine’s regatta attracts sailing enthusiasts from an assortment of classes - Racers/Cruisers/Multihulls/Dinghies...All Welcome! A wonderful event to watch!

One of the most renowned Classic Races worldwide, the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta takes place every April, just before Antigua Sailing Week. The day before the official start of the Yacht Regatta is the The Boat International Concours d’Elegance, an opportunity for owners and crew to show off the care and attention they give to their yacht, with prizes for both privately and professionally maintained yachts. A spectacle of over 50 classic yachts anchored at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina is a truly magnificent sight.

There follows three days of racing from and back to Falmouth Harbour and is easily viewed from land from the many vista points along the coast line.

The whole regatta has the feel of a bygone era, with the inclusion of Heritage Day Festival, where you can catch sailors bedecked in period costume after the last day of racing. This is also the home of a giant tea party which completes the feeling that you have been transported to an English Garden.

The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is a truly fantastic spectacle not to be missed in Antigua. The camaraderie of all involved is infectious.

Once again, Soul II Soul are bringing together four of London’s pioneering DJ’s and a global crowd of true music lovers, for the ultimate party on the paradise Caribbean island of Antigua! Featuring Jazzie B, David Ronigan, Norman Jay and Trevor Nelson. Learn more

Over the last two decades, Antigua Sailing Week has developed into one of the biggest events in the World Sailing calendar, as well as one of the most fantastic times to visit Antigua and take advantage of an island wide party. From small beginnings, the regatta has developed into the 3rd and final race of the Caribbean Big Boat Series. A truly party atmosphere and a wonderful regatta to witness!

The Carnival in Antigua is a fantastic celebration of happiness. For the history of the festival you have to step back in time to 1st August 1834 when slavery was abolished. People immediately celebrated by taking to the streets to celebrate their freedom and express their joy and happiness. Over the years there was a return to this informal celebration until 1957 when the first official Antiguan Carnival was organised. Since then the festival has developed into 10 days of music, dance and revellery, with street marches, jump-ups and formal evening shows – calypso, pan, and Carnival Queen pageants – always around the last week in July the first week in August.

The festival will showcase local and international chefs bringing culinary talents together to improve Antigua & Barbuda's Culinary scene.

The event will be a four day event which will feature a Culinary Meeting, Chef's Cocktail, Culinary Competition, Black Tie Dinner and Industry Trade Show.

The celebrations consists of a week of celebration, competitions, parades, expos and food fairs – for all Antiguans living both home and abroad and residents of Antigua, as well as visitors. A fantastic week of celebrations for all the family in both Antigua and Barbuda.

Champagne Party in Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour. Live music, BBQ and champagne from 11am until late.

Fireworks over English Harbour. Join the mega yachts as they bring in the New Year!

Horizon Yacht Charters is pleased to announce the Horizon Rum Cruise 2008. There is no better way to see some of the most beautiful Leeward and Windward islands than with our "cruise in company" for experienced sailors.

Join Paul and Marguerite Jackson as they set sail in their Beneteau 45 'MacKenzie'. Charter your own yacht, or take a professional Captain on board your charter yacht, and sail back in time as you travel down the island chain stopping at some of the most interesting rum distilleries in the Caribbean. Where else will you be able to see the Royal Naval Tot Club in action on one day, swim in the Emerald Pool on another and learn about the traditional art of rum making the next.

This is a great trip for experienced and competent sailors who enjoy active sailing, meeting new friends along the way and sharing a glass of rum punch at the end of a day with fellow Horizon guests and private yacht owners. We will not be selling individual cabins on this 2008 cruise.

A little bit about your guides…

Paul and Marguerite Jackson

Marguerite is 4th generation Antiguan. Having grown up on Herbert's Plantation Estate there's not much she doesn't know about crushing cane and creating some tantalizing rum flavours, pre-steam. A keen diver, she can point you in the right direction when it comes to some great diving spots. Paul has been sailing since the age of 6. His first boat was a 12' clinker built dinghy called "Flying Treacle". Between them they have sailed the globe; Europe, SE Asia, South Africa, Central America, Australia and New Zealand. Join them as they embark on one of their favourite cruising grounds; Antigua to St Lucia.

Itinerary:

14 night/15 day trip
One way from Antigua to St Lucia - fly in to Antigua (ANU), fly out of St Lucia (SLU).

Experience level:

• This trip would perhaps suit those sailors who have owned their own boat or who have plenty of charter experience.
• Sailing time will be on average 7 hours per sailing day.
• Mostly a reaching cruise but be prepared to beat from Basseterre to Marie Galante (25nm)
• There will be some early morning sunrise starts but no night sailing.
• Longest leg is 64 nautical miles and 10 hours of sailing.
• Experience of the customs clearing process would be advantageous.

Yacht availability:

"Cruise-in-Company" May 9 – 23 2008 – 14 nights/15 days

• Jeanneau 43DS – sleeps up to 8 = US$6210
• Island Spirit 40 – sleeps up to 8 = US$8550
• Jeanneau 45 – sleeps up to 8 = US$7100
• Jeanneau 45 – sleeps up to 6 = US$7100
• Beneteau 510 – sleeps up to 10 = US$6625
• Beneteau 393 – sleeps up to 6 = US$5850
• Dufour 44 – sleeps up to 8 = US$7100
• Bavaria 40 – sleeps up to 6 = US$5850
• Beneteau 473 – sleeps up to 6 = US$7470
• Bavaria 42 – sleeps up to 6 = US$7100

You can view the yacht layout and specification by clicking here.

Other costs:

Items not included:

Flights, Island tours and activities (outside of distilleries), taxi transfers, bike hire, scooter hire, port/clearance fees at each Island, mooring fees, food/beverages.

The beautiful islands of Antigua & Barbuda in the heart of the Caribbean are famous for 365 white sand beaches. A lesser known fact is the number of airlines flying into V.C. Bird International bringing in around 25,000 visitors each month. From the UK: Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Excel and BMI. From the US: American Airlines, Continental, Delta. From Canada: Air Canada. From Germany: Condor. Horizon in Antigua has seen an increase in the number of commercial pilots and other airline personnel chartering their yachts; making the most of their time on island or to spend time with their family.

Horizon Yacht Charters in Antigua has launched a NEW package targeted specifically at airline personnel:

• Last minute booking advantage: between 15% and 25% off term charters of 5 nights or more
• Free Sleepaboard on first night in Jolly Harbour Marina for 7 nights+ charter
• Frequent sailor bonus: Charter 3 times and receive complimentary airport transfer to and from VC Bird
• Sailing Resume approved in advance and held on database to speed up the booking process
• One to one chart and boat briefing at a time to suit

Based in Jolly Harbour Marina on the west coast of Antigua, Horizon has a fleet of 13 yachts – both monohull and Catamaran – available for either bareboat or skippered charter. Yacht sizes range from 39 – 54 feet. A minimum of 2 experienced sailors are required per charter.

This offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other special offers or loyalty discounts and excludes the one way fee from Antigua to St Martin. Applicable to bookings made after July 1 2007.

What a fantastic way to see above and below the beautiful waters of Antigua? With Horizon Yacht Charters (Antigua) new 'Sail & Dive' package.

Launched in December 2006, this package includes:

• 3 days ashore with 4 or 5 dives over 2 days
• 5 days+ sailing (yachts range in size from 40 – 50 feet)

DIVING

Arrive at Jolly Harbour Marina on Day 1 and stay ashore in one of the many waterfront Villas. Villas have two double bedrooms – both ensuite – with air-conditioning throughout. Enjoy dining on the patio, or eat out in one of the many restaurants in the Marina. The Marina boasts one of the largest supermarkets in the Caribbean, plus Casino, several bars, swimming pool and tennis courts.

Day 2 – 2 dives:

Meet at 8.30am and spend 20 – 30 minutes aboard the dive customized 30’ Island Hopper boat. Arrive at Cades Reef – a healthy reef on the west coast of Antigua which boasts around 40 dive sites both within and outside of the reef (ideal for all sorts of weather conditions). Dive between 65 – 70 feet on your first dive and experience sea turtles, eagle rays, parrot fish and many juvenile fish that breed in the nearby mangrove. Dive at 45 feet on your second dive before returning to the Marina at 12.30 - 1pm and enjoy the rest of the day on the beach (10-15 minute walk) or sight-seeing.

Dive duration: 50 minutes x 2.

[Option: for those keen to night dive, depart in daylight and arrive at your destination as the sun sets]

Day 3 – 2 dives:

Meet at 8.30pm and visit a different part of Cades Reef. Enjoy water temperatures of between 26 and 29’C. Dive at 65 and 45 feet and touch a huge 200 year old naval anchor that is covered in live coral (subject to weather conditions). Take underwater photographs of lobster as the sunlight streams through the clear blue water.

Dive duration: 50 minutes x 2.

You must be Open Water certified with any agency and have your Certificate with you. We are able to check your PADI qualification on line.

This is not a problem. Take our complementary Refresher course and let the qualified Instructors review and help you fine-tune your skills before you dive.

Our dive partner is Indigo Divers. Between them, Mogens, Pats, Don and Cathleen have 35 years’ dive instruction, and are all qualified First Aid Instructors. Languages spoken: English, Danish, French and German. Both Mogens and Pats have sailed the Caribbean for the past 10 years – so will be helpful Guides for the next part of your adventure.

SAILING

After your dive experience, have a leisurely breakfast and pick up your yacht at noon on Day 4. You will be given a full yacht and boat briefing. Set sail and experience the many unspoilt anchorages, beach-side restaurants and white sand beaches that typifies Antigua.

Choose from 3, 4 or 5 cabin yachts (subject to availability) – monohull and Catamaran.

Return to base at Noon on Day 9. Check-in time: Noon.

If you wish to extend your sailing time, that is not a problem. Just ask our Reservations team about yacht availability and pricing.

PACKAGE COST

PACKAGE 1:
3 nights ashore
US$660 for up to four people sharing

2 days of diving (4 dives total)
US$180 per person

Yacht
5 nights on 40’ yacht
US$1600 – US$2300*
*subject to time of year

PACKAGE 2:
3 nights ashore
US$660 for up to four people sharing

2 days of diving with a Night Dive (5 dives total)
US$260 per person

Yacht
5 nights on 40’ yacht
US$1600 – US$2300*
*subject to time of year

Excludes:
Flights, taxi transfers to/from airport, meals, beverages, gratuities, departure tax of US$20 per person

Prices correct at time of publication. Rates are for new bookings made after December 31 and can not be combined with any other offer or loyalty discount.