SVG Sailing Week 2026 a resounding success, signaling strong future for sports tourism

Prime Minister- Hon. Dr. Godwin Friday (3rd from Left) with Sailors during Prize Giving Ceremony © SVG Sailing Week

SVG Sailing Week 2026 concluded on a high note, with top sailors from across the region crowned champions after a week of exhilarating competition.

This year's edition recorded a remarkable increase in participation, with the number of entrants doubling compared to previous years, underscoring the growing appeal of the event.

The week-long regatta officially began on March 29 with the Junior Championships on mainland St. Vincent, highlighting the nation's commitment to youth development in sailing. The event then transitioned to the Grenadines, culminating in Bequia on April 6 with a series of competitive races across multiple classes.

In addition to the Junior Championships, the 2026 programme featured Racing Class, Cruising Class, J24 Class, and the Canouan CSA Division, offering a dynamic mix of competition for both seasoned sailors and emerging talent.

The grand prize-giving ceremony, held at the Bequia Plantation House, brought together a packed and jubilant crowd of participants, supporters, and stakeholders. Among those in attendance were the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. The Hon. Godwin Friday, the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Sustainable Development, Dr. The Hon. Kishore Shallow, along with other government officials and key partners.

Event Director, Aina Browne, was complimentary to the winners and stakeholders for a very successful event. Browne said, "This year's SVG Sailing Week reflected the true spirit of camaraderie, sustainability and sporting excellence. We are proud of the growth in participation and the opportunities it continues to create for Vincentians and sailors across the globe. We look forward to building on this momentum and welcoming sailor and sailing enthusiasts in the years to come"

The regatta delivered high-quality racing and a meaningful boost to tourism and economic activity in Bequia. SVG Sailing Week continues to position St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a premier sailing destination in the Caribbean, with organisers already looking ahead to an even bigger and better 2027 edition, which is scheduled for March 21-29.

For more information, visit: www.svgsailingweek.com

The Full Results:

Bequia Easter Regatta - Racing Class Winners
1st Place - Dingolay II (BER) - Skipper: Mark Chapman
2nd Place - Category 5 (GRN 2005) - Skipper: Richard Szyjan
3rd Place - J Star (00000) - Skipper: Chrystal Young

Bequia Easter Regatta - Cruising Class Winners
1st Place - Nirvana (TR 130) - Skipper: Lloyd DeRoche
2nd Place - Tempest (US) - Skipper: Milton DeRoche
3rd Place - Sea Wyf (TRI5) - Skipper: Enrique Huggins

J24 Class Winners (One Design)
1st Place - Die Hard (GRN 4167) - Skipper: Robbie Yearwood
2nd Place - Glory Daze (BAR 4795) - Skipper: Gus Reader

Canouan Cup - CSA Division Winners
1st Place - The Blue Peter (17) - Skipper: Matthew Barker
2nd Place - Nirvana (TR 130) - Skipper: Lloyd DeRoche
3rd Place - J Star (00000) - Skipper: Chrystal Young

Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development - Hon. Dr. Kishore Shallow (6th from right) with Sailors during prize Giving Ceremony - photo © SVG Sailing Week

The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, through the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Sustainable Development, has lauded the event as a major success and a clear indicator of the country's expanding sports tourism sector.

Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Sustainable Development, Dr. The Hon. Kishore Shallow, praised the efforts behind the event, stating: "SVG Sailing Week 2026 is a shining example of what can be achieved through vision, collaboration, and hard work. In addition to the national beauty and maritime heritage on show, there were tangible economic benefits for our people. As a government, we remain fully committed to investing in initiatives like these that create opportunities, drive tourism, and position St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a leading destination on the global stage."

The Ministry extended sincere appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the event's success, including the SVG Sailing Association, partners, volunteers, local communities, and regional partners. Special recognition was also given to the organizing committee and technical teams whose dedication ensured seamless execution across all venues.

SVG Sailing Week 2026 delivers record participation and thrilling competition - photo © SVG Sailing Week

Minister Shallow added: "The outstanding success of SVG Sailing Week this year would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our many stakeholders. I also commend the management and staff, alongside the steering committee, for delivering a first-rate event within a remarkably short planning window. This achievement is highly encouraging as we look ahead to even greater editions in the future."

Importantly, SVG Sailing Week 2026 reflects the renewed focus and strategic direction of the Government in revitalizing key national events and unlocking new avenues for economic growth. The administration has reaffirmed its commitment to building on this momentum by enhancing partnerships and expanding the scale and impact of future editions.

Comparable statistics between 2025 and 2026