St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Sailing Week 2026 was launched on Monday 12 with officials outlining a comprehensive vision for the event Scheduled for March 29 to April 6, 2026.
A primary goal is to revitalize SVG’s yachting and marine tourism sector and rebuild global confidence, particularly following recent challenges like Hurricane Beryl. Prime Minister Godwin Friday noted the event aims to “rebuild something that was much more vibrant say 7-8 years ago.”
The event is designed to position St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a “must-sail destination in the Caribbean.” Minister of Tourism Dr. Kishore Shallow expressed a bold ambition: “give us four years and I guarantee you we are going to be one of the better if not the best sailing events in this part of the world.”
Hosted at the beginning of the traditional tourism off-season, the event aims to attract visitors and spread economic benefits more evenly throughout the year. Annette Mark, CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, stated, “This event and others like it will continue to attract regional and international visitors at a time when increased activity is especially important.”
The integration of modern yacht racing with traditional maritime culture and youth programs creates a unique story that differentiates SVG in a competitive market.
The nine-day event will span multiple islands, offering a blend of competitive racing and cultural celebrations.
| Date(s) | Location | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| March 29 | Mainland St. Vincent | Opening Ceremony, Junior Sailing Races |
| March 30 | Canouan | Registration, All White Party |
| April 1 | Canouan to Bequia | International Race (Inter-island showcase) |
| April 2-5 | Bequia | Multi-day Yacht Racing, Traditional Double-Ender Races, Junior Sailing Competitions, Onshore Events (prize giving, parties, cultural showcases) |
| April 6 | Bequia | Closing Ceremony |
Unlike many regattas, SVG Sailing Week deliberately combines international yacht racing with junior sailing regattas and traditional double-ender races, ensuring the event is “authentically Vincentian.” Work is underway to develop a feeder race to Antigua and Barbuda for their sailing week, which would further integrate SVG into the regional sailing circuit and increase yacht arrivals.
A recurring theme is the event’s role in safeguarding SVG’s maritime heritage and investing in the next generation of sailors.
Interviews with young sailors revealed that the sport provides focus, keeps them “out of trouble,” and offers a positive pathway. One young sailor, when asked for advice to others, said, “just follow the dream, follow the mind because it will benefit them in the future.”
Government officials presented a unified message of strong support, framing the event as a critical component of national development strategy.
Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, Hon. Kashaka Cupid, stated, “Under our new government, sports is not an afterthought or accessory. It is a strategic pillar of our development agenda.” Prime Minister Friday echoed this, noting sports tourism is part of the “new economy” pillar.
Friday further spoke to the “tension between the sailing component… and the entertainment component” and emphasized the importance of “finding the right balance” to ensure the event’s success and sustainability.
The event is projected to deliver widespread economic benefits, with a focus on community-based tourism.
The demand for accommodation in Bequia during the event is extremely high. Miss Cecil Boucher of the Veterans Sailing Club noted, “at our hotel, we can never have enough room… after you have failed you have like 10-20 calls per day for accommodation for Easter.”
The launch showcased a broad coalition of corporate sponsors, demonstrating strong private sector confidence in the event.
| Sponsor/Partner | Tier/Category | Representative | Key Message/Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intercaribbean Airways | Platinum | (Remarks read on behalf) | “Honored to play our part… by helping amplify an event that celebrates Caribbean excellence on the water.” |
| Guardian General Insurance | Silver | Aaron Crichton | “Sailing Week is more than just a competition. It is a showcase of precision, teamwork, resilience, and respect for the sea. Values that strongly resonate with us.” |
| Flow (Flo) | Silver | St. Clair “Stennis” Hind | “At Flo, we believe in powering the moments that truly matter… partnerships like these, they are important to us and they help strengthen communities.” |
| St. Vincent Distillers Ltd. | Silver | Keon Marksman | “Sparrow Premium Rum is yet again privileged to be sponsors… [and is] delighted to assist local sailors as they showcase their talents.” |
| Republic Bank | Bronze | Gregory Bardouille | “We’re happy to partner with the Ministry of Tourism to foster this cultural i.e. tourism activity aligned and geared at further bolstering the sailing week.” |
| Costcab (SVG) Limited | Bronze | Delisa Findlay | “We sponsor initiatives that align with our corporate values, demonstrate robust governance and deliver measurable impact. This event meets those criteria.” |
| St. Vincent Brewery Ltd. | Bronze | Tamia Grant-Millington | “Sailing is in our culture and Hairoun has always been there to celebrate the moments that bring our people together.” |
| Blue Lagoon Hotel & Marina | Partner | Simone Burnett | “We believe in investing in our young sailors and by extension tourism in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” |
| Sol EC Limited | Partner | Shanel Malcolm | “This highlights our rich maritime heritage bringing communities together and showcase the beauty of our lovely island to the world.” |
| Bequia Plantation Hotel | Partner/Venue Host | Chris John | “We are equally pleased to be again part of this very sponsorship… sailing 2026 we wish you all the very best.” |