Written by Zoë Carlton – The sails have come down, the trophies have been raised, and history has been made. The Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) Caribbean Dinghy Championship (CDC) 2025, hosted by the Antigua Yacht Club (AYC), concluded on Sunday after three thrilling days of racing — a spectacular celebration of skill, spirit, and regional camaraderie.
From record-breaking performances to groundbreaking firsts, this year’s championship showcased not only elite sailing talent but also the unstoppable energy and unity that define the Caribbean sailing community.
Antigua and Barbuda Claim Sixth Overall Victory
Team Antigua & Barbuda overall winners of the Nations Trophy (c) Gerard Benjamin
After a weekend of fierce but friendly competition, Team Antigua and Barbuda once again claimed the Nations Trophy, marking their sixth consecutive win. Their continued excellence and teamwork reaffirmed Antigua’s place as a powerhouse of regional sailing. Hot on Antigua’s heels, teams from St. Maarten and Trinidad & Tobago delivered impressive performances, securing second and third overall and keeping the competition intense throughout. All of St Maarten’s sailors secured podium positions.
Beyond the team results, there were standout individual performances, with sailors from every island demonstrating exceptional talent and tenacity on the water. Class wins were Ozani Lafond in ILCA7 for Antigua, Shanoy Malone in ILCA 6 for Antigua, Carrack Jones in ILCA 4.7 for Antigua, Nathan Shephard in Optimist for St. Maarten, Oskar Jarrett Versteegden & Adilyn Treadwell in Topper Fusion for St. Maarten and Keston and Tristan Monroe in RS Ventures for Trinidad & Tobago. See attached for full results by class.
History was also made as Grayson Burrell of St. Kitts & Nevis and Joshua Weihardt of St. Vincent and the Grenadines celebrated their first-ever podium finishes for their countries — proud milestones that highlight the championship’s growing inclusivity and regional reach.
A Heroine Rises: Ammarilla Henry Makes History for Sailability
Among the many unforgettable moments, Ammarilla Henry, representing the National Sailing Academy’s Sailability Programme, became the first para-athlete ever to compete in and earn a podium finish at the Caribbean Dinghy Championship.
Securing a remarkable second place, Henry’s achievement along with team mate and coach Kayon Guiste, captivated the crowd and inspired everyone watching.
“Feeling great — something I have achieved with Sailability,” she said with a proud smile after her historic race. Her determination and talent have sparked new dreams across the region — today CDC, tomorrow the RS Venture World Championship?
Leaders Celebrate Excellence and Community
Reflecting on the championship’s success, Dr. Clarence E. Pilgrim, Commodore of the Antigua Yacht Club and Chairman of the 2025 Caribbean Dinghy Championship, shared his pride in both the sailors and the host club. “I am so proud of the sailors and the AYC itself,” said Dr. Pilgrim. “This championship is not just about winning — it’s about celebrating our region’s youth, our resilience, and the unbreakable bonds that unite us as Caribbean sailors.”
International Judge Pat Bailey said, ‘I commend the sailors on taking responsibility with 36 penalties taken and only 3 protests for the three days of racing. A testament to good sportsmanship.”
Alison Sly-Adams, past president, representing the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) and the National Sailing Academy (NSA), praised the event’s organization and impact. “Thanks to AYC for such a well-organised event,” said Sly-Adams. “It is great to see dinghy sailing to the fore — bringing together sailors from across the Caribbean and inspiring the next generation to take to the water. We look forward to seeing more inter regional competition throughout the year.”
Prize-Giving, Celebration, and Caribbean Camaraderie
The championship concluded with a vibrant Prize-Giving Ceremony at the AYC Events Centre, attended by four former Caribbean Sailing Association presidents. Every participating nation — Grenada, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Sint Maarten, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda — received cheers and applause for their performances and sportsmanship.
Guests then enjoyed a delicious celebratory lunch courtesy of Bar-B’s Restaurant, a loyal AYC partner whose culinary excellence once again added warmth and hospitality to the event. Laughter and conversation filled the venue as sailors, coaches, volunteers, race officials, and ABS reporters shared in the sense of achievement and friendship that defines the Caribbean Dinghy Championship.
