The Caribbean's longest-running regatta, where boats from the various islands meet to settle the score, is to take to water for the 45th year.

The yacht racing Antigua Race Week, the first edition of which ran in 1967, sees the world's top sailors come together to battle it out.

Boasting the likes of Sir Hugh R.M. Bailey, KGN MBE GCM, and Peter Holmberg, the regatta never fails to prove a roaring success.

"Antigua Sailing Week is the highlight of sailing in the Caribbean and is well known worldwide for the great sailing conditions in our waters," Sir High told BYM. "It lures many sailors from around the world and it is an important promotion for Antigua.

"One of the most marvellous sights at Antigua Sailing Week is when all of the boats are out on the race course with their spinnakers flying - it is a spectacular view. But the shoreside parties can be just as fabulous when they are in full swing.

"If this will be your first time at Antigua Sailing Week, I have some good advice for you - come with your sailing gloves, suntan lotion and a good rum stomach!"

Sir Hugh was just a young man when he took part in the first Antigua Sailing Week. The budding sailor went on to be recognised by the Queen for his contribution to the sport. She awarded him both The Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 and later an MBE in 1982.

Looking back on the 1967 event, Sir Hugh said: "There were 17 boats at the first Antigua Sailing Week, which was born out of the Guadeloupe Race, which started three years before with Ken Malone, Desmond Nicholson, Joylon Byerley, John Glegg and I.

"Some of the old timers have moved on, some can only look on. As the youngest of the old timers, I am the only one left on the race course. Many thanks of course, to my young keen Antiguan crew and others on yacht Hugo."

Sir Hugh will be entering his yacht, Hugo B, in the sailing week, as he does every year.

He will go up against Peter Holmberg, the Caribbean's most accomplished sailor. Haling from the Virgin Islands, Holmberg went on to win the America's Cup and a Silver medal in the Olympic Games. He is ranked Number One on the World Match Racing Tour.

"Antigua Sailing Week is still the most well known Caribbean sailing event around the world," he said. "Antigua Sailing Week has traditionally been the final event of the Caribbean racing circuit, when all the boats from the various islands meet to settle the score, alongside the big international visiting boats."

Whatever your level, Sunsail offers a range of yacht racing options. From casual cruising to those with a competitive edge, there's something for every sailor. Antigua Sailing Week can be accessed through Sunsail.

The 45th Antigua Sailing Week will take place between April 29 and May 4.