With fewer than 50 days before the start of the 38th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, scheduled for March 1-4, the entry list is rapidly growing, and already 45 teams representing 13 countries are signed up to compete. The regatta has been a key event on the Caribbean race schedule since its inception in 1980, attracting world-class sailors – racing monohulls, maxis and multihulls – to the island of Saint Martin for four days of serious fun, both on and off the water.
New and improved Regatta Village announced
A long-time goal for organizers has been reached this year with the addition of a “Regatta Village” located at Princess Port de Plaisance Resort and Casino and the Yacht Club at Port de Plaisance (across from race host St. Maarten Yacht Club). The venue, on the Dutch side of the island of Saint Martin in Cole Bay, will bring all the regatta essentials together: housing, registration, shore-side entertainment, regatta offices, docking, food stands and beer tents. In addition, The Yacht Club Port de Plaisance will be offering free dockage in their South Basin for competitors as their way of saying thanks for supporting the regatta this year.
Regatta format
The four-day event kicks off on Thursday, March 1, with the Gill Commodore’s Cup. The optional event is separately scored and followed by an evening prize giving where winners are awarded Gill gear. On Friday, the fleet embarks on the event’s 26-nautical-mile Around the Island Race before taking on a series of Windward-Leeward races on Saturday and a single coastal race on Sunday. Each day of racing is rounded out with serious shore-side entertainment, including concerts and parties.
Charter options
The regatta is well known for its large and competitive charter classes, and a number of charter companies are onsite, offering an array of different options to accommodate a range of clients. Whether competitors are looking to book a single crew space on a boat or for the full-service “soup-to-nuts” package, regatta organizers can direct sailors to the best fit.
For free concierge service, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., +1 (721) 544-2079. For up-to-date information regarding lodging, marinas, charter options and beyond, visit http://heinekenregatta.com/
