Zee Best Breakfast! Voted best breakfast on the island. Authentic, fresh-baked French pastries, light-as-air crepes and scrumptious lunches. Open daily in two locations; Simpson Bay and Marina Port-de-Plaisance with a lovely view of the marina.
The 12-Meter Challenge
A visit to St. Maarten/St. Martin is always an adventure, and you have your choice of activities to fill the enticing days and nights. There is one idea you might consider for a very different experience, however: joining a group of other intrepid travelers in a head-to-head sailboat race on some of the fastest boats that ever plied the waterways!
The St. Maarten 12 Metre Challenge is the brainchild of Canadian businessman Colin Percy, who moved to the Caribbean five years ago when his doctor advised him he needed to slow down and take life a little easier. Because of his love of sailing, and the fact that St. Maarten/St. Martin is ideal for this sport, he set about turning his passion into a full-time vocation.
It began with the acquisition of three of the most elite sailing vessels in the world, America's Cup contenders Canada II and True North I and IV. Not long afterwards, Percy set his sights on one of the best known racing boats in the world: Dennis Conner's Stars and Stripes, winner of the 1987 America's Cup. The very popular 12 Metre Class boats are possibly the most successful race boats ever designed.
"Out of the millions of sailors around the world, there are no more than 700 very elite sailors who have raced America's Cup yachts," points out Percy. Now, visitors to the island have the opportunity to race these sleek vessels themselves.
A crew of approximately 16 to 18 members is onboard each boat, and they are guided and instructed by professional seamen employed by the 12 Metre Challenge. The expert crew will show you exactly what to do in your various "assignments." Before the race, you'll attend a briefing, during which the experts will give a little history of the America's Cup and select the teams. A skipper will brief you about what you can expect and give you training on your specific crew position. Then it's off to the racecourse… grind a winch… trim a sail… punch a stopwatch, or just sit back, relax and enjoy the complimentary refreshments—and if you're lucky enough to win—bask in the temporary glory of victory.
After the race, enjoy the complimentary victory rum punch party, while you browse through the museum souvenir boutique and maybe even buy a photo of your experience. A "chase boat" tags along during the race and snaps photos of the action—all are available for purchase. After all, you'll want a record of your achievement, especially if you have bragging rights!
For more information about the 12 Metre Challenge, call 599-542-0045 or visit the website at 12metre.com.
Our Activity Guide will get you acquainted with all the tours, attractions, sports and activities in St. Maarten/St. Martin -- for you and your kids. Contact our activities providers and get full details before you go!
Race aboard Dennis Conner's famous Stars & Stripes, Canada II or True North. Special programs can be designed for regattas and incentive groups. No sailing experience necessary - just bring the urge to have fun!
Over 40 dive sites!
Scuba divers will find a wealth of dive sites to explore around the island with unique underwater landscapes including rocky mazes that shelter spadefish, octopi,
parrotfish, barracuda and turtles. There are also several shipwrecks that provide interesting reefs where all manner of sea life congregate. Certified divers can take advanced courses with dive masters from Dive Adventures/Aqua Mania, while novice divers can get certified with a few hours of instruction.
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Zee Best Breakfast! Voted best breakfast on the island. Authentic, fresh-baked French pastries, light-as-air crepes and scrumptious lunches. Open daily in two locations; Simpson Bay and Marina Port-de-Plaisance with a lovely view of the marina. 
The St. Maarten 12 Metre Challenge is the brainchild of Canadian businessman Colin Percy, who moved to the Caribbean five years ago when his doctor advised him he needed to slow down and take life a little easier. Because of his love of sailing, and the fact that St. Maarten/St. Martin is ideal for this sport, he set about turning his passion into a full-time vocation.
A crew of approximately 16 to 18 members is onboard each boat, and they are guided and instructed by professional seamen employed by the 12 Metre Challenge. The expert crew will show you exactly what to do in your various "assignments." Before the race, you'll attend a briefing, during which the experts will give a little history of the America's Cup and select the teams. A skipper will brief you about what you can expect and give you training on your specific crew position. Then it's off to the racecourse… grind a winch… trim a sail… punch a stopwatch, or just sit back, relax and enjoy the complimentary refreshments—and if you're lucky enough to win—bask in the temporary glory of victory.
Race aboard Dennis Conner's famous Stars & Stripes, Canada II or True North. Special programs can be designed for regattas and incentive groups. No sailing experience necessary - just bring the urge to have fun! 
Scuba divers will find a wealth of dive sites to explore around the island with unique underwater landscapes including rocky mazes that shelter spadefish, octopi,
parrotfish, barracuda and turtles. There are also several shipwrecks that provide interesting reefs where all manner of sea life congregate. Certified divers can take advanced courses with dive masters from Dive Adventures/Aqua Mania, while novice divers can get certified with a few hours of instruction. 
