Have you visited St. Maarten by cruise ship recently? Then you know one day is just not enough for St. Maarten's 37 breathtaking beaches, the shopper's paradise of Duty Free bling and luxury goods, exciting casinos, entertainment and nightlife -- not to mention the glorious food in this culinary heaven.
Take advantage of the new “Bounce Back” rate, exclusively for former cruise passengers offered by Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino or Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino. A jaw-dropping $150 per night! Call toll free, 1-800-223-0757, or click here to print out the coupon offer.
The 12-Meter Challenge
The America’s Cup is the most prestigious regatta in the world of sailing and the oldest active trophy in international sports. It also holds the longest winning streak ever in sport—from 1851 until 1983, the Americans were undefeated. In 1983 the Australians won the America’s Cup. Beaten skipper Dennis Conner won the Cup back four years later in 1987, with the famous yacht Stars & Stripes.
The St. Maarten 12 Metre Challenge gives you the opportunity to experience the thrill of racing aboard Dennis Conner’s America’s Cup winning yacht and its competitors of the 1987 America’s Cup. In a two-and-a-half-hour regatta, each participant is in the careful hands of the company’s expert sailors and will be individually trained on his or her crew position. Then, it’s off to the racecourse, grind a winch, trim a sail as the excitement builds… the race boats slice through the clear blue waters at speeds most sailors will have never sailed before; and suddenly everyone wants to win! But only one boat can cross the finish line first.
However, after such a uniquely thrilling experience as the St. Maarten 12 Metre Challenge, there can be no losers. Following the race, the fun continues in true Caribbean style with a rum and fruit punch party, celebrating great competition and teamwork. The St. Maarten 12 Metre Challenge is located in Philipsburg, at Bobby’s Marina.
Up to four of the three-hour regattas are held daily, which are popular with both visitors staying on the island and the passengers of the many cruise ships that call in Philipsburg. In fact, the 12-Metre Challenge has been voted the "Best Offshore Excursion in the Caribbean" by Princess Cruise Lines for 9 years.
The company's expert sailors give each regatta participant a short briefing and history of the boats, assign teams to each vessel (done by a coin toss for fairness) and then give each sailor instruction on his or her crew position.
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!
A once in a lifetime adventure on a real America's Cup yacht. Thrill to the exhilaration of America’s Cup Yacht Racing in the warm blue waters and brisk trade winds of the Caribbean. Voted #1 shore excursion in the Caribbean for ten years. An expert crew shows you exactly what to do in your "crew members" position, then its off to the racecourse. No sailing experience required! Complimentary refreshments included.
Lagoon Sailboat Rental
Enjoy one of life's simple pleasures; A day of sailing on one of the Caribbean's largest lagoons, Simpson Bay. Lagoon Sailboat Rentals offers 20 foot Jeanneaus for up to 5 people. Sailing on the lagoon is safe, fun and economical. This could be the highlight of your vacation. Sail your own boat for a private, romantic day on the water, take a lesson, or rent the fleet for a group or family activity!
For
more great vacation ideas look for our books in
your hotel room.
Upload your photos and comments about St. Maarten/St. Martin. Click here.
Have you visited St. Maarten by cruise ship recently? Then you know one day is just not enough for St. Maarten's 37 breathtaking beaches, the shopper's paradise of Duty Free bling and luxury goods, exciting casinos, entertainment and nightlife -- not to mention the glorious food in this culinary heaven. 
The America’s Cup is the most prestigious regatta in the world of sailing and the oldest active trophy in international sports. It also holds the longest winning streak ever in sport—from 1851 until 1983, the Americans were undefeated. In 1983 the Australians won the America’s Cup. Beaten skipper Dennis Conner won the Cup back four years later in 1987, with the famous yacht Stars & Stripes.
The company's expert sailors give each regatta participant a short briefing and history of the boats, assign teams to each vessel (done by a coin toss for fairness) and then give each sailor instruction on his or her crew position.
A once in a lifetime adventure on a real America's Cup yacht. Thrill to the exhilaration of America’s Cup Yacht Racing in the warm blue waters and brisk trade winds of the Caribbean. Voted #1 shore excursion in the Caribbean for ten years. An expert crew shows you exactly what to do in your "crew members" position, then its off to the racecourse. No sailing experience required! Complimentary refreshments included. 
Enjoy one of life's simple pleasures; A day of sailing on one of the Caribbean's largest lagoons, Simpson Bay. Lagoon Sailboat Rentals offers 20 foot Jeanneaus for up to 5 people. Sailing on the lagoon is safe, fun and economical. This could be the highlight of your vacation. Sail your own boat for a private, romantic day on the water, take a lesson, or rent the fleet for a group or family activity! 
