The Heineken Regatta Rules In St. Maarten/St. Martin

By Els Kroon

Started in 1980 with just 12 boats, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is now the largest in the Caribbean. In 2007, organizers added an extra day of racing for spinnaker class boats, which from that moment on made the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta a four-day event.

In 2009, match-racing series have been added, providing a tough challenge for the best sailors in the world.

Famous competitors at past Heineken Regattas have included the late Steve Fossett; Roy Disney; Mike “Moose” Sanderson, winner of the Volvo Around the World Race; Dee Caffari, record-breaking solo around-the-world yachtswoman; and Dennis Conner of the America’s Cup. Top performers like The Black Eyed Peas, Jimmy Cliff and the Marley Brothers have headlined the End of Regatta Party.

Record numbers of bareboats entered the 2008 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, with one Dutch travel agency sending more than 500 sailors to the event.

In the regatta’s early days, the only way to take part in the event was with your own boat or as part of the crew of a friend. The rise of the bareboat altered the Caribbean racing scene forever. After the first few years, the cruising and racing classes began to realize that not only were the latest bareboats fast and highly competitive, they were sailed by top-class sailors who, aboard their own boats and in their own countries, competed in some of the most prestigious races around.

Last year’s 29th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta was dominated by change. There were new pre-regatta match racing, unforeseen alterations in courses and different party venues, as always proving true the regatta’s catchphrase of “serious fun.”

This year the organization, for the third time led by Heather Tackling, is celebrating its 30th edition. Officials such as Robbie Ferron, who’s been with the regatta since its inception, hasten to say that the regatta is—and always will be—an “all-island event,” giving sailors an opportunity to show off their skills and providing islanders and tourists a reason to celebrate and experience all that the island has to offer. Sailors, mark your calendars for March 4–7, 2010!

During the regatta, both sides of the island come together for one big party — offering visitors and locals a first-hand look at the differences and the similarities shared by the Dutch and French sides. There are races every day, but at the end of every day and into the wee hours, there is a commitment to serious fun! The after-race party on the first day is in Philipsburg at the new boardwalk that was built along the beautiful shoreline of Great Bay Beach. This wide brick walkway plays host to several thousand revelers, including yacht crews, visitors, islanders, musicians and VIPs. The Philipsburg waterfront rocks with four bands that crank out reggae, rock 'n roll, calypso and jazz. Even if you're only a "people-watcher," you can't help but get caught up in the frenzy.

The restaurants are jammed starting early, so if you want to grab a bite to eat during the festival, get there before dark to stake your claim to a seat. You'll also find plenty of Heineken reps handing out trinkets and souvenirs, along with booths selling plenty of regatta regalia. Be sure and take something home to remind you of the fun.

The spectacle in Philipsburg is repeated on the second night in Marigot, the capital of the French side, where the second leg of the races ends. It's virtually a carbon copy of the first night's activities, but with a French twist. There are bands on the waterfront and a multitude of outdoor barbecue grills selling some of the best-tasting meat you'll find anywhere, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma.

Whether you want to party or to race, grab a little of both at the Heineken Regatta.

Buy a Heineken Bracelet and Help Protect our Marine Life!.

How To Regatta
For information on the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, contact:

If you really have a desire to sail after witnessing the Regatta but don't have your own boat, then the St. Maarten 12 Metre Challenge offers would-be sailors the opportunity to crew on one of four 12-meter yachts — including Stars & Stripes and Canada II — that formerly competed in the America's Cup. For around $75 per person, you spend a half-day of competitive sailing and get your picture taken in the process.

For 12-meter racing, call 599-545-0045 or visit the website at 12metre.com.

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