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 Heineken Regatta Rules In St. Maarten/St. Martin
Good wind, favorable seas, lots of boats and boatloads of fun… what better formula for putting on one of the most heralded events in the Caribbean — The Heineken Regatta! Sailors mark your calendar for March 5, 6, 7 and , 2009.
Founded some 29 years ago when a mere 12 boats competed in the first one, the regatta now draws sailors and sailing fans from around the world who descend on St. Maarten/St. Martin to take part in the events or cheer on the participants. The festivities have almost become bigger than the race itself, and that seems to be okay with the event's organizer, the St. Maarten Yacht Club.
How can you not be enamored with the fanfare when the motto is — and has been since the beginning — Serious Fun! Sure, there's competition and plenty of it, but officials such as Robbie Ferron, who's been with the regatta since its inception, hasten to add 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. And there's no reason to tamper with success.
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.
On the final night, the awards party is held on Kim Sha Beach in Simpson Bay on the Dutch side. The entertainment finale is usually a big name act brought in by Heineken. Past performers have ranged from the Neville Brothers to the Black Eyed Peas and Jimmy Cliff.
The headline performance for the outdoor beach concert, to conclude the 2008 St Maarten Heineken Regatta was Mister Lover Lover himself, Shaggy and Caribbean Soca Queen Alison Hinds. Music fills the weekend with Caribbean and St Maarten/St Martin bands featuring Reggae, Dancehall, Rock and Roll, Steel Pan, Soul, Hip Hop, Soca, Kompa and more.
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! Read how here.
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.
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. 
Good wind, favorable seas, lots of boats and boatloads of fun… what better formula for putting on one of the most heralded events in the Caribbean — The Heineken Regatta! Sailors mark your calendar for March 5, 6, 7 and , 2009.
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 headline performance for the outdoor beach concert, to conclude the 2008 St Maarten Heineken Regatta was Mister Lover Lover himself, Shaggy and Caribbean Soca Queen Alison Hinds. 
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. 
