Now in its 44th year, the St Maarten Regatta started with a modest 12 sail boats taking part. Thanks to sponsorship and support from Heineken, the event has grown to become one of the largest and perhaps most popular of the Caribbean events, with a record 284 boats participating in 2008. With the tag line of “Serious Fun!” the 4-day racing schedule is designed to suit everybody from Maxis and Volvo 65s and 70s, one design keel boats through to the Diam 24 trimarans and the more relaxed “Island Class” which attracts cruisers and round the world travellers keen to enjoy taking part in a world class regatta. The world class race officer and event management team make the most of the waters around St Maarten to set a variety of courses for each class, and everyone enjoys the challenge of the “Round Island” race, a firm favourite for all taking part.
A key attraction for many is the Bridge Show, with yachts and crews showing off their fancy dress prowess to impress the judges stationed at the St. Maarten Yacht Club, before heading ashore to the Port de Plaisance Regatta Village to belly up to the bar to chug a cold Heineken, Titos cocktail or glass of Veuve Clicquot and celebrate another fantastic day of racing in paradise. The “Serious Fun!” continues onshore with nightly live performances at the Regatta Village, after-parties at the island’s top venues, and a glittering prize giving on stage prior to the final night’s grand finale concert.