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The Regatta has always had the strongest multihull representation of all the major regattas and this year is no different. The class is also conscientious early enterers getting their names on the lists in plenty of time. Among the interesting entries is Ian Hope ROSS, veteran regatta participant with various monohulls, but this year he will be sailing Archangel, a Lock CROWTHER trimaran originally built in St. Vincent. The boat used to belong to Ian's father, but the son will be continuing family tradition from now on.

Other veteran multis already on the list include the perennial Triple-Jack, but the latest thinking is also well represented with entries such as Rocketeer (Atlantic 55) and Lars SVENSSON's 60 foot custom trimaran, Larus Roc, once known in Europe and the Caribbean as the record-breaking Paragon. In the Cruising class a pair of Bahia 46's are entered by Smulders and MM Printing and there is a Lagoon entered by M. Ruelle. These boats may well be joined by more of the cruising multihulls that put together such an excellent class in last year's event.

But the vast majority of the fleet will be monohulls and as always a flock of Swans are going to be on the line in the Spinnaker fleet. The Swan 48 Affinity owned & sailed by Jack DESMOND will have at least two 56's in the line up to compete with. Albireo and Hissar (Edgar CATO) have entered already, with more expected.

In the smaller Spinnaker class, rumor has it that Mike GREEN, one of the Caribbeans most successful yachtsmen, will be on the water sailing a Beneteau 40.7; the combination is likely to be a potent one. Sorceress, a successful and well prepared Tartan 10 from the BVI will also be a likely contender for the prizes and John HARICIVET with his Beneteau from St Thomas should also not be underestimated. Plenty of inter-island rivalry to spice up the racing.

Also plenty of local boats - and some canny overseas visitors - see the Non-spinnaker class as one where hot competition at the front of the fleet can be rewarded by some major prizes. The usual regulars like Pretty Woman sailed by Heather UNDERWOOD, Island Water World under the command of Ian MARTIN and Dark Star with Kent RICHARDSON in control will be joined by boats like Jos SCHOONENS' Casa Tete from Curacao, Prairie Fox, Alan WALTON's Beneteau 45.5 and Marintez Impunitor a Barberis 52 sailed by Ernesto MORESINO and his crew.

Amongst the huge bareboat class there will be many regular visitors including Marc DURANTY, last year's winner who now has a Beneteau 423 entered. Besides the local entries of Leo LIGTHART and Jan BEAUJON there are also two Curacao teams in the lists, both being formed from the long standing evening race groups on the Spanish Water. A team organized by the Dutch watersport magazine 'Zeilen' will also be on the start line, no doubt hoping for great things to prevent any embarrassment by having to report on progress from the middle - or Heaven forbid - the back of the fleet.

Whatever you sail; there is a place for it in the St Maarten Heineken Regatta. From the biggest and latest maxi to the humblest live-aboard, there is a class to suit and a class of friends to race with. Not for nothing is the 25th St Maarten Heineken Regatta the place to have some: 'Serious Fun'.