Overview

32nd Heineken Regatta  – 1^st to 4^th March 2012

Race, race, party, party, sums up this major international regatta on the French & Dutch Island of St Martin.  The three day regatta finishes in a different harbour each night and exhilarating sailing is followed by some of the best parties in the Caribbean! Now fully matured as an international yachting event, the Heineken Regatta has been gradually nurtured in the French/Dutch Caribbean Island of St Martin (to the French), Sint Maarten (to the Dutch) over the past few years.

The Regatta started like all regattas do – as a little fun racing between a few friends.  After a year or two, the local Heineken importer noticed that the event caused quite an increase in beer sales and decided to support the event.  The Heineken Regatta has since developed from strength to strength and now, annually taking place in early March, the event attracts over 150 yachts and 500 spectators from countries all over the world.

Racing is provided under the auspices of the Caribbean Yachting Association with the cruising boats rated under the St Martin handicapping system.  The actual racing takes the format of four races over three days including races up and down the Anguilla Channel around the waters of Marigot Bay and the popular race which circumnavigates the whole island.

Like all good regattas, Heineken boasts its share of parties and social events too – pounding steel drums, insistent Soca rhythms, clinking cold green bottles are a familiar sound during the three days.  The socialising reaches a peak with the famous prize giving ceremony and part taking place on the final Sunday night/Monday morning.