41st St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

2020 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta © Laurens Morel

The future course of the Covid-19 pandemic is far from clear, however the Sint Maarten Yacht Club Regatta Foundation and the Government of St. Maarten are confident to host the 41st St. Maarten Heineken Regatta taking place March 4 – 7, 2021.

Relying on implementing proper protocols and clear communication, the event is now accepting entries for its annual Regatta through www.heinekenregatta.com. It is suggested that participants enter the event as soon as possible to enable organizers to finalize plans for 2021 and ensure safety for all.

Currently, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is planning an event that is focusing on delivering a safe, competitive, professional and “Serious Fun!” event. The current focus is on offering world-class racing. All participants will have to comply with health and entry guidelines that are set by the Government and the Event Organizers. These guidelines will be communicated on the official Regatta website and updated regularly on the official notice board (online and during the event).

The Notice of Race was published in October 2020, and multiple teams have already signed up. A few highlighted entries, La Novia, a Leopard 50 entered by Georges Coutu from the Dominican Republic, also participated in last year’s event taking home second place in its class. Speedy Nemo is also keen to sail in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. This Dufour 34 from St Barts has participated in many Heineken Regattas before and came in 4th place overall in the CSA 4 class during the 40th edition of the Regatta that took place last March.

In August, the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) launched a comprehensive online survey to assess the level of interest in the 2021 Caribbean racing season. Results indicate that many boats are still in the region and want to race in warm-water Regattas and the majority of respondents indicated wanting to compete in the world-famous St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.

“The interest of people to come and sail in the Caribbean and participate in our Regattas is encouraging and we genuinely appreciate the support. Over the years, we have built a loyal following of teams that return year after year and of course we are enthusiastic to welcome them back to Sint Maarten and offer quality racing. The Race Committee is working hard on the Sailing Instructions and Courses to be able to distribute these early to assist with preparations. Our aim is to engage the event attendees with an exceptionally warm, professional, and safe experience, comforted with a strong sense of community typical to our “Friendly Island” states Michele Korteweg, Regatta Director.

The island of Sint Maarten started welcoming international visitors back as of July 1st, 2020 after it implemented Covid safety measures. To ensure the safety and well-being of visitors and residents, entry requirements will be in place for visitors to enter St. Maarten which can be found at stmaartenupdates.com. St. Maarten is open to Yachts, Cruisers and Private Vessels. Currently a local registered yachting agent is required for all vessels as part of the clearance protocol and to ensure a smooth arrival. For more information you can contact the Regatta Organizers or go to the official website of The St. Maarten Marine Trade Association.

“Sint Maarten is a unique destination, as a dual nation and multi-cultural with over 120 nationalities present. We have a lot to offer, from our 37 beaches, culinary highlights at hundreds of restaurants, to our eco experience and we are ready to welcome you! Over the years, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has brought thousands of sailors and visitors to our island to sail and race in the pristine waters surrounding Sint Maarten and Saint Martin, many of whom became return visitors to enjoy vacations with family and friends at other occasions. We are pleased to see the organization of the 41st edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta in full swing and are looking forward for the sailors and yachts to return.” Said May-Ling Chun, Director of Tourism Sint Maarten.

All racing will take place in the waters surrounding the dual-nation island of Sint Maarten/Saint Martin, offering a variety of courses suitable for all classes: Maxi’s, Ocean Racers, Multihulls, Bareboats, Cruisers, and everything in between, this Event will be ‘Serious Fun’ for everyone.

As far as the event’s legendary on shore entertainment, it is still under review as organizers are tracking global and regional progress. They are currently building a plan that will deliver “Safe & ‘Serious Fun!'” during the event in March. Social distancing and proper sanitization will be implemented throughout the event and group contact won’t be required at registration, the committee desk and other official proceedings.

Online registration is quick, easy to use, and can be accessed via the regatta website heinekenregatta.com where you will also find the Notice of Race for 2021. Sign up now! The island of St. Maarten and the organizers of the St Maarten Heineken Regatta look forward to welcome you to back for “Serious Fun” while we #SocialiseResponsibly!

To keep up with the action, follow the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta social channels: