(Simpson Bay, St Maarten)- For 35 years, the St. Maarten Heineken
Regatta has showcased the top boats and sailing in the Caribbean and has
become equally famous for its world-class slate of parties and musical
entertainment. Now recognized by sailors around the planet as one of the
sailing world’s best regattas, each year the event lives up to its
worthy motto: “Serious Fun”.Year after year, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta orchestrates a balance between excellent sailing and international artists to give visitors and competitors a one of a kind experience. This year is no different,
and
organizers have stepped it up a notch and booked none other than
Tessanne Chin to perform on Saturday night as the headliner for the
Caribbean Jam night on Kim Sha Beach. She just recently performed at
“Redemption Live: Bob Marley’s 70th Birthday” celebration, in Kingston
Jamaica. In addition to Tessanne, celebrated artists Kool & the Gang will close out the festivities, bringing a truly global flair to the event. This renowned group has been performing for 35 years and has sold over 70 million albums worldwide. Their smooth vibes and soul moving beats will certainly bring everyone to the beach on Sunday night, and keep them on their sandy toes until the very end.
On the sailing side of things, let’s not forget that some fantastic teams and beautiful boats will be plying the g
orgeous
aquamarine waters of Simpson Bay. In addition to the “pre-regatta”,
the GILL Cup, many of the J/Teams will be participating in various CSA
Racing classes with spinnakers. Perhaps the headliners could be the J/125 HAMACHI, sailed by Greg Slyngstad from Seattle, Washington along with a superstar crew that should help “bring home the bacon”. Depending on class splits, they may have their hands full taking on two J/122s. One is the renowned EL OCASO, sailed by Caribbean champion Rick Wesslund’s crew from Miami, Florida; they have won many of the “island” regattas, including overall champion at least twice in their J/120 by the same name. The other J/122 is DUNDER sailed by John Thouron; this will be their major Caribbean event in the 122.
A pair of J/120s will again be participating, including SUNSET CHILD that is under charter and the JAGUAR sailed by Ben Jelic from Sint Maarten (Dutch side of the island). They will likely have to contend with the J/39 BUDGET MARINE ARUBA skippered by Robbie Ferron, also from Sint Maarten.
In the 30-35 ft category, there will be a trio of well-sailed J’s, including the J/105 SOLSTICE helmed by Bryan Coon; the fire-engine red, infamous J/100 called BAD GIRL sailed by Robert Armstrong from Christiansted, St Croix, USVI; and the beautiful blue J/30 BLUE PETER skippered by the Tanner & Shari duo from Antigua and Barbuda. For more St Maarten Heineken Regatta sailing information
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