(Simpson Bay, St. Maarten)- Over 110 yachts from thirty-five countries
will compete in the 39th Heineken St Maarten Regatta. A key event on the
Caribbean race schedule, the regatta attracts some of the world’s elite
sailors and crews, with fast and furious racing in monohulls, maxis and
multihulls.Crystal clear waters and cooling northeast trade winds give the pristine conditions for spectacular racing just off the coast of St. Maarten. And with Heineken as title sponsor, the racing days blend seamlessly into four nights of exceptional parties. The event is a bucket list must-do! The Serious Fun goes for four days, from February 28 – March 3, 2019!
The
St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is as famous for its parties as it is for
its racing. Over four nights, some of the world’s top artists take to
the stage and ensure that each day of racing starts as well as it ends
with the festivities continuing long into the night. So far, Alison
Hinds, The Jacksons (originally the Jackson Five), Shermanology and
Fatman Scoop have been confirmed with more party announcements to
follow.Looking forward to enjoying all the Serious Fun are a several J/Crews from the USA, Canada, Caribbean, and Europe. In the CSA 2 Racing class, Roger Gatewood’s team on his J/145 KATARA have already sailed 600nm two weeks ago, having participated in the RORC Caribbean 600 Race that started and finished off English Harbour, Antigua. Joining them in the class will be Emilio Torres-Requena’s J/130 MAZU from Puerto Rico.
As
has happened multiple times in the past, the two famous, colorful
J/122s that live in the Caribbean will be going at it again in CSA 3
Racing class. The protagonists are Pamala Baldwin’s LIQUID (including
her international crew of Julian White, Matt Kasorzycki, and Sil
Grijpma) and Bob Hillier’s EL OCASO. Both boats have won many of the
top Caribbean events, so watch for this battle royale to drive both
boats to the top of the podium!Similarly, the trio of J/105s in CSA 4 Racing class push each other hard and such tight racing keeps the scores very close. Those J/105s include WHISTLER (Peter Lewis from Barbados), SOLSTICE (Jordan Mindich from Long Island, New York), and SUNBELT REALTY JENK (Remco van Dortmondt from Curacao). Joining them this year will be the J/30 BLUE PETER/ CARIBBEAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE, sailed by Tanner & Shari from Antigua and Barbuda. Sailing photo credits- Loren Morels. For more Heineken St Maarten Regatta sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.
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