A message to all sailors, regatta fans, supporters and sponsors of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

2020 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta © Laurens Morel

Today would have been the start of the 41st St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, unfortunately COVID set us on another course this year.

Driving around the island, we miss seeing the sailors walking with croissants, sandwiches and six packs of water, ready to go out for the day, proudly wearing their custom made Heineken Regatta team shirts. It is odd not seeing the many racing boats lining up for the Simpson Bay bridge, the feel of excitement in the air as the bell rings for the bridge's opening. The view over Simpson Bay will look different this weekend, with no performance boats getting ready to race, testing their spinnakers and lining up for the best possible start. It will be quiet ashore without the chatter of sailors and regatta fans enjoying ice cold Heinekens, discussing the day's racing and finding out who is ahead for the overall trophies. We miss the "Serious Fun!" that the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta brings each year for the past 40 years. We miss you!

We are left with fantastic memories of the previous years, and a genuine optimistic anticipation over next year's event. Please take a moment and share your favorite memories with us throughout this weekend. What was your favorite race? Your favorite boat to watch? The best musical act? Your favorite t-shirt? Your favorite viewing points? Show us the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta through your eyes!

We thank all of you for your ongoing support and we look forward to making more "Serious Fun!" memories next year! A special thanks goes out to the many sponsors of the event: Heineken, Yacht Club Port de Plaisance, Shipwreck Shops, Country Club Port de Plaisance, Port St. Maarten, Sunsail, Gill, Fiji Water, Windward Islands Bank, Sol, Veuve Clicquot, Oris Swiss Watches, Seahawk, Remax Island Properties, Telem, Siimply Web, Windward Roads, Island 92 and Vokkero.

Team St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

Organizers are most grateful for all the support and guidance along the way from sponsors, participants and other stakeholders and will reach out to all involved to address any concerns and plans for the future. Stay tuned for latest developments and exciting news! The 2022 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is set to take place from March 3 - 6, 2022.

St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

Celebrating 41 years, this Regatta just keeps moving forward. Four days of world-class racing with some of the world's most seasoned sailors, hailing from over 35 countries. This is truly a Regatta for everyone including professional teams sailing Maxis, Monohulls and Performance Multihulls to holiday-makers on chartered Bareboats to live-aboard families cruising the Caribbean. 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 "Serious Fun!". This event is your bucket list must-do!

For full information on the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta visit heinekenregatta.com.