46th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Wrap Film

J105 Jackknife roaring into finish on the final race of the 46th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta © Laurens Morel

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has released the official wrap film from its 46th edition, bringing viewers back to one of the most memorable regattas in recent history. From powerful trade winds and dramatic racing to inspiring community stories and legendary Village nightlife, the film captures everything that makes the Regatta a world-class Caribbean experience.

With over 110 boats of all sizes and crews representing more than 35 nations, the 46th edition delivered spectacular competition across every class. Strong breeze throughout the event, including 25+ knot conditions and a 30-knot grand finale, created an incredible showcase of seamanship and the power of the fleet.

Several standout stories emerged on the racecourse. In CSA1, Cookson 50 Privateer, the smallest boat in the class, claimed victory against sailing goliaths including Volvo 65s and a Wally 94. Meanwhile, CSA3 featured one of the most eclectic lineups of the regatta, from a next-generation Italian Class40 campaign to Fujimo, an IOR 50 crewed by an international mixed team.

In the wrap film, the Fujimo team shared at Registration: "We have a crew from all over the world and we haven't been together... and tomorrow is our first training day. So if we end up on the podium, we did good." Spoiler alert: they did - finishing second in CSA3 behind the Class40 team.

In CSA4, J125 Jackknife took class honors and also claimed the new FKG Inshore-Offshore Trophy, awarded to the best combined performance in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta and the Caribbean 600, securing their bragging rights as the Caribbean's top all-around inshore/offshore team.

The rivalry between Panacea and Quintessence returned in CSA5, with Panacea taking the final win ahead of Quintessence in second. The Regatta's overall top performance award went to J105 More Zessin' in CSA6.

Meanwhile, the Multihull fleet was the largest yet, with over 20 multihulls racing including the iconic Diam24s. In Multihull 1, all eyes were on trimaran Sophia (ex Paradox) who had a nearly flawless regatta - giving up just one first place result to ORC Calamity, who were constantly nipping at Sophia's heels.

Beyond the big-boat racing, the wrap film highlights the Regatta's growing commitment to sustainability and inclusion. The Next Generation and Sailability programs expanded this year, creating more access to the water and celebrating sailors of all abilities.

"At the Sint Maarten Yacht Club, we try to include everybody in sailing," said Saskia Revelman, Sint Maarten Yacht Club Manager. "When they step in the boat, when they feel the wind, when they feel the independence they are given as well - by sailing, by performing in the sport - it gives them so much confidence."

Next Generation racing took place Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8, giving junior sailors from the Sint Maarten Yacht Club an opportunity to participate in the 6th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta - photo © Laurens Morel

New for 2026, the Regatta also welcomed a marine acoustician onboard the Race Committee Finish Boat to monitor for humpback whales on the racecourse and alert the fleet if necessary. Supported by the Marine Mammal Advisory Group and Marine Megafauna in Sailing Guidelines, the initiative added another layer of environmental stewardship and risk management. Fortunately, whales stayed clear of the race area and racing proceeded as planned.

While the action on the water was intense, the energy continued each night at the Regatta Village at Princess Hotels & Casino Port de Plaisance. Sailors, locals, and visitors came together for unforgettable evenings of live entertainment, island culture, and local cuisine. From strong female performers like Ebony Empress to the "Bad Boys of Reggae," the village delivered the signature "Serious Fun!" atmosphere.

The food court was packed nightly, serving the flavors of St. Maarten and the Caribbean - including fresh ceviche, johnny cakes, BBQ and many more dishes representing the island's rich culinary diversity. Families, crews, visitors and new friends gathered in the Village each night to enjoy free entertainment with plenty of good food, Heineken beer, and vibes to go around.

The 46th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta was one for the books - and the 47th edition should be in yours. Save the Date: March 4-7, 2027.

Learn more at heinekenregatta.com