The Heineken Regatta: Sint Maarten's Greatest Annual Sailing Festival
Published on November 15, 2024 • The Sint Maarten Editorial Team
The Heineken Regatta is Sint Maarten’s signature annual event, held every March since 1980. What began as a small local race has grown into one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious sailing regattas, attracting 250+ boats and 2,000+ sailors from 50+ nations.
Race Categories
The regatta features divisions for every skill level:
- Performance Class: IRC-rated offshore racers
- CSA Multihulls: Catamarans and trimarans
- Bareboat Divisions: Charter fleet racing
- Laser & Dinghy Classes: Youth and club racing
- Non-Spinnaker: Cruising class
Offshore Courses
Races circle the island and extend to neighboring Anguilla, Saba, and St. Barths. The downwind run from the Anguilla buoy back to Marigot is legendary for its conditions.
The Shore Scene
As important as the racing is the shore scene. The Heineken Village at the Great Bay waterfront hosts nightly parties, live music, and beach concerts that rival the best Caribbean festivals.
How to Participate
- Enter a boat: Registration opens November via hrmregatta.com
- Join as crew: Crew lists are maintained on the official site
- Spectate: Day charters offer excellent viewing of the starts