46TH ST. MAARTEN HEINEKEN REGATTA RELEASES WRAP FILM CELEBRATING AN UNFORGETTABLE EDITION

April 17, 2026 [Simpson Bay, St. Maarten] –

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 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.”

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

Relive the magic of the 46th edition and watch the official wrap film here: 2026 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Wrap Up Film

Results:

Overall Winner: More Zessin’ — CSA6 — Ryan Hope Ross

Winners by Class:

CSA 1: Privateer Aegir SISI
CSA 2: TEAM 42 RE/MAX ONE DNR
CSA 3: influence2 Fujimo Kali
CSA 4: Jackknife Belladonna Dauntless
CSA 5: Panacea X Quintessence III High Tension
CSA 6: More Zessin’ The Project SAILBOATSURVEY Blueprint
Melges 24: Team Island Water World CARAIBES DIESEL/SMVT F.K.G.
Diam 24: pyratz gourmet sailing Clippers ship Anomaly
Multihull 1: SOPHIA Calamity TIANA
Multihull 2: La Novia Bellatrix Ninth Charm
Bareboat 1: Orange Breeze/SEA-BATTICAL SHORE THING Aft Backwards
Bareboat 2: MAGUY 4 Cachucha NORTH STAR
Island Time Class: Sao Jorge Bluejay of Portsmouth Maline
Sunfast 20: IGY Racing Team MissTyknight Team Spellbound
Next Generation: Treadwell/Joseph Taylor/Hodge Little/Bourjoly-Dupont
Sailability Participants: D’Andre, Beyonce, Carlvin, Ezekiel, Giovanni

Special Trophies:

Serious Fun Bridge Show: NORTH STAR Sipsi Dauntless
Heineken Serious FUN Prize: Glad to be Here
SXM Youth Challenge Trophy – Best Youth: CARAIBES DIESEL/SMVT – Emilien & Clement Le Normand
Robbie Ferron Trophy – Promoter of Sailing in the Caribbean: Pam Fuller
Team Goldendog Trophy – Sailing for a Cause/Charity: AFAZIK IMPULSE (NEOJIVARO), sailing for aphasia awareness
Multihull Winner of CMC and St. Maarten Heineken Regatta: SOPHIA
FKG Onshore/Offshore Trophy – Best Performance in C600 & SMHR: Jackknife
Representing Women in Sailing Award: Antonia Zipfel, skipper of Walross 4 with ASV Berlin
Randy D West Trophy: pyratz gourmet sailing
TEAT Columbus Cup Best Bareboat Overall: MAGUY 4
Windward Island Bank Trophy – Fastest Monohull Spinnaker Around the Island: Team JAJO, 2:52:11
Fastest Monohull Non-Spinnaker Around the Island: Kialoa III, 4:05:15
Port St. Maarten Trophy – Fastest Multihull Around the Island: SOPHIA, 2:24:37
Fastest Bareboat Around the Island: MAGUY 4, 5:30:48
Minister of Sports Most Worthy Performance Thursday: Belladonna
Minister of Justice Most Worthy Performance Friday: SAILBOATSURVEY Blueprint
Heineken Most Worthy Performance Saturday: pyratz gourmet sailing
Sint Maarten Yacht Club Most Worthy Performance Sunday: Jackknife
St. Maarten/St. Martin Cup – Most Worthy Performance Overall presented by Prime Minister Luc Mercelina: More Zessin’

######

St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

Celebrating 47 years, this Regatta just keeps getting better, four days of world-class racing with some of the world’s most seasoned sailors, hailing from over 35 countries. This is genuinely 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. This event is your bucket list must-do! Come and enjoy life in the Caribbean; come for some Serious Fun from March 4-7, 2027!

For complete information on the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, including results, photos, videos, party and band information, and much, much more, visit: www.heinekenregatta.com.