The organisers of the Captain Oliver’s Regatta, the St. Maarten Yacht Club, are happy to announce that Carib Beer is back at the helm for the 13th Annual Captain Oliver’s Carib Beer Regatta – the relaxed, fun “family” affair that takes place at Captain Oliver’s Marina and Resort in Oyster Pond this weekend.
This intimate, end of season event is well loved for its convivial bonhomie – on, off, and beside the water – and with Carib Beer “keeping it real”, Oyster Pond is the place to be this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The fun kicks off on Friday afternoon with registration in the Iguana Bar from 4pm on Friday afternoon, followed by the skipper’s briefing and welcome at 7pm accompanied, of course, with ice cold beer and snacks. Racing starts at 10am on Saturday and continues on Sunday at 9am. This end of season event is the second to last event in this year’s St. Maarten Yacht Club Keelboat Series.
Course selection will be determined by the weekend’s wind conditions, and will be announced at the briefing after registration on Friday afternoon. Race entry is US $2 a foot, and although online entry is encouraged sailors can enter at registration in the Iguana Bar on Friday afternoon.
History
The Captain Oliver’s Regatta was conceived back in early 2005 over a whiskey or two. The late Captain Oliver, Oivier Lange and a few friends were enjoying a typical evening of good humour and banter when the Captain was “challenged” to host a sailing event from his restaurant and marina in Oyster Pond. Unable to “let the side down” the regatta was born and took to the water for the first edition in May 2005, and has been hosted in mid to late May every year since then.
About the Regatta
The regatta is attended by local sailors and takes place in the waters around St. Maarten and in the St. Maarten/St. Barths channel, with the starts and finishes happening just outside the Oyster Pond channel. Babbit Point (Crystal Mountain) just to the north of the channel makes an excellent spectator spot. This year’s courses will as usual include an around the island course, as well as interesting shorter courses in the St. Maarten/St. Barths channel.
Keeping It Real, the 13th Annual Captain Oliver’s Regatta is guaranteed to live up to its theme “La Joie de Vivre” – providing a weekend of great entertainment and festivity for both sailors and non-sailors – on and off the water! After the day’s racing, sailors and spectators alike can relax around the water’s edge discussing the day’s sailing and enjoying an ice cold Carib Beer at one of the many great watering holes around the marina.
There are also plenty of options for hungry sailors. In addition to the tasty snack bar menu at the Iguana Bar, sailors can chose something off the à la carte menu at Captain Oliver’s Restaurant or opt for the famous “All You Can Eat” Captain Oliver’s buffet offered on both Saturday evening and at prize giving on Sunday lunch time. Book your table with the restaurant staff during registration, and don’t forget to ask about the great regatta discount available for participants and their family and friends.
Captain Oliver’s Hotel is also offering great regatta deals for weekend stays, but the rooms are going quickly. Check the hotel’s website at www.captainolivershotel.com for more information and availability, or contact Mary on +1 721 553 1763.
For any further information please visit www.captainoliversregatta.com, www.caribbean-sailing.com, email captainoliversregatta@gmail.com or contact Mary on +1 721 553 1763 or Michelle on +1 721 580 5663.
