The 42nd St. Maarten Heineken Regatta organizers have now opened registration for its annual event. Sailing is currently happening worldwide in national and international regattas, showcasing that sailing events can be safely hosted. Relying on implementing proper health protocols, safety measures and clear communication, the event is now accepting entries for the 42nd St. Maarten Heineken Regatta taking place March 3 – 6, 2022.
That people are keen to participate in regattas is evident in the number of entries in recent events. Cowes Week concluded this past week and welcomed close to 600 entries during their weeklong event. Whereas many events have still been hesitant to offer onshore entertainment, Cowes Week opened a Regatta Village hosting a food court, crew bar, live music, and many vendors showcasing their products. Another premium sailing event, the Fastnet Race, is currently taking place with 337 participants from 24 nations racing from Cowes, England to Cherbourg, France.
“Whereas most of the entrants are indeed from Europe, there are owners that decided to bring their boat from the USA, Mexico, and even Japan to participate in these prestigious events. Hopefully, the successful sailing season in Europe and the USA inspires boat owners to make the crossing to the Caribbean to enjoy a multitude of events hosted between January and May.” states Michele Korteweg, Regatta Director.
Currently, the Regatta organizers are planning an event focusing on delivering a safe, competitive, professional, and “Serious Fun!” event. The current plan is to deliver on the promise of world-class racing. All participants will have to comply with health and entry guidelines set by the Government and the Event Organizers. These guidelines will be communicated on the official Regatta website and updated regularly on the official notice board (online and during the event).
Many inquiries regarding the upcoming event have been received in the previous months, showing the continuing interest of boats coming to race in the Caribbean. The International Maxi Association (IMA) is still planning its first Caribbean Circuit, starting with the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, followed by the Voiles de St. Barts and Antigua Sailing Week.
“The interest of the IMA and many others to come sail and participate in our Regatta is encouraging, and we genuinely appreciate the support. Over the years, we have built a loyal following of teams that return year after year, and of course, we are enthusiastic to welcome them back to Sint Maarten and offer quality racing. The Race Committee is working hard on the Sailing Instructions and Courses to be able to distribute these early to assist with preparations. We aim to engage the event attendees with an exceptionally warm, professional, and safe experience, comforted with a strong sense of community typical to our “Friendly Island.” continues Korteweg.
The island of Sint Maarten started welcoming international visitors back as of July 1, 2020, after it implemented Covid safety measures. To ensure the safety and well-being of visitors and residents, entry requirements will be in place for visitors to enter St. Maarten, which can be found at www.stmaartenupdates.com. St. Maarten is open to Yachts, Cruisers, and Private Vessels. For more information, you can contact the Regatta Organizers or go to the official website of The St. Maarten Marine Trade Association.
All racing will take place in the waters surrounding the dual-nation island of Sint Maarten/Saint Martin, offering a variety of courses suitable for all classes: Maxi’s, Ocean Racers, Multihulls, Bareboats, Cruisers, and everything in between. This event will be ‘Serious Fun’ for everyone.
As far as the event’s legendary onshore entertainment, it is still under review as organizers are tracking global and regional progress. They are currently building a plan that will deliver “Safe & ‘Serious Fun!'” during the event in March.
Online registration is quick, easy to use, and can be accessed via the regatta website www.heinekenregatta.com where you will also find the Notice of Race for 2022. Sign up now! The island of St. Maarten and the organizers of the St Maarten Heineken Regatta look forward to welcoming you back for “Serious Fun.”
