Travelers, transportation & island energy power the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

March 3, 2026 [Simpson Bay, St. Maarten] – It takes a whole island to put on the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, and when March arrives, the island moves in rhythm with the boats, from March 5-8, 2026.

From sailors and sponsors to media and music fans, thousands converge to experience the unique blend of world-class racing and “Serious Fun!” In 2025 alone, 13,000 visitors passed through the Regatta Village, enjoying free nightly live entertainment and a vibrant food court showcasing the full flavor of St. Maarten/St. Martin’s culinary culture. With more than 30 international and local partners, including both St. Maarten and St. Martin tourism departments, the event represents a true island-wide collaboration.

According to data provided by the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA), March is one of the highest hotel occupancy months of the year. In 2025, the annual hotel occupancy rate averaged 78.1%, while March surged to 88.4%, second only to February at 89.7%. With Regatta guests arriving in the final week of February ahead of racing in early March, the event continues to serve as a major driver of tourism and economic activity across the island.

New Transportation Partners Keep the Event Moving

In 2026, the Regatta expanded its transportation network with two exciting new partners helping keep the event growing and grooving. Soremar has joined the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta as the Official Car Dealership, outfitting the event organizers with a fleet of cars to support with event operations during Regatta week. If you see the team cruising around the island in their Omoda or Jaecoo vehicles, be sure to give them a wave!

Two standout models from the innovative brands Omoda and Jaecoo will be on display in the Regatta Village, March 5-8, 2026. Known for their modern design, advanced technology, and refined comfort, these vehicles reflect performance and style – values shared with the regatta itself.

The Regatta is also proud to welcome KLM Royal Dutch Airlines as its Official Airline Partner, strengthening connectivity between St. Maarten, the Netherlands, and greater Europe. KLM plays a key role in transporting journalists, media crew, and sailors directly to the Regatta; and has done so since the beginning of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. This year, arriving guests on the KL787 flight were greeted with a special Heineken welcome in the arrivals hall, showcasing St. Maarten’s signature hospitality from the moment they landed.

A New Island Map to Guide the Adventure

In partnership with SHTA and VISIT St. Maarten, the Regatta is proud to launch a Special Edition St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Map. Designed as both a practical guide and a keepsake souvenir, the map features official partner hotels, highlights the Regatta Village location, and marks the best vantage points to watch the racing – including the spectacular Around the Island Race on Friday.

The map is available exclusively at Avis Car Rental locations and official Regatta hotels, including:

• Divi Little Bay Beach Resort
• Port de Plaisance Princess Hotel & Casino
• Holland House Beach Hotel
• Seaview Beach Hotel
• Carl’s Unique Inn
• Simpson Bay Resort, Marina & Spa
• The Atrium Beach Resort and Spa
• The Morgan Resort & Spa
• Sapphire Beach Club Resort

Explore the island by car, watch racing from one of the island’s 37 beaches, then head to the Port de Plaisance Regatta Village each evening for music, culture, and Caribbean flavor under the stars. It’s all FREE and there’s only one place to be March 5-8, 2026: the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.

Learn more about the event’s racing and entertainment schedule by following on social media and visiting www.heinekenregatta.com

Film courtesy of Volano Media, with additional footage from Digital Island, Souleyman Productions, and Orange Grove.

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St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

Celebrating 46 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 5-8, 2026!

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.