Heineken Regatta |Feb-March, 2025

Overview

Race, race, party, party sums up this major international regatta on the French and Dutch Island of St. Martin. The four-day regatta finishes in a different harbour each night and exhilarating sailing is followed by some of the best parties in the Caribbean.

Now fully matured as an international yachting event, the Heineken Regatta is an integral part of St. Martin’s island culture.

The regatta started like all regattas do—as a little fun racing between a few friends. After a year or two, the local Heineken importer noticed that the event caused quite an increase in beer sales and decided to support the event. The Heineken Regatta now takes place every year in early March, attracting over 150 yachts and 20,000 spectators from countries all over the world.

Racing is sponsored by the Caribbean Yachting Association with the cruising boats rated under the St. Martin handicapping system. You’ll enjoy four races over three days, including races up and down the Anguilla Channel around the waters of Marigot Bay, and the popular race which circumnavigates the whole island.

Like all good regattas, Heineken boasts its share of parties and social events too: the pounding beat of steel drums, insistent Soca rhythms and the clinking of cold green bottles are a familiar sound throughout the three days. The socialising reaches a peak with the famous prize-giving ceremony and party taking place on the final Sunday night or Monday morning.

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Pricing and Booking Information

For full pricing and to book your place on the Heineken Regatta, please contact our holiday planners on +27 (0)21 200 1837 or fill out the form below.

Booking Details

• Base: St. Martin
• Suggested booking period: seven days, arrive 1-2 days before start of race, and depart 1-2 days after end of race.
• Race type: This is an international race, which is point-to-point. The race consists of sailing around St. Martin.
• For pricing and to book your place on the Heineken Regatta: please contact our sales team.
• Yacht charter hire: as per the rate sheet
• Racing deposit per yacht: Compulsory charge covering all elements of loss or damage during the specified period, except for negligence; payable by credit card at the base.
• This deposit will cover: the period of the race week, plus two days. It is your responsibility to ensure your boat is cleared by the base before switching back onto CDW cover (if requested).
• Yacht damage waiver: standard charge for any charter days before/after Racing
• Deposit Days period: detailed above
• Race entry package per yacht: payable in advance with final balance payment
• Entry to functions: payable locally

Background Racing Information

When racing, it is better to have a lower rating. This means that when you are taking part in the race, there will be less time added to your racing time. The higher the rating is; the more time that is added to your racing time. Charterers will obviously wish to have the lowest rating possible.

If the yacht has a furling mainsail, then their rating is lower, as, in theory, it takes longer to get around the course, whereas if they have a fully battened mainsail, the rating is higher as in theory the yacht will get around the course quicker.

What’s Included in Regatta Package

• Race Entry fees
• Welcome cocktail
• Race Support
• Yacht preparation adn hull cleaning
• Yacht Measurement
• Pre-race briefing

What’s Not Included in Regatta Package

• Flights
• Taxi transfers
• Local cruising taxes
• Mooring fees
• Departure taxes
• Provisioning and beverages
• Spinnakers, poles, cruising chutes—not available in the Caribbean
• Delivery charges to/from Race locations (if required)
• Tickets and entry to official functions

Official Regatta Information

The information given in this section is just to give you a basic idea about the various regattas.

For more up-to-date information about organizing authorities, racing rules and regulations, programs, racing classes, handicap systems, entry, etc., visit regatta website here.

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