No longer an issue at Kim Sha Beach!

Heineken St. Maarten and the St Maarten Yacht Club, organisers of the 29th St Maarten Heineken Regatta, today announced improved parking facilities for the general public during the Kim Sha events. On the Friday night party, March 6, where Carimi will be performing and Sunday March 8th, where Reggae superstars The Wailers will be closing off the 2009 Regatta, Paid parking for charity has been arranged.

St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles [February 25, 2009]--In partnership with Port de Plaisance’s Hakan Unal, Mr. Al Wathey, Heineken St Maarten and the Sint Maarten Yacht club, the parking capacities for the parties at Kim Sha Beach have been greatly improved.

Parking for Charity, Friday and Sunday – Arriving at the party venue you will notice parking signs saying “PAID PARKING”. Parking on these two designated parking lots gives you the opportunity to contribute to two worthy causes. These parking lots are organised by Heineken St. Maarten and The St Maarten Yacht Club for and staffed by members from the “ST. MAARTEN SEA RESCUE FOUNDATION” and “SXM CHILDFEST”. The price for parking on these lots, which are in the heart of the party venue, is $10. All profits from this paid parking go to these non-profit organizations. Volunteers from both foundations will be present on Friday as of 4.00 pm and on Sunday from 12.00noon. There will also be Sheriff security officers present.

John Leone, director of Heineken St. Maarten adds, “Every year we try to improve the quality of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Experience, and through the generosity of Hakan Unal and Al Wathey, shore side we are able to alleviate traffic, provide great parking and raise money for 2 great charities. It seems like a win for everyone!”

Parking at Port De Plaisance, Sunday only - The big parking lot at Port de Plaisance will again be open to the public on Sunday March 8th from 4.00 PM to 2.00 AM, with security provided. A shuttle boat service will operate from the dock next to the parking lot. The boat shuttles will transport people from the parking lot across the lagoon to the dock of the St Maarten Yacht Club in Simpson Bay. The drop off location at the St Maarten Yacht Club is within walking distance from Kim Sha Beach where the final Regatta party will be held.

Norbert Kout, marketing manager Heineken states: “We operated this shuttle boat service during last year’s Regatta as well and it worked well for the people that used it. However this service was not communicated widely, so most people were not aware of the possibility of parking at Port de Plaisance and ended up parking in the very congested Simpson Bay area on the final night of the Regatta.” Kout ads “As organizers of this great event, not only are we working with the police and traffic departments, but we are trying our own initiatives to alleviate the traffic situation in Simpson Bay. That is why we created this parking & boat shuttle facility at Port de Plaisance on Sunday March 8th. We advise all people coming from direction Marigot and Philipsburg to direct their vehicles to Port de Plaisance and avoid the Simpson Bay area.”

The shuttle boat service will operate on Sunday March 8th between 4.00 PM and 2.00 AM. Cost of the shuttle is 4 US dollars for a round trip.

And for the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta? It is March 5-8, only 9 days to go!