With the 2007 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta on the
Books, Organizers Look Ahead to the 28th Running of the Great
Festival of Caribbean Sailing (and Partying).
The 27th edition of the St.
Maarten Heineken Regatta concluded in fine fashion last evening with a
prize-giving ceremony on Kim Sha Beach followed by musical entertainment by the
band Orange Grove and the offspring of reggae legend Bob Marley-sons Damian
Marley and Stephen Marley-who captivated the crowd of thousands of sailors and
islanders with a set that included stirring renditions of many of their
father's most memorable songs.
As race organizers and the dozens of
volunteers who helped make the regatta a tremendous success gathered themselves
after the four-day marathon of sailing and parties, plans were already being
set in motion for the 28th running of the annual event, which is
scheduled for March 6-9, 2008.
Chairman and co-founder of the regatta
Robbie Ferron, with assistance from a host of St. Maarten dignitaries and
officials, handed out prizes to the first three boats in the regatta's 20
divisions, with special awards presented to the regatta's top performers. The
CBBS Cups, presented to the high scorers in the Caribbean Big Boat Series, went
to Mike Sanderson and his crew of ABN
AMRO ONE in the Racing category and Clay Deutsch and his team aboard Chippewa in the Racing/Cruising class. Chippewa's prize included a handsome
print depicting scenes from previous St. Maarten Heineken Regattas donated by
local artist Jim Johnston.
Rene Baartman's Moorings 505, Harten Heer, was named the Top Bareboat
Charter Boat in the fleet, and was awarded the Columbus Cup, as well as a
sensational trophy sponsored by Caribbean business Little Switzerland: a colorful,
handsome globe inlaid with stones from the continents represented on the
trophy.
And the winner of the St. Maarten/Saint
Martin Cup for Most Worthy Performance Overall was handed to Antiguan sailor
Bernie Evans-Wong, skipper of the Cal 40, Huey
Too, which dominated his Non-Spinnaker 2 class with a perfect score of
three consecutive wins.
The 27th St. Maarten Heineken
Regatta, for the first time in the event's storied history, also added a fourth
day of racing this year, and 57 spinnaker-flying yachts signed up for
Thursday's extra session, which was scored as a separate series for the
Commodore's Cup, sponsored by Budget Marine. "It was a resounding success,"
said Regatta Director Mirian Ebbers. "The turnout was great, well beyond what
we expected. We will definitely do it again next year."
With that, the 2007 St. Maarten Heineken
Regatta comes to an official close. Race organizers wish to thank everyone who
participated and volunteered, and who enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere at sea
and ashore. The event has always been about Serious Fun, and this year was no
different. Thanks again, one and all, and see you in 2008!
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