Tis the Season: Racing Yachts Begin Arriving in St. Maarten for the 2026 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta
December 8, 2025 – As the holiday season approaches, another cherished tradition is underway in the Caribbean: the arrival of international yachts to St. Maarten. The early fleet arrivals signal the start of the island’s vibrant high season and build anticipation for the 46th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, taking place March 5-8, 2026.
St. Maarten Heineken Regatta on Pace for Another Year of Serious Fun!
Simpson Bay, St. Maarten – September 30, 2025 – With over 20 entries already confirmed, the 2026 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is shaping up to deliver its signature blend of world-class racing and “Serious Fun” for the 46th anniversary event. From fast multihulls to international monohulls, seasoned Caribbean racers to newcomers from afar, the fleet already showcases the diversity that makes this event a global sailing icon.
NOTICE OF RACE: THE BIGGEST REGATTA IN THE CARIBBEAN IS READY FOR 2026
Simpson Bay, St. Maarten – June 18, 2025 – The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has once again secured its place as the biggest regatta in the Caribbean, with 107 yachts crossing the start line – more than any other regional event – and 13,000 visitors transcending upon the Port de Plaisance Regatta Village for four unforgettable nights of “Serious Fun!” Fresh off this year’s success, organizers have already set the dates for the 46th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, March 5-8, 2026, and published the 2026 Notice of Race (NOR). Register Now!
One Love, One Island, One Regatta: Highlights from the 45th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Celebration
Simpson Bay, St. Maarten – April 10, 2025 – The official film of the 45th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has just dropped, and it’s a vibrant tribute to four and a half decades of sailing, island spirit, and unforgettable "Serious Fun!" This annual Caribbean celebration has, for 45 years, brought together locals, visitors, and world-class sailors —uniting both sides of the Dutch and French island through racing by day and legendary parties by night.
Celebrating 45 years of “serious Fun!” at the St. Maarten Heineken REgatta
March 11, 2025 – That’s a wrap on the 45th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta! The Regatta Village has been broken down, visitors have checked out to fly home, and boats have casted off through Simpson Bay bridge one final time to head to their next destination. Over 100 boats – 107 to be exact – from 30 different countries and thousands of tourists and locals gathered in St. Maarten to take part in a legendary celebration for the 45th anniversary of the Regatta. The bucket-list event delivered “Serious Fun!” on all fronts for both participants and spectators.
DAY 4: ICONIC SIGHTS FOR THE GRAND FINALE OF THE 45TH ST. MAARTEN HEINEKEN REGATTA
March 9, 2025 – The final day of racing was nothing short of legendary to wrap up an amazing 45th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. Fleets made their way to their designated start boats out in Cole Bay and Simpson Bay. It was a delayed start waiting for the wind to fill in; so fleets were running the line, sailing through a sea of spectator boats who were waiting for the action to start. Race Committee reset the course 3 different times, but finally conditions delivered! Once the wind arrived, it sustained, giving sailors a champagne sailing day on the crystal-clear water.
DAY 3: Beach Stadium Racing And Surprises on day 3 of the 45th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta
March 8, 2025 – Day three of the 45th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta had non-stop racing action happening on both Dutch and French sides of the island, with a special Diam 24 beach-stadium race in Grand Case! The forecast was described as light and variable, but once again, sailors were prepared for a day of challenging conditions. In hopes of better breeze, Race Committee performed a ceremonial wind dance as the boats headed through Simpson Bay Bridge for the penultimate day of racing.
DAY 2: LIGHT WINDS BUT DYNAMIC SCENES ON DAY 2 OF THE 45TH ST. MAARTEN HEINEKEN REGATTA
March 7, 2025 – Day 2 of the 45th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta brought contrasting conditions and iconic St. Maarten scenes along the Dutch coastlines. The morning started out with blue skies, bright sunshine, and a light breeze as teams gathered by the two startlines in Cole Bay and Simpson Bay.
DAY 1: SUN, SQUALLS, AND SERIOUS FUN AROUND THE ISLAND ON DAY 1 OF THE ST. MAARTEN HEINEKEN REGATTA
March 6, 2025 – The 45th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta started off with a bang as fleets were sent offshore and around the island for day 1 of racing! Race committee was tasked with the decision on which courses to give the fleets based on the fluky wind forecasts over the next 4 days. The final decision was made early in the morning, and teams gathered in Simpson Bay to get ready for an exceptional day ahead.
THE 45TH ANNUAL ST. MAARTEN HEINEKEN REGATTA Kicks Off with Over 100 Boats Registered
March 5, 2025 – Over 100 boats have registered for the special 45th anniversary of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta! The Regatta Village at Port de Plaisance welcomed sailors from all around the world for registration day to get their goodies and Serious Fun vibes started for the 4-day weekend ahead.
