SERIOUS BREEZE MEETS SERIOUS FUN: THE 46TH ST. MAARTEN HEINEKEN REGATTA DELIVERS AN UNFORGETTABLE WEEK

March 10, 2026 [Simpson Bay, St. Maarten] – Four days of world-class racing, powerful Caribbean trade winds, and unforgettable celebrations made the 46th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta one for the history books. A total of 113 boats representing 38 nations took to the waters surrounding St. Maarten/St. Martin for this year’s Regatta, bringing together professional racers, passionate amateurs, Regatta regulars, and first-time competitors for the Caribbean’s most iconic sailing event. Across the fleet, the four days delivered incredible racing conditions – sometimes pushing teams to their limits and leading to DNFs, equipment failures, and even capsizes. But sailors embraced the challenge with the true spirit of the event: “Serious Fun!”

With winds reaching up to 35 knots, towering swells, and intense competition across every class, the regatta produced dramatic moments both on and off the water. Boats were not only breaking speed records, but sometimes their sails as well. Despite the demanding conditions – and three capsizes across the regatta – sailors pushed their boats to the limit and delivered spectacular racing across the island’s coastlines.

DAY 1: Big Breeze Sets the Stage

From the very first start, it was clear that this would be a regatta defined by wind. Opening day gave way to steady winds of 20+ knots setting up fast and challenging racing conditions. Crews reefed early and battled choppy seas as the fleet exploded across the start line eager to make their mark. Day 1 also revealed just how competitive the fleet would be. Standings remained incredibly tight across many classes, with teams fighting boat-to-boat in the breezy conditions.

The racing was intense — and loud. Approaching a windward mark, “Get out of the way!” was shouted from Bella J toward Morpheus after they overstood the mark and caused chaos in the pack. “Starboard!” rang out from Konig Ludwig – JACKTAI 3 multiple times at NORTH STAR who was in the wrong and was forced to do a penalty circle. Meanwhile, the crew aboard More Zessin’ could be heard urging each other on, “Keep going on the tack!” – as they careened toward a mark before timing their turn perfectly to hoist their chute.

Among the early standouts were Privateer in CSA1 and influence2 in CSA3, both of whom quickly established themselves as boats to watch. Privateer proved that small doesn’t mean slow, dominating the fleet despite being the smallest boat in the class and completing the regatta undefeated. The Italian crew on influence2 showed similar dominance in the competitive CSA3 fleet, using the speed of their Class40 to pull ahead of the pack and control the leaderboard.

DAY 2: Around the Island Spectacle

Day 2 brought one of the Regatta’s most iconic traditions – the Around the Island Race. More than 100 boats gathered in Simpson Bay around a single starting area, creating an incredible sight as the entire fleet maneuvered in close quarters while awaiting their start times. Spectators lining the shoreline watched as fleets charged upwind toward the Heineken mark before heading offshore for the circumnavigation of the island. The race began with two short upwind legs before the fleet blasted downwind toward Terres Basses and turned towards a choppy upwind leg towards the iconic Creole Rock.

The fastest times of the day and special trophies awarded included: Fastest Multihull, SOHPIA, 2:24:37; Fastest Monohull, Team JAJO, 2:52:11; Fastest Monohull Non-Spinnaker, Kialoa III, 4:05:15; and Fastest Bareboat, MAGUY 4, 5:30:48.

DAY 3: Stadium Racing and Island-Wide Action

Day 3 spread the regatta across both sides of the island with fleets racing on multiple courses while the high-performance Diam 24 fleet traveled north to Grand Case for the spectacular Beach Stadium Racing. The shoreline became a natural grandstand as spectators gathered along the beach to watch the high-speed catamarans battle through five short stadium races just meters from shore.

“It was an excellent day with very hard wind,” said the crew of Clippers ship. “All five races were really hectic. Things were happening all the time and you don’t really have time to think sometimes. There was even a capsize in the last race. But that’s what makes it good fun!” Along with expert live commentary at Tropics Beach Bar, the beach transformed into a vibrant atmosphere. Watch the live broadcast of the stadium racing here.

Heading into the Regatta, pyratz gourmet sailing was widely considered the team to beat with defending champion Benoit Champanhac onboard – and they ultimately proved why by securing the Diam 24 class victory once again.

Elsewhere on the racecourse, CSA1 did a Navigator’s Choice race that allowed teams to select their own route either above or below the island going from Table Rock near St. Barth to Blowing Rock off of Anguilla. Trimaran SOPHIA delivered one of the most impressive performances of the week, reaching 29 knots on a reach toward Anguilla on their second race of the day. “It was the best sailing of my life,” said owner Marcos Sirota.

The intense breeze continued to challenge the fleet. “We were double reefed and didn’t even fly the spinnaker, yet still hitting record downwind speeds,” said the crew of Panacea X. “We broke our speed record today hitting a shocking 16.9 knots surfing back to St. Maarten coming back from Table Rock. It was utter carnage on the racecourse and a real white-knuckle ride.”

CSA5 delivered some of the closest competition of the regatta. The rivalry between Panacea X and Quintessence III was in full force once again, but this year it was Panacea X who secured first place, with Quintessence III taking second after beating them last year — setting the stage for another exciting showdown in 2027.

The Regatta offers more than just world-class competition on the water. Spectators have countless opportunities to witness the action up close. Vacationers, locals, media, and sailing fans alike were able to head out on the water aboard spectator boats to experience the racing firsthand.

“The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta this year was probably the best sailing we have been fortunate to watch,” said Bill and Susi Sahlman after their time aboard a spectator boat. “Crazy swells and steady, strong winds – what a great day!” Moments like these highlight another special aspect of the Regatta – bringing people together. Sailors, tourists, locals, and sailing enthusiasts from around the world all come together to celebrate the sport and the spirit of the island.

DAY 4: A Grand Finale

If sailors thought the previous days were windy, Day 4 proved them wrong. The final day delivered the strongest winds of the regatta, with gusts recorded at up to 35 knots and swells reaching several meters. “It’s a little spicy out there,” joked the crew of What’s Left before heading out for the final races.

It would soon become far spicier than expected. Several fleets sailed double-reefed and avoided flying spinnakers entirely while still reaching record speeds. The Diam 24 fleet faced particularly dramatic conditions sailing back from Grand Case to Simpson Bay, with two boats capsizing in the heavy breeze before being safely assisted.

One of the most intense battles of the regatta took place in CSA4, where twelve highly-competitive teams fought for the top spot. Belladonna entered the day leading the class, but a chaotic downwind leg saw boats battling tangled spinnakers and powerful gusts. In the end, Jackknife surged ahead to claim the class victory.

“Today was pretty wild,” said Sam Hall of Jackknife. “Once we got the kite up we were high speed and planing. It was pretty awesome sailing.” The young team, with an average age of just 25, capped off an incredible Caribbean racing season after strong performances in both Nelson’s Cup and the Caribbean 600 – earning them the new special award this year, the FKG Offshore-Onshore Trophy for the best team performance in the C600 and St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.

Meanwhile, the Most Worthy Performance Overall Trophy went to More Zessin’, the J/105 that dominated CSA6 with four race wins. Heading into the Regatta, Captain Ryan Hope Ross predicted the team might have an advantage in the conditions. “There’s enough breeze this year. Our boat tends to do well with the pressure, so we’ll see how we do,” he said. The team handled the conditions beautifully and delivered a stellar performance throughout the regatta.

The beloved “Serious Fun” Bridge Show returned once again during the final 2 PM and 3 PM Simpson Bay Bridge openings. As boats paraded through the iconic bridge channel, crowds gathered at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club and lined the waterfront cheering and celebrating the sailors returning from four exhilarating days on the water. Bareboat team NORTH STAR claimed first place in the Bridge Show, earning one of the regatta’s most unique trophies – a handmade Heineken sailboat crafted locally on St. Maarten and donated to the event simply for the love of sailing and the island. “It felt like I was a movie star!,” said the crew of What’s Left as they passed through the bridge to roaring cheers from the crowds.

The final day truly delivered a grand finale worthy of the regatta’s reputation. Racecourses across the island created spectacular scenes as fleets merged and diverged along the Dutch coastline, with boats blasting past Mullet Bay, Simpson Bay, and Cole Bay under powerful trade winds.

It was a day that highlighted the incredible diversity of the fleet – from high-performance multihulls to classic monohulls and bareboats – all sharing the same waters in an exhilarating display of Caribbean racing. Moments like these are what make the Regatta so special. It’s not only the world-class sailing that defines the event, but the camaraderie, celebration, and shared passion for the sport that brings sailors together year after year.

For many sailors, the regatta is more than just racing – it’s a tradition. “Ten years ago I came for my first St. Maarten Heineken Regatta and I told myself that for the rest of my life, the first week of March I will be in St. Maarten for the regatta. That makes a statement, right?” said the skipper of La Novia.

“When you come here, it’s like a big family welcoming you,” said two female crew members aboard Fujimo. “Everyone is in a good mood. Sailing hard during the day and then drinking Heineken together on shore afterwards makes it even better.”

Beyond The Racing

The Regatta continues to celebrate the culture, community, and diversity that define the Caribbean sailing scene. Each day highlighted one of the event’s key values – Sustainability, Inclusivity, Generations, and Celebration. This year introduced a new partnership with marine scientists to launch the region’s first marine mammal acoustic monitoring system during a sailing event, helping track humpback whale activity and reduce strike risks.

The Regatta also continues community initiatives such as the Lagoon Kayak Clean-Up, the Regatta Art Competition, and sustainability initiatives at the Regatta Village including two Exofor water refill stations and much more. Read more about the Regatta’s sustainability initiatives here.

Programs supporting youth sailing and accessibility also played a major role throughout the week. The Sint Maarten Yacht Club hosted both the Next Generation Race for young sailors and the Sailability Speed Race, which provides sailing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. “We try to include everybody in sailing as sailing is and should be for everybody,” said Sint Maarten Yacht Club Manager Saskia Revelman. “When they step in that boat and you see the smiles on their faces – it just gives them so much confidence.”

Women Leading The Way

The final day of racing coincided with International Women’s Day, highlighting the growing presence of women across the sport. From all-female teams such as Glad to Be Here to female skippers, bowpersons, and tacticians throughout the fleet, women played a major role in the Regatta both on and off the water. Skipper Antonia Zipfel of ASV Berlin helmed Walross 4, mentoring a crew of young sailors while competing in offshore racing. She was the recipient for the Award for Representing Women in Sailing.

Behind the scenes, women also made up more than half of the event’s international race committee. This year, Pam Fuller was awarded the Robbie Ferron Special Trophy for Promoter of Sailing in the Caribbean. From the USA, Pam does an incredible amount of work behind the scenes for sailing events all over the world and is an integral part to our Regatta. And of course, the Regatta wouldn’t be the same without many women leaders behind the scenes like Regatta Chair Cary Byerley, Marketing Chair Meg Reilly, Onshore Chair Zoila Sanchez, and many more.

Legendary Parties and “Serious Fun!”

Of course, no St. Maarten Heineken Regatta would be complete without its legendary nightlife. Each evening the Port de Plaisance Regatta Village opened its gates to sailors, locals, and visitors alike for prize givings and live music – welcoming over 11,500 visitors over the 4 day event.

Artists representing Caribbean musical styles – from soca and bouyon to reggae and dancehall – entertained packed crowds throughout the week, even despite the rain! The celebration culminated with reggae legends Inner Circle, the “Bad Boys of Reggae,” closing out the regatta with a spectacular final performance.

Looking Ahead

Since its founding in 1980, and with Heineken joining as title sponsor in 1983, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has grown into one of the world’s premier sailing events and one of the longest-running sports sponsorships in international sport. As the event looks ahead toward its milestone 50th anniversary, organizers are already planning future editions designed to continue growing the Regatta while maintaining the spirit that has defined it for decades.

A huge thank you goes to the sailors, volunteers, race committee, sponsors, partners, and the entire island community who made the 46th edition possible. A big thank you to the Dutch and French-side governments, Port de Plaisance Princess Hotels and Casino, SEIKO, Soremar, Windward Islands Bank, Port St. Maarten, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, St. Martin Tourism Department, Shipwreck Shops, Sunsail, Budget Marine, Seahawk, Avis, KLM, Flow, Harken Derm, Exowater, SHTA, Covecasa, Windward Roads, and Island 92 Radio.

The next chapter begins soon. Mark your calendars for the 47th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, returning March 4-7, 2027.

Until then, the memories of this year’s regatta will stay with us for a “La la la la la Long” time!

Results:

Overall Winner: More Zessin’ — CSA6 — Ryan Hope Ross

Winners by Class:

CSA 1: Privateer Aegir SISI
CSA 2: TEAM 42 RE/MAX ONE DNR
CSA 3: influence2 Fujimo Kali
CSA 4: Jackknife Belladonna Dauntless
CSA 5: Panacea X Quintessence III High Tension
CSA 6: More Zessin’ The Project SAILBOATSURVEY Blueprint
Melges 24: Team Island Water World CARAIBES DIESEL/SMVT F.K.G.
Diam 24: pyratz gourmet sailing Clippers ship Anomaly
Multihull 1: SOPHIA Calamity TIANA
Multihull 2: La Novia Bellatrix Ninth Charm
Bareboat 1: Orange Breeze/SEA-BATTICAL SHORE THING Aft Backwards
Bareboat 2: MAGUY 4 Cachucha NORTH STAR
Island Time Class: Sao Jorge Bluejay of Portsmouth Maline
Sunfast 20: IGY Racing Team MissTyknight Team Spellbound
Next Generation: Treadwell/Joseph Taylor/Hodge Little/Bourjoly-Dupont
Sailability Participants: D’Andre, Beyonce, Carlvin, Ezekiel, Giovanni

Special Trophies:

Serious Fun Bridge Show: NORTH STAR Sipsi Dauntless
Heineken Serious FUN Prize: Glad to be Here
SXM Youth Challenge Trophy – Best Youth: CARAIBES DIESEL/SMVT – Emilien & Clement Le Normand
Robbie Ferron Trophy – Promoter of Sailing in the Caribbean: Pam Fuller
Team Goldendog Trophy – Sailing for a Cause/Charity: AFAZIK IMPULSE (NEOJIVARO), sailing for aphasia awareness
Multihull Winner of CMC and St. Maarten Heineken Regatta: SOPHIA
FKG Onshore/Offshore Trophy – Best Performance in C600 & SMHR: Jackknife
Representing Women in Sailing Award: Antonia Zipfel, skipper of Walross 4 with ASV Berlin
Randy D West Trophy: pyratz gourmet sailing
TEAT Columbus Cup Best Bareboat Overall: MAGUY 4
Windward Island Bank Trophy – Fastest Monohull Spinnaker Around the Island: Team JAJO, 2:52:11
Fastest Monohull Non-Spinnaker Around the Island: Kialoa III, 4:05:15
Port St. Maarten Trophy – Fastest Multihull Around the Island: SOPHIA, 2:24:37
Fastest Bareboat Around the Island: MAGUY 4, 5:30:48
Minister of Sports Most Worthy Performance Thursday: Belladonna
Minister of Justice Most Worthy Performance Friday: SAILBOATSURVEY Blueprint
Heineken Most Worthy Performance Saturday: pyratz gourmet sailing
Sint Maarten Yacht Club Most Worthy Performance Sunday: Jackknife
St. Maarten/St. Martin Cup – Most Worthy Performance Overall presented by Prime Minister Luc Mercelina: More Zessin’

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St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

Celebrating 47 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 4-7, 2027!

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.