THE Event
The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta
The 45th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta takes place: MAR 6 – MAR 9, 2025!
In 1980, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta started as the St. Maarten Regatta with a modest 12 sail boats participating. Three years later, in 1983, Heineken became a major sponsor of the St. Maarten Regatta and ‘Heineken’ was added to the name of the event. Heineken participated with a fee of 3,750 guilders (approximately $ 2,100). As a bonus, the competitors received ice cold Heineken beers from a passing powerboat while they were racing.
After the involvement of Heineken, the event grew fast. With the addition of a third day in 1990, the event grew to 187 boats in 1995 and 251 boats in 1999. Another racing day, the Commodore’s Cup, was added in 2005. The record amount of boats participating in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta was in 2008 with 284 boats.
FUTURE DATES
The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta always takes place the first weekend of March. These are the dates for the next few years:
2025: March 6th – March 9th
2026: March 5th – March 8th
2027: March 4th – March 7th
2028: March 2nd – March 5th
Ensure you’ve blocked them in your agenda!
SINT MAARTEN YACHT CLUB
ABOUT THE SINT MAARTEN YACHT CLUB
The Sint Maarten Yacht Club is the organizing entity of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. It is located on one of the best spots on the island, right next to the Simpson Bay Bridge. Here, one can enjoy a great view on all boats entering and leaving the lagoon. Especially during the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, when more than 100 sail boats go through this bridge!
The Sint Maarten Yacht Club is a great meeting place for its members who can enjoy the many activities and regattas that are organized throughout the year. The Sint Maarten Yacht Club also has a Sailing School, which provides sailing lessons to both adults and youth. This gives everyone the opportunity to learn how to sail in some of the world’s best sailing conditions with great winds and beautiful waters.
Are you interested in the events the Sint Maarten Yacht Club organizes? Or would you like to become a member? Please have a look at the Yacht Club’s website: www.smyc.com.
SO, WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE SINT MAARTEN YACHT CLUB DO?
- Promote sailing to its members and the local community
- Organize races and regattas for its members and non-members
- Assist in providing accommodations and equipment
- Provide instruction and training for sailing and racing
- Represent water sports towards others organizations, both on and off island
JOIN THE TEAM
The current job opening is now available! Accepting Applications now. For the full Job Description click here.
Job Title: St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Director
Location: St. Maarten, Caribbean
Position Type: Full-time
Company Overview:
Join our dynamic team in the heart of the Caribbean! We are seeking a talented individual to fill the role of St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Director for our prestigious event held annually in St. Maarten. As the leading sailing event in the region, the Regatta attracts participants and spectators from around the world, offering unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and impact.
Responsibilities:
– Develop and implement strategic plans to ensure the continued success and growth of the Heineken Regatta.
– Oversee the financial aspects of the event, including budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management.
– Manage relationships with sponsors, ensuring their needs are met and delivering value for their investments.
– Direct operational activities related to the planning, coordination, and execution of the regatta.
Qualifications:
– 5+ years experience in event management, particularly within the sports or sailing industry.
– Financial management skillset
– Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
– Highly organized with a keen attention to detail.
– Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Benefits:
– Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
– Chance to contribute to the success of one of the region’s premier sporting events and enhance your network.
If you are a dedicated professional with a passion for sailing and event management, we invite you to apply for the position of Regatta Director. Take the next step in your career and be part of a team that is committed to excellence and innovation.
Please submit your resume and cover letter to regatta@smyc.com by April 30th, 2024. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is organized by the Sint Maarten Yacht Club Regatta Foundation in cooperation with Heineken as Title Sponsor.
With such a big event, there are many people involved.
On this page, we would like to show you who is involved and give you the opportunity to be involved in the event yourself by signing up as volunteer.
REGATTA OFFICE
John Leone – Steering Committee Chairman
Michele Korteweg – Regatta Director
Ferdinand Kopper – Intern
Morgen Watson – Operations
RACE COMMITTEE
Cary Byerley – Chair
David Sprague – Race Director
Mark Townsend – PRO
ONSHORE MANAGEMENT
Tanvi Goklani – Event Coordinator
MEDIA
Marketing Committee Chair – Meg Reilly
Videography – Icarus Media
Photography – Laurens Morel
VOLUNTEERS
The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta would not exist without the help of our volunteers. During the event, approximately 200 volunteers are needed in order to execute the event. Some volunteers have been involved in the event since the beginning and keep coming back so they can meet up with friends and be involved in the Regatta.
There are many tasks to be occupied by the volunteers. Some examples are: being on the committee boat, operations, merchandise, volunteer care, operating the bar etc.
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer for the 44rd St. Maarten Heineken Regatta? Then please fill in the following form:
