There is no straightforward regatta “formula” and plenty of events all over the world strive to improve the experience that attendees have year after year. For the St.Maarten Heineken Regatta, annually hosted by the popular St Maarten yacht charter destination, nestled in the Caribbean, it is no different, and this year they are listening to the regatta sailors, when it comes to on shore venues as well as locations. Splitting the nightly activities up between three areas this time instead of four will hopefully make it easier for sailors and party goers alike. Moreover, each evening will feature its own theme, and musical artists will tie it all together.
The awards ceremony on the main stage at Kim Sha beach for the 33rd Annual St. Maarten/St. Martin Heineken - Photo by Bob Grieser/outsideimages.com
With a focus on efficiency and determination to grow the event, organizers have decided to centralize as much of the venue locations as possible. “Moving locations at the end of every day is not that simple for skippers and their crew and logistics can become complicated when trying to make arrangements for crew housing, dockage, transportation and supplies,” stated Regatta Director Michele Korteweg. “With that in mind the following regatta schedule will be implemented this year, the goal being happy crews and happy revellers.”
Thursday’s program will take place at Princess Port de Plaisance and will electrify the crowd during the official opening show and theme “Green Sensation”. Prize giving for that day’s Gill Commodores’ Cup will take place here and a variety of musical acts will take the stage. This intimate location offers a variety of food so sailors can come to shore and refuel before they enjoy an opening night of music and entertainment.
St.Maarten Heineken Regatta 2015 to celebrate 35 years of Serious Fun
Friday nights festivities will take everyone “over the hill” to the capital town of Philipsburg with the Boardwalk “Rocks”. This historic location is the Capital of the Dutch side and has evolved from a quiet trade town to the bustling duty free capital of the Caribbean. In addition to the cruise port, Philipsburg boasts the stunning Great Bay Beach and has a wide variety of bars and restaurants to satisfy any craving.
In order to make things even more effortless for crews and spectators that are staying in the Simpson Bay area, there will be a shuttle bus service to and from Simpson Bay and Philipsburg. This will help alleviate the stress of finding parking or how to get there, as the buses will drop passengers off directly at the venue. The bus schedule will be available at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club.
Saturday night’s “Caribbean Jam” will be just that, a night filled with Caribbean beats while enjoying the sunset on the beach with your toes in the sand and an ice cold Heineken in your hand. Kim Sha is the venue for Saturday night making it incredibly easy for sailors to get to and from their dock space in Simpson Bay. There will again be a variety of food and drinks available as well as regatta merchandise and weather permitting, one of the most breathtaking sunsets around.
Incredibly, there is yet another night of fun planned for the regatta. Sunday will be a most “Legendary Party” and will remain on Kim Sha beach. International artists Kool and the Gang will perform on the main stage this night. This area was, and still is, the heart of the fishing community and the fish market is located just up the road from the venue site. The tradition of sailing has its roots on this side of the island, making it the perfect location to end the festivities.
The Sint Maarten Yacht Club will be the main headquarters for the regatta and as such all important information like Notice Boards, results and protests will be at the Yacht Club, simplifying things even further. So no matter your preferred taste in music, or food, there is a band and a restaurant to please your ears and your taste buds.
