45th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Day 3: Beach Stadium Racing and Surprises
by St. Maarten Heineken Regatta 9 Mar 20:24 NZDT
March 6-9, 2025
45th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Day 3: The Regatta fleet dominated the south coast of the island, with the entire horizon filled with colorful sails © Laurens Morel /
www.saltycolours.com
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.
"The Wind Dance performed by the crew of Start Boat B had the desired effect. Gentle sea state with a warm 10-12 knot breeze prevailed," said Race Committee Rob Rowlands. A unique group of racecourses were planned for the day - raceboats, sportboats, bareboats, and multihulls crossed paths off the south coast of the island, while the Diam 24s headed north for beach-side racing in Grand Case.
Starting in Simpson Bay, an exceptional day was planned for the fleet of ten 24-ft trimarans in Grand Case for stadium-style racing right in front of Saint Martin's iconic beach clubs. A dynamic course and start/finish line was set up just meters away from the beach, with a high-tech MarkSetBot robotic buoy marking the closest-ever finish line. Crowds were treated to an amazing show, especially at Tropics Beach Bar with expert commentary provided by sailors and event hosts Meg Reilly and Pat Bailey.
In race #1, zeebest took a huge lead for first and it was a photo finish between Karibuni and As MDA. In race #2, BVI-based Buzz Race Team crossed the start early, but fought hard to come back in 8th place. The team had a strong start to race #3, leading after the first mark rounding. Ultimately it was Opteamwork.dev that came out on top. Pat Bailey from Race Committee said, "In all my years of sailing and being part of events around the world, this venue with the boats so close to the beach is absolutely in the top 5 I've seen."
Back in Cole Bay and Simpson Bay, the match-ups within the rest of the fleets were as close as ever. Classes had a variety of around the mark/rocks and windward-leeward courses.
The first race for the Melges 24 saw chaos at the first rounding of the mark. Team Budget Marine led with a clean rounding, but the other three teams approached within inches of each other. Team Island Water World barged in front of F.K.G. and Caraibes Diesel/CV Friars Bay, forcing the two to widen their course around the mark before the downwind leg. After 3 races, it was Team Island Water World that came first.
It's been a battle between DNR, GEM, and Kinship for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd almost every race at the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta in CSA2 - and today was no different. DNR and GEM battled for 1st and 2nd between their three races, but it was GEM that came out on top. The final day of racing tomorrow will finalize this close match-up.
One of the key value celebrated by the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is "generations," which was strongly represented out on the water today. The special Next Generation Race is hosted over the weekend, where the Sint Maarten Yacht Club's junior sailors take part in their own Regatta on bright green RS Zests. A mix of young girls and boys across 5 teams were out in Simpson Bay and brought the energy - and entertainment! Kid overboards and capsizes were seen, but the sailors quickly rallied and got right back out there.
Today also celebrates International Women's Day. The Regatta has several all-female teams and many inspiring women leaders onboard showcasing women in sailing. The Heineken Ladies Sailing Team onboard "Something Hot" has had over 20 generations of teams participating in the Regatta. This year's team is "excited to be a part of such a unique legacy - and an amazing regatta! We're excited to sail together and to represent women in such an amazing environment." Special shout out to another all-female team, the Salish Sisters from Vancouver onboard Dreamboat, who continue to up their game each day of the Regatta.
After such an amazing day for sailors, tourists, and locals all around the island, the "Serious Fun!" made its way to the Regatta Village at Port de Plaisance. Weekend crowds rolled in as local artists kept the energy alive, with sounds from: Alison Hinds, King James, Kenyo Baly, DJ BB Bad, DJ Stov3, Classy D, Remo & Barbwire Band, Roxsy, GTO Band, and KRG Band. The family-friendly Port de Plaisance Regatta Village kept the party going all the way to midnight, and will do it all again on Sunday with headliners: The Wailers! The Regatta Village is free and open to the public - all are welcome.
The 45th Anniversary of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has been nothing short of legendary so far. We have lots in store for our final day - with the competition so fierce, many of our winners could be determined in the very last race. Get ready for a BIG celebration for the Grand Finale of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta on Sunday!
Follow @stmaartenheinekenregatta for updates throughout the event and tune into Island 92 for the exclusive Regatta Radio broadcast.
Cumulative Results at www.yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative/16772
More information at www.heinekenregatta.com