The 28th Annual St. Maarten Heineken Regatta will hit the open seas on March 6th - 9th and is expecting to attract an international field of competitors anxious to test their skills in the challenging waters off the coast of St. Maarten. The event, hosted annually by the St. Maarten Yacht Club, is renowned in the sailing world for its unbeatable combination of fast-paced action at sea and world-class parties ashore.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting the 28th Annual Heineken Regatta,” said Regina LaBega, Director of Tourism for the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. “This colorful event brings to life the excitement and grace of yachting to everyone, whether you’re a land-lover or a sea-worthy sailor.” 

The Heineken Regatta boasts the distinguished title of being the largest sailing race in the Caribbean, with bare boats being the largest and most competitive division. Teams from the U.S., France, Belgium, Puerto Rico, Italy, Holland, Canada and the United Kingdom will all compete in the highly spirited race, which includes a variety of yachts consisting of family cruisers, sport boats, and business-like swans.

This year’s on-shore entertainment headliner includes performances on Sunday, March 9th at Kim Sha Beach by Mister Lover Lover himself “Shaggy”. This international super-star, originally from Jamaica, is considered to be an ambassador for Reggae and Dancehall music to the world. After 10-years in the music industry, Shaggy born Orville Richard Burrell, has produced six albums, two of them multi-platinum, five number-one hits, and eleven top ten singles worldwide. Additionally, the undisputed “Queen of Soca” Alison Hinds is set to perform on Saturday March 8th.