Organisers are calling for more big yachts to participate in the 44th edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. The event is the largest regatta in the Caribbean and kicks off the season with four days of racing from 29 February to 3 March 2024.
According to a spokesperson for the event, the island's geography offers the "perfect playing ground for the big boat fleet" with long courses around neighbouring islands and volcanic rocks used as marks between St. Maarten, Anguilla and St. Barths.
So far, the 30.5-metre Galateia is leading the fleet as the first Maxi to register following her recent win at the 2023 Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. The 33-metre Leopard 3 has also confirmed interest after competing in the 2022 event.
The Volvo 65 fleet will also return following their recent successes in The Ocean Race, including Team JAJO and Team Austrian Ocean Racing.
“St. Maarten is the choice Caribbean port for the world’s superyachts, with more and more becoming seasonal residents each year. As a result, our island has become world-renowned for our marine service industry, which is also deeply ingrained in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta," said regatta director Michele Korteweg. "The island has everything superyachts and Maxis need to sail, race or just relax and enjoy, and we welcome more Maxis to come race with us in 2024!”
New and returning Maxi teams interested in basing out of St. Maarten for the season should register here.