The 44th edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has drawn to a close, with over 110 boats from 20 countries descending upon the Caribbean island this weekend. Ultimately it was Seabreeze (Ned Orange) that emerged victorious, both in the Bareboat 1 class and as regatta overall winners.
The first day saw "intense competition" in the sportsboat class, with the Surprise 25 Doub 6 / Clippers Ship cinching first in class for the entire regatta. Team Budget Marine, despite strong performances, settled for second place overall.
Guy Chester’s Oceans Tribute trimaran took first place in the Around the Island Race, offering redemption from the first day's mid-fleet performance and securing him on the podium for the remainder of the regatta. L'Hippocampe retired from the regatta on the second day due to gear failure in their jib sheet blocks, while trimaran Tryst had to concede on the third day following an unfortunate collision.
Three days of spirited sailing concluded with the Grand Prize giving, the traditional Bridge Show and a performance from reggae artist Tarrus Riley.
Special prizes were awarded to celebrate other winners and leaders in the sport, including Something Hot, the all-female Heineken corporate team who have competed in the event's bareboat class for 27 years and were awarded the trophy for Women in Sailing.
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