TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Regatta Spectator Boat

For anyone interested, I received notification today from Cathy at Aqua Mania regarding spectator boat trips for Heineken Regatta. Sadly, I will likely miss my first Regatta in 12 years or so but for others on the island, the link below will take you to the booking information.

Regatta Spectator Boat Trips

I applaud the Regatta for going forward this year, but I wonder how much participation there will be, from boats and spectators. Not a lot of places to stay on island right now.

Correct. Cathy said they anticipate it being down and mostly due to lack of lodging. She gave me a list of places open in SImpson Bay. I was not aware La Vista was open yet or perhaps just La VIsta Beach is open??

Below is what Cathy included in her list.

These are the places that are open:

Atrium, Baker’s Suites, Commodore’s Suites, Simpson Bay Suites, Simpson Bay Resort, La Vista, Mary’s Boon

I wasn't aware that LaVista was open either, possibly LaVista Beach, but not sure that is open even as of yet, although maybe expected to be open by March? Also, Simpson Bay Resort, I didn't think was open yet, just the Villas section.

No idea myself as I was thinking the same as you. Just passing along what Cathy included in her reply to me.

We're so sad not to be there this year. We love going out on Tango and following the races. I smile so much that my face hurts when I get off the boat. Next year!

La Vista is not yet open; La Vista Beach is.

We have been to the island many times over the past 8 yrs but have somehow managed to miss the Regatta. This year will be our first time so we will take your spot for you...can you suggest the best day and time to go on the spectator boat?

I have personally gone on Friday and Saturday. The boats (Tango and Lambada with the preference being Tango) do a good job of finding the action. On Friday the action usually starts in Simpson Bay and goes around the island. You will be close to the start and probably not go too far so there should be a lot of action. On Saturday (if I recall correctly from last year) we had to motor for quite some time to find the boats. I don't think you could go wrong with either Friday or Saturday.

Even though this year will be less crowded, the Tango often books up quickly so I would not hesitate too long to make your booking. Do make sure you specify the boat you desire. You have two times slots available on Friday and just a morning slot available on Saturday. If you are really into sailing or just watching, I would book both Friday and Saturday morning. If you just want to go out one day, I would probably lean towards Friday due to knowing how the race usually gets going. I have never been on the Sunday trip.

Another nice option to watch the boats on Friday is get to Simpson Bay Beach or my preference is Mullet Bay early and watch from there as the boats come by. Karakter Beach Bar is an option for Simpson Bay (get there early) and they have food and facilities. Mullet Bay may or may not have food and facilities but is a really nice spot to watch the boats sail by in the distance.

Feel free to send me a private message if you have more specific questions.

Have fun!

I still have a hard time believing there is enough rooms for the racers let alone for spectators. If there is only 100 boats racing at 12 crew per boat (not sure of the correct count) that would mean 1200 beds are needed. Normally there are about 250 boats racing. Anyhow the headliners should be announced in the next 4 weeks if it is to happen.

Wendell