2007 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta serious fun!

by Heather Tackling on 8 Mar 2007 The Fun was Serious! With the 2007 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta on the Books, Organizers Look Ahead to the 28th Running of the Great Festival of Caribbean Sailing (and Partying).

The 27th edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta concluded in fine fashion last evening with a prize-giving ceremony on Kim Sha Beach followed by musical entertainment by the band Orange Grove and the offspring of reggae legend Bob Marley—sons Damian Marley and Stephen Marley—who captivated the crowd of thousands of sailors and islanders with a set that included stirring renditions of many of their father’s most memorable songs.

As race organizers and the dozens of volunteers who helped make the regatta a tremendous success gathered themselves after the four-day marathon of sailing and parties, plans were already being set in motion for the 28th running of the annual event, which is scheduled for March 6-9, 2008.

Chairman and co-founder of the regatta Robbie Ferron, with assistance from a host of St. Maarten dignitaries and officials, handed out prizes to the first three boats in the regatta’s 20 divisions, with special awards presented to the regatta’s top performers. The CBBS Cups, presented to the high scorers in the Caribbean Big Boat Series, went to Mike Sanderson and his crew of ABN AMRO ONE in the Racing category and Clay Deutsch and his team aboard Chippewa in the Racing/Cruising class. Chippewa’s prize included a handsome print depicting scenes from previous St. Maarten Heineken Regattas donated by local artist Jim Johnston.

Rene Baartman’s Moorings 505, Harten Heer, was named the Top Bareboat Charter Boat in the fleet, and was awarded the Columbus Cup, as well as a sensational trophy sponsored by Caribbean business Little Switzerland: a colorful, handsome globe inlaid with stones from the continents represented on the trophy.

And the winner of the St. Maarten/Saint Martin Cup for Most Worthy Performance Overall was handed to Antiguan sailor Bernie Evans-Wong, skipper of the Cal 40, Huey Too, which dominated his Non-Spinnaker 2 class with a perfect score of three consecutive wins.

The 27th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, for the first time in the event’s storied history, also added a fourth day of racing this year, and 57 spinnaker-flying yachts signed up for Thursday’s extra session, which was scored as a separate series for the Commodore’s Cup, sponsored by Budget Marine. 'It was a resounding success,' said Regatta Director Mirian Ebbers. 'The turnout was great, well beyond what we expected. We will definitely do it again next year.'

With that, the 2007 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta comes to an official close. Race organizers wish to thank everyone who participated and volunteered, and who enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere at sea and ashore. The event has always been about Serious Fun, and this year was no different. Thanks again, one and all, and see you in 2008!









Organizing Partner