The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has dropped the official wrap film from its spectacular 46th edition, inviting viewers to relive one of the most thrilling Caribbean regattas in recent memory. From powerful trade winds and dramatic on-the-water battles to inspiring community stories and legendary Village nightlife, the film encapsulates everything that makes this event a world-class sailing celebration.
With over 110 boats of all sizes and crews representing more than 35 nations, the 46th edition delivered outstanding competition across every class. Strong breeze throughout the event, including 25-plus knot conditions and a 30-knot grand finale, created a breathtaking showcase of seamanship and fleet power.
Several standout stories emerged on the racecourse. In CSA1, Cookson 50 Privateer, the smallest boat in the class, claimed victory against sailing goliaths including Volvo 65s and a Wally 94. Meanwhile, CSA3 featured one of the most eclectic lineups of the regatta, ranging from a next-generation Italian Class40 campaign to Fujimo, an IOR 50 crewed by an international mixed team.
In the wrap film, the Fujimo team shared at Registration: “We have a crew from all over the world and we haven’t been together… and tomorrow is our first training day. So if we end up on the podium, we did good.” Spoiler alert: they did – finishing second in CSA3 behind the Class40 team.
In CSA4, J125 Jackknife took class honors and also claimed the new FKG Inshore-Offshore Trophy, awarded to the best combined performance in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta and the Caribbean 600. That result secured their bragging rights as the Caribbean’s top all-around inshore/offshore team.
The rivalry between Panacea and Quintessence returned in CSA5, with Panacea taking the final win ahead of Quintessence in second. The Regatta’s overall top performance award went to J105 More Zessin’ in CSA6.
The Multihull fleet was the largest yet, with over 20 multihulls racing including the iconic Diam24s. In Multihull 1, all eyes were on trimaran Sophia (ex Paradox) who had a nearly flawless regatta – giving up just one first place result to ORC Calamity, who were constantly nipping at Sophia’s heels.
Beyond the racing, the wrap film highlights the Regatta’s growing commitment to sustainability and inclusion. The Next Generation and Sailability programs expanded this year, creating more access to the water and celebrating sailors of all abilities.
“At the Sint Maarten Yacht Club, we try to include everybody in sailing,” said Saskia Revelman, Sint Maarten Yacht Club Manager. “When they step in the boat, when they feel the wind, when they feel the independence they are given as well – by sailing, by performing in the sport – it gives them so much confidence.”
New for 2026, the Regatta also welcomed a marine acoustician onboard the Race Committee Finish Boat to monitor for humpback whales on the racecourse and alert the fleet if necessary. Supported by the Marine Mammal Advisory Group and Marine Megafauna in Sailing Guidelines, the initiative added another layer of environmental stewardship and risk management. Fortunately, whales stayed clear of the race area and racing proceeded as planned.
While the action on the water was intense, the energy continued each night at the Regatta Village at Princess Hotels & Casino Port de Plaisance. Sailors, locals, and visitors came together for unforgettable evenings of live entertainment, island culture, and local cuisine. From strong female performers like Ebony Empress to the “Bad Boys of Reggae,” the village delivered the signature “Serious Fun!” atmosphere.
The food court was packed nightly, serving the flavors of St. Maarten and the Caribbean – including fresh ceviche, johnny cakes, BBQ and many more dishes representing the island’s rich culinary diversity. Families, crews, visitors and new friends gathered in the Village each night to enjoy free entertainment with plenty of good food, Heineken beer, and vibes to go around.
The full results from the 46th edition include: CSA 1 – Privateer, Aegir, SISI. CSA 2 – TEAM 42, RE/MAX ONE, DNR. CSA 3 – influence2, Fujimo, Kali. CSA 4 – Jackknife, Belladonna, Dauntless. CSA 5 – Panacea X, Quintessence III, High Tension. CSA 6 – More Zessin’, The Project, SAILBOATSURVEY Blueprint. Melges 24 – Team Island Water World, CARAIBES DIESEL/SMVT, F.K.G. Diam 24 – pyratz gourmet sailing, Clippers ship, Anomaly. Multihull 1 – SOPHIA, Calamity, TIANA. Multihull 2 – La Novia, Bellatrix, Ninth Charm. Bareboat 1 – Orange Breeze/SEA-BATTICAL, SHORE THING, Aft Backwards. Bareboat 2 – MAGUY 4, Cachucha, NORTH STAR. Island Time Class – Sao Jorge, Bluejay of Portsmouth, Maline. Sunfast 20 – IGY Racing Team, MissTyknight, Team Spellbound. Next Generation – Treadwell/Joseph, Taylor/Hodge, Little/Bourjoly-Dupont. Sailability Participants – D’Andre, Beyonce, Carlvin, Ezekiel, Giovanni.
Special awards included: Serious Fun Bridge Show – NORTH STAR, Sipsi, Dauntless. Heineken Serious FUN Prize – Glad to be Here. SXM Youth Challenge Trophy for Best Youth – CARAIBES DIESEL/SMVT, Emilien & Clement Le Normand. Robbie Ferron Trophy for Promoter of Sailing in the Caribbean – Pam Fuller. Team Goldendog Trophy for Sailing for a Cause – AFAZIK IMPULSE (NEOJIVARO), sailing for aphasia awareness. Multihull Winner of CMC and St. Maarten Heineken Regatta – SOPHIA. FKG Onshore/Offshore Trophy for Best Performance in C600 and SMHR – Jackknife. Representing Women in Sailing Award – Antonia Zipfel, skipper of Walross 4 with ASV Berlin. Randy D West Trophy – pyratz gourmet sailing. TEAT Columbus Cup Best Bareboat Overall – MAGUY 4. Windward Island Bank Trophy for Fastest Monohull Spinnaker Around the Island – Team JAJO, 2:52:11. Fastest Monohull Non-Spinnaker Around the Island – Kialoa III, 4:05:15. Port St. Maarten Trophy for Fastest Multihull Around the Island – SOPHIA, 2:24:37. Fastest Bareboat Around the Island – MAGUY 4, 5:30:48. Minister of Sports Most Worthy Performance Thursday – Belladonna. Minister of Justice Most Worthy Performance Friday – SAILBOATSURVEY Blueprint. Heineken Most Worthy Performance Saturday – pyratz gourmet sailing. Sint Maarten Yacht Club Most Worthy Performance Sunday – Jackknife. St. Maarten/St. Martin Cup for Most Worthy Performance Overall presented by Prime Minister Luc Mercelina – More Zessin’.
The 46th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta was one for the books – and the 47th edition should be in yours. Now celebrating 47 years, this regatta continues to raise the bar with four days of world-class racing featuring some of the world’s most seasoned sailors from over 35 countries. From professional teams sailing Maxis, Monohulls, and Performance Multihulls to holiday-makers on chartered Bareboats and live-aboard families cruising the Caribbean, this is genuinely a regatta for everyone. Crystal clear waters and cooling northeast trade winds provide pristine conditions for spectacular racing just off the coast of St. Maarten. Save the date: March 4–7, 2027. This is your bucket list must-do for some Serious Fun in the Caribbean.
