The 31st edition of the Heineken Regatta is taking place from Thursday the 3rd of March to Sunday the 6th of March 2011. This year and for the 4th year running, the regatta organisers have decided to add an extra day for the spinnaker classes with voluntary windward-leeward races on the Thursday in Philipsburg Bay.

The first Regatta race is right the way around the Island of Saint Martin in a clockwise direction from Simpson Bay, passing Tintamarre in the North and finishing back off Philipsburg. The second day’s Regatta racing is a race westward to the French capital town of Saint Martin, Marigot with a night and party ashore there, and the last day is a race back round to the Dutch capital of Philipsburg. The courses are well thought through and provide some beautiful sailing in varied wind conditions – at this time of year it can either be days of light winds or testing heavy airs sailing.

Why not customize your race vacation and charter your Yacht for a few extra days? St Maarten is located in a beautiful cruising area with some amazing day sail destinations like St Barth, Saba and Anguilla only about 10 to 20 miles away. With crystal clear waters, great food and fabulous sailing conditions, this really is a destination to try and a ‘must do’ regatta.