St Maarten Heineken Regatta first started in 1980 with a meagre fleet of just 12 boats. It is now hosted by the Sint Maarten Yacht Club and is known for 'serious racing and serious fun'. Last year the regatta attracted 255 yachts providing competitive racing and great partying.

The  30th edition of the Heineken Regatta is taking place from the 4th to the 7th March 2010. This year and for the third year, the Organisers have decided to add an extra day for the spinnaker classes with windward-leeward races on the Thursday. The second race is around the Saint Martin island, from Simpson Bay, pass Tintamarre in the North and back to Simpson Bay. The third day is a race to the French capital city, Marigot and the last day is a race to the Dutch capital city, Philipsburg. The courses are well thought through and provide some beautiful sailing.

The weather conditions in the Caribbean at this period could be anything from little wind to wind of 30-35 knots. St Maarten, divided across the middle, is part French, part Dutch and one of the best known holiday destinations in the Caribbean, a duty free island, shopping is big business there. St Maarten also has excellent international air connections and is a convenient dropping off point for charter guests. St Maarten is located in a beautiful cruising area with some islands like St Barth, Saba and Anguilla only about 10 to 20 miles away. 

It will be Northern Child's 8th participation in this regatta. The St Maarten 2010 regatta is currently available for groups or individuals. For more information, please enquire at magali@northernchild.com.