Dear Editor,
Every island in the Caribbean is interested attracting events to its shores that will create positive economic impact, will be effective in drawing positive visitor attention to their destination and which is controlled domestically thereby increasing the chances of the event not departing to other shores.
The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta achieves all those goals and for it’s 2026 edition it has further excelled with a 100 boat entry and outstanding organisation and effective marketing.
Regattas in the Caribbean have changed considerably in the last decade. Regattas are more often focused on a niche yachting area. Many events are being organised by out of region organisations who are able to abandon their hosts at any time. Some regattas are held in very private circumstances outside with no local involvement The St. Maarten Heineken regatta has incredibly managed to continue the broad participation model regatta with a strong social component and broad involvement.
The St. Maarten Heineken regatta, an event under the wing of the St. Maarten Yacht club is domestically controlled, has been proven by economic impact studies to make a significant impact to our economy and has raised its status in the yachting world with high quality organisation and management.
It is fair to expect under these circumstances that those responsible for growth and development in St. Maarten to be positively disposed to this annual event when judicious advance planning is being done.
Robbie Ferron, founder Heineken Regatta
