Diam 24 Trimarans racing in Great Bay. (2025 photo Laurens Morel.)
PHILIPSBURG--In late January 2025, the Caribbean Multihull Challenge Race & Rally introduced a new wrinkle in local regattas designed to bring a sailing event to all the populations of St Maarten / St Martin. Held on a Thursday as part of the seventh CMC, the organizers tested a new format; i.e. in addition to the CMC Rally Fleet simply visiting Philipsburg and Great Bay as part of their cruising event, the team behind the regatta put together a unique day of events for their multihull sailors. The day included spectator-style high-speed trimaran racing along the beach with the Dutch Blonde Beach Bar as headquarters for viewing, sports on the beach for the sailors with volleyball, corn hole, tug of war, and more for prizes, and a wonderful evening party at Holland House for all to enjoy.
The response to the day was excellent. Viewers upstairs at Dutch Blonde had fun. Enthusiastic sailors and their friends had such a ball with the beach games that this part of the event ran overtime with many wanting them to continue into the evening. And for 2025, Bobby’s Marina and Dock Maarten Marina teamed up to present a glorious fireworks show for all to enjoy from all over the Boardwalk and from the elegant party at Holland House. “We considered this event to be a success and we determined then to expand to open it to all of the island by moving the Jamboree to a Saturday and to widely promote the day so that islanders could attend on their day off”….said Stephen Burzon – Volunteer Marketing Director of the CMC.
For 2026, the Jamboree will be held on Saturday, the 31st of January. Diam 24 trimaran racing along the beach will begin at 12:00 noon and run until 3:00 pm. The beach sports portion will begin at 3:00 on the beach in front of the Seaview Hotel and it will run ‘til 5:30 pm. Then at 6:00 pm the party will start at the Seaview with a special menu, music, and a selection of cocktails from Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Later, an after-party for skippers and CMC staff will be held at the Holland House hotel. And we expect many bars and restaurants on the Boardwalk including Big Bastard’s Beach Bar, the St Rose Plaza Beach Bar, and more to be part of the show.
All are invited. Businesses, social organizations, sports clubs, and others are invited to apply for free admission to the sports on the beach games by registering with the St Maarten Yacht Club. For more information www.CaribbeanMultihullChallenge .com.
