2017 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta will see the largest fleet at a Caribbean regatta since the 2016 edition. There are eight CSA Monohull Classes, five CSA Multihull Classes, three Bareboat Classes, Melges 24 and the Lottery Class.
Maxi and Ocean Racing Classes represent the largest and fastest ocean going yachts racing in CSA.
Many competitors are arriving for the 37th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta in time to test their craft at the Gill Commodore’s Cup, March 2nd, the one-day windward/leeward racing event where sailors practice and perfect their racing moves.
Two Swan 100’s are set to enjoy a titanic match race, Varsovie and Muzuni, will be equally matched.
Ocean Racing Class - five former round the world race boats will be fighting for class glory.
CSA rating - French Volvo 70 SFS II is the fastest yacht. Volvo 70 Monster Project is a former Round St. Maarten record holder. The Farr 60 Ambersail from Lithuania is the defending champion. Volvo 70 Green Dragon is skippered by an Olympic gold medalist. Canadian Whitbread 60 Challenger could well feature after time correction.
The Oyster 48, Scarlet Oyster will be going for a hat trick, having won class for the previous two years.
Swan 48, Azura is, on paper, the fastest yacht in CSA 1 - Swan 48 Affinity is a proven winner.
The Italian Soto 50 Fortunata will feature America's Cup and multiple world champion Tommaso Chieffi, as tactician.
CSA 2 - RP37 Taz Antiguan team won their class in last month's RORC Caribbean 600. Oystercatcher XX1 has a well set, top class crew. Melges 32 Lazy Dog from Puerto Rico and St. Maarten's Kick 'em Jenny 2 will be vying for place.
CSA 3 – has seven well-matched yachts - standout match will be between the 2016 Most Worthy Performer, American J/122 El Ocaso, and St. Maarten's Ben Jelic racing his J/120 J-aguar.
CSA 4 - Sir Bobby Velasquez racing L'Esperance and Sir Robbie Ferron's J/39 Micron 99 Ossenfeffer will resume their gentleman's duel.
CSA 5 - St. Barths two J/109s will be equally matched;
Pocket Rocket and all girls team on Albacor IV;
Keep an eye on Bajan J/105 Whistler and the Dufour 34 Speedy Nemo - the team from St. Barth was runner up in class last year.
CSA 6 - Kidz at Sea Foundation will sail Moon dance.
Melges 24 Class, Fritz Bus will defend his class win last year /Andrea Scarabelli's Gill Race Team will be looking to go one better.
Offshore multihull class features three Gunboats - 27 multihulls have entered the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.
Bareboat Class has returning teams set to have Serious Fun once again.
For the full entry list and more go to: www.heinekenregatta.com.
The weather forecast for the regatta could be described as fresh to frightening. With strong easterly trade winds anticipated, the powerful ocean yachts, should revel in the conditions.