Ahoy ye landlubbers!
by steph4867More than 250 boats participate in the race, with more than 1,500 sailors from nearly 30 countries, including The Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, France and the United States.
From captains of industry, with their world-class racing vessels, to Beach Cat boys in their oh-so-fast multihulls, nobody wants to miss out on the action. All-women crews always attract attention, giving the men a run for their money during three days of racing. Even sail enthusiasts unable to sail their own boats to St. Maarten can rent one at any of the island’s charter companies.
And on land, the entertainment is just as exciting. Everyone on the island, in fact, shows up for reggae-spiced mega-parties, with live entertainment staged by Heineken. What’s more, there are no entrance fees.
You’ll enjoy the best of Caribbean music — as well as the best beer in the world — as you watch colored spinnakers go around the island. Food is tops, too, at gourmet restaurants and lolo barbecue stands.
The race always follows the same schedule. Thursday’s captain’s briefing is followed by the opening party, which features upcoming local bands. On Friday the venue shifts to Marigot, the capital of St. Martin, which features a wide variety of French cuisine. During the Zouk Extravaganza, the island’s version of merengue music is played until the early hours. Saturday the action is back in Philipsburg, the Dutch capital, where international bands rock the house. Sunday the race ends in Simpson Bay and festivities continue on Kimsha Beach.
Sun, sea, sand, sailing, dance-till-you-drop music, and ice-cold Heineken under a perfectly blue Carib?bean sky. Could there be a better description of paradise?
