46th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Day 3

by St. Maarten Heineken Regatta 8 Mar 03:28 UTC March 5-8, 2026

Day 3 of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta delivered some of the most dramatic racing of the week so far, as strong winds and tactical racecourses kept sailors on their toes around the island.

It was the breeziest day of racing yet, with winds holding steady around 18-20 knots and gusts pushing higher, creating what was likely the toughest set of conditions many teams have faced so far during the regatta.

Adding to the excitement, Day 3 featured one of the most unique race formats of the week. Classes were spread out across both the Dutch and French sides of the island, creating racing action all around St. Maarten/St. Martin. While the majority of the fleet competed along the Dutch coastline, the Diam 24 fleet sailed north to Grand Case for the second annual Beach Stadium racing, turning the shoreline into a natural grandstand for spectators.

CSA 1-6 and the Melges 24 fleets began their races from Committee Boat A, while the Multihulls, Bareboats, Island Time Class and Sunfast fleets started from Committee Boat B. Courses included a mix of coastal legs and windward-leeward racing, allowing different classes to cross paths as they raced up and down the coastline.

CSA1 was first off the line and set out on a challenging Navigator's Choice Course. After rounding Table Rock towards St. Barth, teams then pushed toward Blowing Rock off Anguilla, deciding whether to pass above or below St. Maarten. All teams chose the northern route, with Team JAJO (VO65) the first to cross the finish line on the water. However, it was Privateer (Cookson 50) who once again secured the class win on corrected time, continuing their remarkable run of strong performances.

In CSA3, influence2 (Class 40) once again dominated the fleet, building a commanding lead across all three windward-leeward races and remaining nearly undefeated in the regatta so far. Meanwhile in CSA5, the start was tightly contested as the fleet headed offshore toward Table Rock. Once again it was Panacea X who emerged victorious and now leads their class overall. "It's a pretty even competition within our class this year and very well matched, which makes a huge difference for enjoying the racing," said Harold Keating of Panacea X. "Today's course was pretty challenging, even after Around the Island yesterday."

While the Dutch side saw plenty of racing action, some of the most exciting moments of the day unfolded on the French side of the island. The second annual Grand Case Beach Stadium Racing took place at Tropics Beach Bar, where spectators lined the beach to watch the Diam 24 fleet compete in fast-paced races just offshore.

Eleven Diam 24s from St. Maarten/St. Martin, France, the British Virgin Islands, and Martinique competed in five stadium-style races, each lasting roughly 13 minutes and delivering nonstop action for both sailors and fans. Several teams remained consistently near the top of the standings throughout the series. Reigning champions onboard Pyratz Gourmet Sailing dominated the early races, while Clippers Ship, Anomaly, and Look Up kept the pressure on. But it was the final races that brought plenty of drama.

In race 4, Look Up struck a mark, while Clippers Ship failed to finish. But the final race saw a dramatic comeback as Clippers Ship surged ahead to win the race, while Look Up secured second place despite struggling in the previous round. Pyratz Gourmet Sailing finished third, bringing an exciting end to the stadium series.

Another dramatic moment came when ADH17 pitch poled on a fast downwind leg during the final race, thrilling spectators along the beach. Safety boats quickly responded to right the boat and the crew was safely assisted.

The beachside racing atmosphere proved to be a major highlight once again. "One of the things we've been trying to develop within the class is stadium format racing," said Ted Reshetiloff, Caribbean representative for the international Diam 24 fleet. "Grand Case has proven to be hands down the best place in St. Maarten for stadium racing."

He also noted the growing popularity of the class in the region. "There's been a lot of development in the past few years, and most recently we've seen a real spark in the Caribbean for the Diam 24 class. With new boats arriving in Tortola and fleets expanding, we expect to see more Diam events across the region. But St. Maarten and this regatta will remain the home of the Caribbean Diam fleet."

Day 3 also highlighted the Regatta's key value of Generations, celebrating young sailors and the future of the sport. At the Sint Maarten Yacht Club, junior sailors took part in the first day of the Next Generation Race in Simpson Bay Lagoon. Young competitors raced bright green RS Zests on their own course, gaining valuable racing experience as part of the Regatta festivities. The junior sailors will return to the water tomorrow for their final day of racing.

Young talent can also be found throughout the main racing fleet. Onboard CARAIBES DIESEL / SMVT in the Melges 24 class, 17-year-old skipper Emilien Le Normand has taken the helm this year after his father handed over the reins. Racing alongside his 15-year-old brother as crew, Emilien is approaching the Regatta with confidence. "We expect to win!," he said ahead of the event. They currently hold 2nd place in the Melges class.

After another action-packed day on the water, sailors and visitors returned to the Port de Plaisance Regatta Village, which opened once again at 4 PM with free entry for the public. The Village has been buzzing all week as sailors gather to celebrate each day of racing. Prize giving began at 6 PM on the Fountain Stage before the crowd moved toward the Main Stage for another night of high-energy entertainment.

Performers including Jeon, BRG Hollywood, DJ Killerz, DJ Eyedol & Speyenol, JONNYGUY, DJ Pauly, DJ Classy D, and Sugar Apple kept the party going late into the evening.

With three days of racing complete, the countdown is now on for the final day of the 46th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. The fleet returns to the racecourse tomorrow for one last showdown - and one final day of #SeriousFun!

Learn more at heinekenregatta.com