DAY 4: DOWN TO THE LAST RACE AT THE 43RD ST. MAARTEN HEINEKEN REGATTA
DAY 4 ST. MAARTEN HEINEKEN REGATTA
With last chances for teams to get good results, tensions were rising during the last race of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. The wind was slightly lighter than anticipated and it was really sunny. PRO Mark Townsend had set two courses for the day. In contrast to the previous day, every team was extra sharp and all had good starts.
The course took the fleet up-wind all the way to Pelican Rock, then back downwind to Princess Juliana International Airport, before going back upwind again and finalizing with downwind once more. This last races were full of excitement and tension, with competitors being on each other heals constantly. For instance, the three leading Melges 24’s of Team Island Water World, Team Budget Marine and FKG finished all within seconds of each other across the finish line in the first race.
Most races were located around Simpson Bay, Anguilla and Marigot. Eventually all the winners of the different races were 2 2 Tango, Phat Dolphin, ILovePoland, Lazy Dog and Ossiana. Another award that was presented was the Next Generation award for the younger sailors who were participating. Sint Maarten yacht Club stated that the event is also organized to especially encourage young sailors of the future. The under-16 years old competed in five races, coached by Sam Peeks.
After all the intense sailing, all involved parties gathered once more for the awards at the Heineken Regatta Village at Port de Plaisance. Then first, the Next Generation trophy was awarded, followed by all the other awards for winning parties. The awards were provided by the sponsors including Oris Watches, Veuve Clicquot, Tito Vodka, Shipwreck Shops, Remax/Yachtshop, Seahawk, Island 92 Radio, Windward Islands Bank, Flow, Port St Maarten, St Maarten Tourist Board and of course, title sponsor Heineken. After the awards, the party started. Peak performance of the evening was Grammy-winning artist Koffee.
The 44th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta will be hosted from February 29 until March 3, 2024, and many of the competitors have already confirmed they will be back!
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