Regional Regatta Updates

On 27th January the Sint Maarten Council of Ministers decided to cancel the March 2021 execution of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. The government body stated, “…various new strains of the COVID-19 virus have been detected in several countries around the world resulting in a travel ban of linked countries; this also includes Sint Maarten for which a temporary ban on incoming flights from high-risk countries containing stronger strains of the COVID-19 virus has taken effect. With these substantial developments, the government was strongly recommended to impose stricter public health measures. This would include the withholding of licenses for large events”.

Regatta Director, Michele Korteweg stated “We do of course understand the concerns people have regarding the hosting of events during these challenging Covid times and will comply with the Government’s request and will now focus our efforts on the future of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. The past 10 months did allow us to assess new ideas and developments that can now be incorporated in upcoming editions of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.”

The St Barths Bucket Regatta has also been officially cancelled due to a gradual drop in yacht entries over the last few weeks due to worldwide travel restrictions. Organisers will focus on preparing for the 2022 edition. www.bucketregatta.com