St Martin/St Maarten / Special Interests / Sailing & Regattas

By Nigel Tisdall

St Martin/St Maarten is a fine destination for a sailing holiday thanks to its many international flight connections, top class marinas and the proximity of other attractive islands such as Anguilla, St Barths and Saba. Cruise ship passengers visiting Philipsburg can enjoy a day sail while those staying on the island have a good choice of yacht and catamaran cruises to nearby Tintamarre and other choice spots. In addition, a number of popular regattas draw sailors to the island. Bear in mind that visas may be required to visit other islands, depending on your nationality.

November to April is the best time for sailing. Key regattas in the St Martin sailing calendar include the Course de l'Alliance yacht race to St Barths and Anguilla (November) and Captain Oliver's Regatta (May) which goes around the island and to St Barths. In St Maarten the main event is the Heineken Regatta (March), a closely contested round-island race that sees a lot of partying too. There are also occasional touring races that are held over a long weekend and visit Saba and St Eustatius. Sailing fans can also hit the waves in the 1987 America's Cup-winner Stars and Stripes, which is one of the yachts used in a half-day sailing trip offered by 12-Metre Challenge in Philipsburg.

See also St Martin/Maarten Day Sails and Yacht Charters sections.