DAY 3: INTENSE RACING AROUND THE ISLAND AT THE 43RD ST. MAARTEN HEINEKEN REGATTA
DAY 3 ST. MAARTEN HEINEKEN REGATTA
The 3rth day of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta revolved about the most famous race of the event, the “around the island race”. Normally, the around the island race would be on Friday, but due to the weather and wind, the race has moved to Saturday. Despite the moving the race a day ahead, the weather seemed unfavorable for a certain period of time. But luckily, the sun prevailed. Many people came together to watch the race from the side lines on the Dutch part as well as the French part of St. Maarten/St. Martin.
At the beginning of the race, there were several teams who experienced some starting issues. The team called Team Island Water World II even had to drop out of the race because of rigging issues. Other teams with starting problems either had technical difficulties or missed the start sign. Also a bit later in the race, there was a team who made a mistake because the race instructions were not red correctly by the team. The mistake they made confused a large part of the fleet.
A lot of the teams share their story’s and experiences. They explain what went really good, but also what could have gone better. Almost all the teams agree upon that it was a really tough racing day with lots of tension, but a fun racing nonetheless. For the young and new sailors the fun during the race is especially important, as Marcin Sutkowski, the owner of one of the ships stated. All the outcomes of the races held on Saturday were providing exciting upcoming races for the final day of the Heineken Regatta.
The race was felt on the whole island. Some people were also watching and partying at Rainforest Adventures Elev8 party upon Sentry Hill. When the sailors were finished they all gathered back at the Heineken Regatta Village at Port De Plaisance to see and receive the awards, while enjoying an ice-cold Heineken or a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. The party continued at the village with a party with a all-female line up to empower woman in the industry. Later on the evening, the party returned to the French Side of the island at Bikini Beach, located in Orient Bay with international famous artist TAYC.
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