SIMPSONBAY, Sint Maarten — With the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta less than three months away, captains and crew alike are getting their boats ready to race. For some, this means cleaning the hull or perhaps completing the online entry form, but for others it can be as simple as making a reservation. Head Boats are the easiest way to enter the event, allowing individual sailors the chance to race on some of the most well known boats in the regatta.
Companies like Performance Yacht Racing, Global Yacht Racing and Miramar Sailing are just a few that offer packages for individuals interested in racing the event.
Boats like Scarlet Oyster, who placed 1st in the 2015 Gill Commodore’s Cup and 1st in their class for the 2015 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, offer individual berths and still have a few spots left for the 2016 regatta. Additionally Dutch Sailing Events, based out of the Netherlands, also has a few berths available and will be taking two boats to the regatta this year. This no headache approach to racing has become more popular over the years and these boats tend to fill up quickly.
So what does it mean to race on a Head Boat? In essence it’s the easiest way to participate in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. Rather than chartering an entire boat, sailors can book an individual spot on the team. Many Head Boats include training days, meals on board and even crew shirts, but packages can vary so it’s best to check with the respective companies to see what they have to offer. What is guaranteed is a boatload of fun, intense inshore racing and a chance to meet and race with other enthusiastic sailors.
There are several options depending on a sailor’s personal preference, so it’s best to do some research and see what boat and crew options suit your needs. The charter section of the regatta website lists several companies with Head Boats available. Regardless of which way you choose to race in the event, the Regatta Organization promises you will have some Serious Fun.
Head Boats are a viable option for the 2016 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta
