Heineken Regatta St. Maarten 15 years ago

n 1993 The organizers of the Heineken Regatta on the dual nation Caribbean tourist island of St. Maarten (Dutch) St.Martin (French) decided to promote their regatta to the world. They offered yachting journalists and the news media free air fares and accommodation from Europe and North America to cover their three day regatta. This resulted in catapulting the Regatta into a world class event. In the following years a fleet of 250 boats became the norm. Half the boats entered are rented from yacht charter companies (called Bare boats)and race in different several classes .
In recent years several well know sailing luminaries also participated in the Regatta. The late Steve Fossett and his speed record-breaking catamaran, Roy Disney of movie company fame, Mike Sanderson, winner of the Volvo Around the World Race and Dennis Conner of past Americas Cup fame. Top world class bands that have played at the event are, Black Eyed Peas, the Marley Brothers and Jamaican Reggae Star, Shaggy. The big name entertainment draws huge crowds of tourists as well as the sailors.
Parts of this 1993 video were used to promote the Regatta on Broadcast sports networks in Holland and Belgium.