Racing (not): The 41st St. Maarten Heineken Regatta cancelled due to fear of possible COVID developments

Heineken Regatta

Feb 11, 2021

On Monday January 25th, organizers of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta published its plans for the 41st edition of this annual event, eliminating the parties and social gatherings from this year’s event format and focusing on hosting the 4 days of world class racing, as it is first and foremost an outdoor sporting event.

Then, everything changed; on January 28, 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”.

After months of actively working together with Government to construct a safe and professional sailing event, organizers are disappointed to have been informed they are now unable to offer any sailing to the participants that were willing to make such efforts to attend the Regatta.

 Organizers are most grateful for all the support and guidance along the way from sponsors, participants and other stakeholders and will reach out to all involved to address any concerns and plans for the future. Stay tuned for latest developments and exciting news! The 2022 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is set to take place from  March 3 – 6, 2022. 

 For full information on the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, including results, photos, videos, and much, much more, visit: www.heinekenregatta.com.

Related Articles

  • Sail GP Returns to HFX in 2026

    Sail GP Returns to HFX in 2026

    Apr 16, 2025 Sail Nova Scotia has been selected as the host of the 2026 Canada Sail Grand Prix to be held in June next year. Exact dates and ticket information will be announced at a later date. SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts said: “We are thrilled to be heading back to Halifax – a… Read More…

  • LOOR courses to run in Canadian waters for 2025

    LOOR courses to run in Canadian waters for 2025

    Apr 15, 2025 After some racers expressed concern about travelling to the US, LOOR conducted a survey of all the LOSHRS racers. The results of the survey were decisively in favour of altering the courses to remain in Canadian waters. The LOOR committee, along with some Ambassadors who were attending the meeting, decided that, for the safety… Read More…