From March 5 to 8, 2026, we took part in the vibrant St. Maarten Heineken Regatta 2026 aboard the legendary yacht Kialoa III. For this edition, we welcomed ten guests from the Netherlands who joined us with one goal in mind: to experience the regatta in the true spirit of “Serious Fun”.
Before the races began, we spent two full days sailing together around Sint Maarten cruising, practicing, and training as a team. Gradually, the group dynamic got formed and by the time the regatta started, we were ready to race.
The regatta lasts several days, with multiple races scheduled throughout each day. The exact courses are revealed only on the morning of each race, which means every day brings new challenges and strategies.
Sailing aboard Kialoa III is always a unique experience: she is a historic yacht, powerful but heavy, carrying several dozen more tons than many of our competitors. That difference makes every maneuver more demanding, but it also makes every success on the water feel even more significant.
At one point during the regatta, the intensity of the racing pushed us to our limits. Our staysail, under too much tension, ripped during the race, forcing us to withdraw from the final race of the day. It was a setback, but our captain worked relentlessly, and in less than 24 hours the sail was repaired and we were ready to start again the following morning.
Race after race, tack after tack, we found our rhythm. Our teamwork improved with every maneuver, and our coordination became more instinctive. On the final day of racing, we narrowly missed first place in both of the courses.
The real surprise came later during the prize ceremony at the Heineken Regatta village. Our team was proud to receive an award:
– Fastest Monohull Non-Spinnaker Around the Island, awarded during the Around the Island race.
The end of the regatta also marked our departure from Sint Maarten preparing for our next adventures. We set sail toward Martinique, before heading to Antigua at the end of April for two upcoming regattas. In the meantime, Kialoa III continues to welcome guest crews and charter groups, offering them the opportunity to discover the joy of sailing in the Carribean aboard a true legend of the seas.
Come aboard and share the passion! Fair winds await.
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