January 30, 2024 — Simpson Bay — The 44th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta will be a celebration of Caribbean culture – from the heritage of the island and sailing to the sights, sounds and flavors of what makes St. Maarten so unique. Prepare to experience a mélange of the Caribbean, where music, dance and flavors come together to celebrate the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta this February 29 – March 3, 2024!
In preparation for the event that is officially one month away, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is proud to announce a local and international line-up that compliments the energy of the Regatta. Thursday, February 29 kicks off the 4-day Regatta Party with an epic DJ Battle featuring local DJs. Lovers of EDM can expect the party island to deliver on the best riffs and loops in the Caribbean.
On Friday, March 1, international artists Kevin Lyttle and Rupee are the evening’s headliners, serenading the crowds with their chart-topping hits. Kevin Lyttle became world famous with “Turn Me On”, his hit single – a dance pop hit with Caribbean vibes derived from his home island of St. Vincent. Rupee will also set the tone, serving up the Soca sounds from his native Barbados, including “Tempted to Touch.” Local artists adding to the hot lineup on Friday will include King T-Mo, Control Band and Mix Master Pauly guaranteeing a fun-filled Friday night.
Saturday, March 2 features double the fun with French Urban pop duo DROXYANI. Bringing together one love, one island – St. Maarten and Saint Martin celebrate “Twice the Caribbean” with a French blend of Caribbean sounds from this American Haitian duo. It is sure to be an island-wide dance party! Local artists King James, Latin Sugar, Urmain Drum Band and island DJs, as well as a Carnival Troupe dance performance will set the stage for a true Caribbean celebration.
Sunday, March 3 is the big day with international artist Tarrus Riley as the main headliner. Tarrus Riley is a Jamaican American, true Rastafarian with pure reggae medlies that he makes his own with an incredible band. The song “She’s Royal” is his signature song that makes everyone sway when these tunes come on. Known as an incredible performer, he was picked up internationally quickly, resulting in collaborations with Major Lazer and Ellie Goulding.
Artist Adam O backed by Blind Earz will also serve up the Caribbean spirit from the US Virgin Islands to get the crowd warmed up with soca and reggae songs. DJ Puffy will also make his debut on the Regatta stage, emerging as the most skilful DJ of his era. DJ Puffy excelled by creating a unique Caribbean-EDM sound that captivates audiences, holding the title as a finalist of the Red Bull Thre3style World Championships. Local artists such as Tamillia Chance and Kenyo Baly will once again rock the Regatta stage, and deliver on some home-grown St. Maarten musical talent.
All of these incredible artists can be found performing at the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Village at Princess Port de Plaisance daily starting after Regatta prize giving. The Regatta Village is open to the public daily starting at 3 PM, with prize giving starting around 6 PM, and live music immediately following the daily prize giving. The Regatta Village will also have several bars serving ice cold Heinekens, celebratory bottles and glasses of Veuve Clicquot champagne, and plenty of Tito’s Vodka cocktails to choose from! With lots of food and entertainment for all, the Regatta Village is a family-friendly venue with a medley of sailors, locals and visitors who all share in the Regatta vibes.
After-parties will continue the celebrations with Heineken “Green Zones” at top island venues, Soggy Dollar Bar and Moonbar, on Friday and Saturday nights. For those looking to start the party earlier, head on up to Ele8 at Rainforest Adventures at 3 PM Saturday to capture the race finishes in Simpson Bay from a birdseye at the top of the Island! The world’s best EDM artists will elevate your senses with tropical house and beach vibes that take partying in paradise to another level.
The “Serious Fun!” is not only reserved for shoreside festivities; for four days 100+ international boats will be racing around the island for the 44th edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta! Sailors are getting prepared, with many race boats already on island, such as Volvo Ocean Race boat Team JAJO, and more arriving each day through the iconic Simpson Bay Bridge. Other expected competitors already registered are 100-ft Maxi race boats, a fleet of 30 Sunsail bareboats, and a home-grown fleet of Diam 24s attracting top performance sailors from around the world.
Those who are without a boat but are still interested in being part of the action on the water, can sign up to join the official VIP Spectator Boat. The VIP Spectator Boat is hosted by Sint Maarten Yacht Club on Saturday and Sunday during racing, offering breakfast, lunch, and an open bar. Listen to live commentary provided by Sint Maarten Yacht Club sailors who offer the play-by-play as spectators relish in front-row seats to the start line action. Learn more and start planning your Regatta schedule: www.heinekenregatta.com
