Caribbean Racing: St Maarten Regatta

The St Maarten Regatta takes place over four days. To ensure you have the best experience, we include a pre-race sail from Antigua, two days of pre-regatta training, and a couple of days to sail back to Antigua afterward, giving you some more relaxed time to enjoy the island and sailing.

Join the boat in Antigua

We’ll start with all the safety briefings and yacht acclimatization you’d expect with Rubicon 3. A really thorough start helps ensure everyone stays safe but also that everyone can get fully involved. We’ll head out on the water in the afternoon and get the rust out of the system, polishing your individual skills and starting to shape you into a regatta-ready team!

Sail to St Maarten

Next, we’ll set sail for St. Maarten, which is around 150 miles north of Antigua. This gives us a full day of sailing in the powerful trade winds and perfect training, followed by a special night of sailing under the stars and memories for life. On arrival into Antigua the next day, you’ll find the crew have bonded and are operating really well as a team.

Pre Regatta Training

Next, we’ll be conducting training drills off the coast of St. Maarten, discussing and fine-tuning racing techniques.

Sail Trim and Boat Handling

• Practice adjusting sails for optimal speed and efficiency, considering wind and sea conditions.
• Drill on tacking and gybing, focusing on smooth, coordinated maneuvers.
• Work on upwind and downwind sailing techniques, including spinnaker handling if applicable.

4. Starting Line Procedures

• Practice timing and positioning for race starts.
• Execute simulated starts to understand the importance of positioning and timing in relation to other boats.

5. Race Tactics and Strategy

• Discuss race strategy, including course navigation, identifying shifts in wind, and tactical positioning relative to other boats.
• Practice mark rounding, focusing on efficient turns and maintaining speed.

6. Crew Communication and Coordination

• Emphasize clear, effective communication among crew members.
• Practice rapid, coordinated responses to changing conditions and commands.

7. Safety Drills

• Conduct man-overboard drills and other safety procedures.
• Reinforce the importance of safety gear and protocols during racing.

Note

• Racing is sponsored by the Caribbean Yachting Association with the cruising boats rated under the St. Martin handicapping system

St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

Each of the four race days follows a similar structure:

• Morning: Briefing and preparation for the day’s races.
• Day: Participate in the race events.
• Evening: Enjoy the regatta festivities, including live music, parties, and local events, including the legendary closing party

Return Sail to Antigua

Early the next morning, we’ll depart St. Maarten for Antigua. We’ll enjoy a more relaxed sail back, sharing experiences and learnings from the regatta. It’s always a very special sail. On arrival in Antigua, there’ll be a final dinner with the crew, sharing memories and saying farewells before disembarkation and goodbyes as the crew depart for home or continue their travels.

The difference between Rubicon 3 and a yacht charter

This is not a luxury yacht charter vacation on a private yacht but a proper sailing adventure. 

1. Tailored Experience: Unlike many yacht charters, the Rubicon 3 team works daily to tailor the experience to your interests and skill level. Whether you’re interested in learning advanced sailing techniques, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, or focusing on particular activities like snorkeling or fishing, we look to help you achieve it.
2. Expert Knowledge: Yacht charter companies will send you off with minimal instruction. Rubicon 3 has extensive local knowledge and expertise. We can find hidden gems, secluded anchorages, and the best spots that might be off the radar of the charter companies. This insider knowledge significantly enhances the sailing adventure. 
3. Learning Opportunities: Racing with Rubicon 3, you don’t need any previous sailing experience. If you’re interested in learning about sailing, navigation, or seamanship, the expert Rubicon 3 instructors ensure a hands-on, educational experience. This is ideal if you see your sailing trip as a vacation and a learning opportunity.