The fastest, most elegant racing yachts compete in the Americas Cup. Sleek high-tech machines, developed and maintained by budgets in the hundreds of millions of Dollars, are fighting for the highest honor in the sailing regatta world. These boats are called '12 Metres' after the technical formula for their design, with their actual 'length overall' being about 66 feet.
What happens to these thoroughbreds once they completed their campaigns? The surprising answer: They go to Sint Maarten to start a second life as part of the region's most exhilarating public water excursion! Yes, you too are invited to sail on legendary boats such as the American's Cup winner Stars & Stripes in a close race against their original nemesis.
Cruise lines named the 12 Metre Regatta as a top Caribbean excursion, and it's easy to see why: This is an activity suitable for the novice sailor, even children as young as nine years are allowed to come along. At the same time, any true sailing aficionado and even experienced sailors with a circumnavigation under their belt will yearn to get a feel for the most efficient sailing machines ever conceived.
Guests have the choice just to relax and to enjoy the ride... or to become an active part of the crew, trimming the sails, grinding the winches and doing their best to beat the competition in this true race.
To partake in a 12 Metre Regatta should be on the bucket list of anyone with love for the sea. Individuals can book a place, but the activity is also available to larger groups as special events. The docks of the 12 Metre Regatta are close to the cruise ship port in Point Blanche and behind Chesterfields Restaurant in Philipsburg.
12 Metre Clubhouse
26 Juancho Yrasquin Blvd.,
Dock Maarten Marina
Philipsburg, St. Maarten (view map).
Local: +1 721.542.0045
