In the United States, March Madness refers to basketball championship games. In the Caribbean, they have their own style of March Madness. Instead of players on the basketball courts, the “players” (sailors) have the deep blue sea as their court for the exciting sport of yacht racing.
In the spring, there are a plethora of yachting races held in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean. This March, there are three standouts: the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous in Virgin Gorda, and the St. Barths Bucket Regatta.
1. St. Maarten Heineken Regatta
With a mere 12 entries in the inaugural St. Maarten Heineken Regatta in 1980, this exciting sailing race has grown to more than 200 boats from all over the globe, including as far away as Russia!
This year’s regatta – the 35th anniversary edition – starts on March 5, and will wrap up on Sunday, March 8 following four days of breathtaking boat racing, nightly parties, delectable dining and entertainment, concerts from bands all over the world, and something fun for everyone to enjoy.
For more information about this race, please visit the official website.
2. Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous
This thrilling race, held on March 11 – 14, starts from the stunning, pristine island Virgin Gorda. Yachting sailors participate in three exciting days of racing in the gorgeous waters of the British Virgin Islands.
This race is organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS), within the international Superyacht Rule rating system. All yacht owners are welcome to follow the race, to take in the breathtaking views of the fleet of racers.
On the island, spectators and guests have a wealth of opportunity for recreation and relaxation, including the Welcome Cocktail at the exclusive YCCS, an elegant dinner at the Clubhouse, and plenty of parties and tourist activities to choose from. For more information about this race, please visit the official website.
Caribbean Charter Flights can fly you to Virgin Gorda quickly and safely, on your own terms. Find out more about our Virgin Gorda charter flights.
3. St. Barths Bucket Regatta
Coming up on March 22 on the prestigious and exclusive island of St. Barths is the Bucket Regatta, which has been a tradition since 1986. Although it was first organized in Nantucket, Massachusetts, and moved to Rhode Island in 2002, it eventually landed in St. Barths.
The venue headed down into the azure waters of St. Barths for the first time in 1995, with four yachts: Sariyah, the 131’ S & S ketch, Tom Taylor’s 108’ Ron Holland ketch, Gleam, Nelson Doubleday’s 130’ Palmer Johnson ketch, Mandalay and Parlay, the Alden design 127’ Ketch.
From its blithe beginnings in Nantucket 28 years ago with a mere seven boats, the most recent races in the Bucket Regattas of St. Barths include almost 60 yachts hoping for inclusion. Supporters and sponsors of this race span from Nantucket, Newport and St. Barths. For more information about this storied and classic race, please visit the official website.
Caribbean Charter Flights can fly you to St. Barths quickly and safely, on your own terms. Find out more about our St. Barths charter flights.
Getting There In Time
If you are interested in visiting these gorgeous islands yourself – and perhaps get in some yachting race viewing, contact us so we can help you with your planning and transportation needs. Our team of professionals will respond promptly to any question or query you may have.
