October 19, 2017

St. Maarten Marine Trades Association announces the launch of its website caribbeanyachtingupdate2017.com

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As St. Maarten is getting back on its feet after the passage of Hurricane Irma, communication about what is open and available is very important for anybody interested in coming to the island. The St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA) has launched the website, caribbeanyachtingupdate2017.com to provide condition reports on everything from airport, marina and port openings to transport of goods, yacht services, hotels and restaurants.
For the island of St. Maarten the reports look promising. The airports on both the Dutch and French side are open for commercial flights again, Port St. Maarten will welcome the first cruise ship November 5th and most of the bars and restaurants opened their doors again.
Marina updates slowly come in and confirm the following opening dates and status:
 Dutch Side:

  • Lagoon Marina (open):
    The Lagoon Marina is fully operational and has boats docked already. Water and power to be completely restored before the end of October. The Lagoonies Bistro and Bar and other facilities are open too.
  • Island Water World Marina (open):
    Limited dockage available, running at about 50% available capacity. Power and water at the docks to be restored in November/December. Fuel dock is open. Both marine supply stores in Cole Bay and Sandy Ground, Marigot are open as usual.
  • Port de Plaisance Marina (partially open):
    Several slips are available at Port de Plaisance Marina and one yacht is docked already.
  • IGY: Isle de Sol (intended to open early November): 
    25% of the marina is expected to be operational by early November, and 50% or more by early December. All crew amenities including the Fat Turtle Bar and Restaurant will be open in November.
  • Simpson Bay Marina (indented to open early November):
    Some slips, the marina office and amenities such as bathrooms and showers will open by early November. More slips will be available by early December.
  • Palapa Marina (opening date to be confirmed):
    Palapa Marina will be open for the season, but a specific date cannot be confirmed yet. The infamous Soggy Dollar Bar is open already.

French Side: 

  • Marina Fort Louis (date to be confirmed):
    The marina is intending to be open this season, but a specific date still needs to be confirmed.

 The SMMTA has confirmed to update the website weekly. In the meantime, the Regatta Office is available to assist you with any island- or event related questions.
For more information about the SMMTA, please visit http://yachtingstmaarten.com/ or check https://www.caribbeanyachtingupdate2017.com/stmaarten for the latest marine updates about St. Maarten.
St. Maarten Heineken Regatta
Four days of world-class racing with some of the world’s most seasoned sailors, from more than 35 countries, sailing Maxis, Monohulls and Performance Multihulls to holiday-makers on chartered Bareboats and live-aboard families cruising the Caribbean. Crystal clear waters and cooling northeast trade winds provide pristine conditions for spectacular racing around the coast of St. Martin. And with Heineken as title sponsor, the racing days blend seamlessly into four nights of exceptional parties. Come and enjoy life in the Caribbean, come for some Serious Fun from March 1-4, 2018!
For full information on the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, including results, photos, videos, party- and band information, and much, much more, visit www.heinekenregatta.com.
St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Office
The Sint Maarten Yacht Club
Welfare Road 90, Simpson Bay, St. Maarten
T: +1 721 544 2079
Email: regatta@heinekenregatta.com
Contact racing@heinekenregatta.com for questions about the racing, classes and format.

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