The legendary Barcolana
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.29.3″ background_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” z_index_tablet=”500″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.29.3″ width=”100%” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” z_index_tablet=”500″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.29.3″ src=”/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-16-at-09.48.16-2.png” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” z_index_tablet=”500″ /][et_pb_text]Our last and biggest Regatta for the season, the legendary Barcolana!
This regatta is not only a spectacle to see, it is also a 14 mile long trapeze-shaped course and a seven day festival! Good racing combined with the smell of pizza and the sound of Italian music is one of the best combinations.
This year, it was the 50th anniversary of the Barcolana, and had a record of entries: 2689!
During the start of the Barcolana, all boats start at the same time from the same start line. There is an absolute chaos, as you have Maxi’s and other full racing machines alongside family boats, traditional boats and charter boats. Because of the difference in knowledge and extremely chaotic start, most of the family boats, traditional boats and charter boats start with their engine on and fenders on both sides.
Before the race we visited our old friend Giorgio Martin (Commodore). Giorgio gave us a warm welcome. Afterwards we had some time to visit Marion Frijling (Secretary of Sailing Club Barcolana) who organizes this monster event. The combination of her Dutch sense of organisation combined with Italian charm seems to be the perfect mix for this Regatta!
The evening before the Race we went to Riva (the main dock in town) where we talked to lots of sailors about the Caribbean, the fun we have there and the importance of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. We were pleasantly surprised about the amount of people that showed intrest in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. But yeah, compared to this cold weather who wouldn’t want to race in crystal-clear warm waters?
Race
This time we will be accompanied by two friends from Rijeka (Croatia): Ante and Patrik. Ante and Patrik are both two great sailors, so together we’ll be a great team! With our small Heineken-green monster, and our matching Gill shirt it looks like we’re ready, and so do we feel.
The weather forecast was 20 knots on the start, dropping down fast to 5 kts from NE – E. This means that the port tack start gives you the best position, or in another words: chaos, because in reach mode you can not stop the boat. At the 5 minutes shot, the airforces passed the start line. They flew really low, so we worried for a moment about the Maxis and the ofter 100+ feet masts.. We couldn’t keep worrying because of the beautiful show, including the colours of the Italian flag, they did.
One minute before the start: We were close to the start line when big boat broke his mast, which brought himself reversed to the start line. We managed to escape them, but the next job for Sabine and Patrik was to push off the other boats. After that, the boom of another boat missed Sabines head by an inch.
Start: Another boat behind us broke her mast broke, and our GoPro Camera Recorded everything. After a challenging start we went like a rocket, with open kite (our best weapon) we steamed towards the first buoy. We managed to leave the majority of the fleet, as our small rocket likes to fly and does that every time she has chance.
Rounding the first buoy: It was a total mess as and it looks like we managed to lead our group of 150 boat!
Rounding of the second buoy: We hit the wall of eight boats that were tangled up. We broke the stanchion hitting the boat in a front with no way to pass. Still in very good position with top boats in the class we were on upwind leg to 3rd buoy. We rounded the 3rd buoy and on the way to 4th/the last one we were still fighting for a top five position. Only two miles from the finish we heard a sharp sound from the top of our mast. Our leeward shrouds were loose, so we had to make a decision and retired from the race.
It was a pity, but we were happy our mast did not came down. Going back with mixed feelings, but happy to be present on this gigantic event an representing the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, the Sint Maarten Yacht Club and Sint Maarten itself!
Ciao arrivederci!
See you in 2019,
Hopefully on St. Maarten during the 39th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta,
Ben and Sabine
39 years strong and it just keeps getting better. 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 give the pristine conditions for spectacular racing just off the coast of St. Maarten. And with Heineken as title sponsor, the racing days blend seamlessly into four nights of exceptional parties. This event is your bucket list must-do! Come and enjoy life in the Caribbean, come for some Serious Fun from February 28 – March 3, 2019!
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
