SIMPSON BAY, ST. MAARTEN — Registration is officially open for the 47th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, with defending champions, multigenerational sailing families, and returning one-design teams already setting the tone for the 2027 edition.
The Notice of Race is now available through Yacht Scoring, inviting sailors from across the Caribbean and around the world to secure their place in one of the region’s largest and most celebrated sailing events.
The first team to register was the defending 2026 overall champion, More Zessin’. The St. Maarten-based J/105 returns to defend its title following an impressive victory against a fleet of more than 100 boats, with sailors representing over 35 countries.
The result was a source of considerable local pride, proving that a committed St. Maarten keelboat team could rise to the top of a highly competitive international fleet.
The victory also represented a passing of the torch. Owner and tactician Ryan Hope Ross led the campaign alongside his father and helmsman, Ian Hope Ross, continuing a family sailing tradition deeply rooted in St. Maarten.
As Ryan takes on a greater role in the team’s next chapter, More Zessin’ returns not only as defending champion, but also as an example for a new generation of local sailors.
https://www.heinekenregatta.com
