St Maarten during the Heineken

[NSfooter]

We are planning on being in St Maarten during this year's Heineken, but trying to work-out where will be best to drop the hook. With so many boats there for the racing, my guess is that some areas will be too busy or off limits. Does anyone know where the race boats are moored/anchored?

[MarkJ]

A lot come into the Lagoon each night. Simpson Bay off Kim shaw beach (sp?) will be busy.
But the rest of Simpson bay will have tons of space.

The night everyone is in Marigot bay will be busy but theres heaps of space there, as too Phillipsberg.

St Martin always has lots of space the more the merrier!

[NSfooter]

Thanks, Mark. Sounds like I shouldn't have to worry too much. Based on what I have heard, I think the French part is less hassle & cheaper, so will probably head up to the French side of the Lagoon. Cheers!

Pete Williams
s/v MapleCookie

[MarkJ]

Remember the lagoon is unswimable where outside can be very nice.
In Simpson Bay the snorkeling is excellent.
And the Dutch side costs $20 per week for a boat under 40 feet so the expense may not be too much

[Kh3412]

Just returned from sxm. I would stay on the Dutch side, the French side has more cases of chikungunya. The Dutch side uses the dollar also and all speak English.
There is a new causeway bridge in the center of the lagoon bridge opens 15 minutes before outbound openings and 15 minutes after inbound openings, will make sense when you are there. Feel free to ask any questions as we go there every year.

[NSfooter]

Hmm, baguettes & croissants were appealing but chickungunya not so much. Dutch it is! Last couple of trips to the BVIs we never saw a single mosquito - are they noticeable in St Maarten?

We are coming from Tortola via Saba and are planning to hike Mt Scenery. Can't see anything online about chickungunya there. Fingers etc crossed.

Pete Williams
s/v MapleCookie

[neilpride]

My sugestion , stay far way from the racing crowd, i mean pull upthe hook at first sign of boats coming or drop the hook late in the afternoon, dont be close , each year boats get damaged in squalls and wind sifts, they anchor to close to each other and in some instances with a short rope rode and small anchor, racing rules lol, trying to found in a night squall help to free your anchor from 2 racing boats dragging on you is not funy..

[NSfooter]

Thats my worry. Perhaps a marina berth is more sensible, but I will be leaving for Tortola in the very early hours so need to swing on the hook for one night outside the lagoon. Will plan to do this at 4pm! Cheers

[NSfooter]

Thanks Mark. Will be there in just less than 2 weeks. Will look out for you!

Pete Williams
s/v MapleCookie

[Kh3412]

We stay next to the bridge Dutch side (be sure and wave to the people watching from up there ) and being on the top floor and with the trade winds have not had a problem. We carried deet when out at night and came through 3 weeks without a bite. Not sure of the winds in the lagoon but wind can be your friend with bug and the heat. We fly down but have sailed the lagoon ( bar crawl) , this year got to go out on the America cup 12 meter boats. A chance to ride history, if interested book now may be full already. The regatta is a great trill to see and the parties every night go till morning. If you can get a mooring ball in Simpson bay off kimsha beach you would be in a great place for the closing ceremonies.




Simpson bay




Bridge opening





Simpson lagoon