Each month we pick our favourite events for the upcoming 3 months from www.yachting-calendars.com powered by Hamilton Connections.
MARCH
Dubai International Boat Show 1-5 March There’s much talk about the 29th edition of the largest marine and lifestyle show in the Middle East. The 5-day boat show is hosted at the Dubai Harbour – an extraordinary seafront district designed for the ultimate maritime lifestyle. The Islander will be represented by Lucie Gardiner and our collaborator from the French Riviera, Sophianna Bergonzi a.k.a. @miss_yacht. Read our report in the April issue.
St. Maarten Heineken Regatta 2-5 March This will be the 43rd St. Maarten Heineken Regatta! In 1980, it started as the St. Maarten Regatta with a modest 12 sailboats participating. Three years later, in 1983, Heineken became a major sponsor of the St. Maarten Regatta and ‘Heineken’ was added to the name of the event. Heineken participated with a fee of 3,750 guilders (approximately $2,100). As a bonus, the competitors received ice-cold Heineken beer from a passing powerboat while they were racing. After the involvement of Heineken, the event grew fast. With the addition of a 3rd day in 1990, the event grew to 187 boats in 1995, and 251 boats in 1999. Another racing day, the Commodore’s Cup was added in 2005. The record amount of boats participating in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta was in 2008 with 284 boats.
St. Barths Bucket Regatta 16-19 March The first Bucket Regatta was organized in Nantucket, Massachusetts in August of 1986. At a birthday celebration organized by Nelson Doubleday, several yacht owners participated in a spirited discussion about optimal yacht design and individual sailing prowess. The following day, with only a night of preparation, seven sailing superyachts raced on a hastily prepared 15-mile course on Nantucket Sound. The stated prize of this impromptu competition was simply to attain undisputed superyacht-sailing bragging rights for the year. They soon learned, however, that the pleasure and enjoyment of a camaraderie formed at sea between like-minded individuals was the greatest prize of all. As a result, a nearby spare bucket was deemed sufficient to commemorate the racing accomplishment, and the Bucket Regatta was born. In 1995, the beautiful French island of St Barths hosted its first Bucket Regatta and it has done so in March every year since.
APRIL
MYBA Charter Show – Barcelona 24-27 April As a Professional Trade Show, the MYBA Charter Show brings together the world’s leading luxury charter professionals. It provides them with the opportunity to appraise some of the finest yachts available for charter, meet with captains and crew, and explore an exceptional array of ancillary services. The Chefs’ Competition places the benchmark high, the seminars are enlightening and the social calendar provides excellent networking possibilities. The 33rd edition of the Show will be held in Barcelona from Monday 24 April to Thursday 27 April 2023. The onsite Show Managers, Marina Port Vell and the centre of Barcelona as a spectacular backdrop will provide for a wonderful event.
PIBS + Palma Superyacht Village 27-30 April The Islander Magazine is the proud Media Partner of the Palma Superyacht Village and will be visibly present at our home-port event. The Superyacht Village, formerly called the Palma Superyacht Show, features some of the finest 24m+ superyachts currently on the international brokerage and charter market. Another huge attraction is the Village’s wide array of shore-side exhibitors, showcasing anything from the latest advancements in sail design to next-level marine electronics. The Superyacht Village also includes a dedicated Refit & Repair area that targets the yachting industry’s experts and professionals.
MAY
PalmaVela – Palma 3-7 May Originally created as a regatta for Maxis, and formerly known as the Maxi Race Week, since 2004 the regatta has truly embraced a wide scope of sailing classes living up to its name. The classes consist of Big Boats: Wally and Maxi, IRC and ORC, TP52, Swan Class, Dragon, J80, Flying Fifteen, the Classic fleet and the Hansa 303 class. Last year the event kicked off with the “La Larga” offshore race before 4 days of class races in the Bay Of Palma. We can expect a similar program for its 19th edition.
Ibiza Gold Cup 29 May – 1 June Profiling itself as an exclusive, but fun sailing event for 60ft+ yachts (Performance Cruiser, Cruisers & Classics). The organisers promise three days of competitive sailing from bay to bay during the day, while the evenings comprise social events and entertainment at different venues, resulting in great group dynamics. Ideal for teams to train (carefree), compete, relax and network –but above all– enjoy!
Watch this space for more upcoming events in the April Issue.
