TriSport

Heineken Regatta this Weekend

Many many thanks to Lipstick, Fred and Thierry for putting together another fantastic XTERRA Triathlon.

It was a beautiful day, a beautiful course and a beautiful group of athletes and volunteers. We are still working on the split times, but they will be up on the site by Sunday evening, so hang ten everyone.

Congrats to the winners:

 
Men                                    Women                    Teams                        Junior Team
1)      Olivier Inguenaud        1) Sandra Garnier       1) Tri-Sport                1) Camille, Tom & Matteo
2)      Emmanuel Perronet     2) Liesbeth Defalco    2) Yann & Ronan
3)      Gregory Pigeon            3) Susy Piscione          3) Marianella, Lars & MikaelThis weekend offers a full schedule of parties and concerts thanks to the Heineken Regatta. Tonight we head over to Philipsburg to celebrate the end of today’s racing which will have the sailors racing along the Southern coast of St. Maarten. Tonight’s bands on the Boardwalk include The Mighty Dow, The District Band, Control Band and many more. Tomorrow’s racing follows the Western coastline, finishing in Marigot for the Bajan Soca Sensation Rupee (www.myspace.com/rupeemusic) and the final race on Sunday takes sailors around St. Maarten for a finish at Kim Sha Beach where we can enjoy the smooth sounds of Maxi Priest.

As some of you may know, Malcolm Maidwell, the founder of Tri-Sport, and the guru of sports in St. Maarten who started the Road Runners Club along with Frits Bus 25 years ago, then the Triathlon Club when he became interested in Multi Sport activities, and finally the Kayaking Club, FIAC, when he was unable to cycle due to a neck injury in a fall, is currently in Curacao recovering after a series of operations.
When he first arrived in St. Maarten back in the 60’s he was an avid sailor and started up the Tradewinds Regatta which was a longer version of today’s Heineken Regatta. We thought it fitting that we would include this article he wrote for this year’s Heineken Booklet that is distributed to members of the Yacht Club.

We are currently working on offering a package to racers who would like to participate in the Nevis Triathlon on March 21^st.

Here is what we have found out so far:

TRAVEL

·         Winair offers only a 1pm flight out of St. Maarten to Nevis and an 8am flight from Nevis to St. Maarten, so we are looking into LIAT’s flights to St. Kitts (see www.liat.com for flight info) which leave throughout the day, and then jumping on the Sea Bridge Ferry which is very inexpensive to Nevis.

HOTEL

·         The Oualie Beach has always been our favorite accommodations for this race due to the proximity to the Pasta party and Registration. Rates are $120 per night per room which can be 2 Double Beds or 1 King Size Bed.

·         The Nisbett Plantation is also a great option but is a bit more expensive at a special rate of $175 per night (2 persons per room).

·         For less expensive lodging, please contact the organizer, Winston Crooke at windsurfnevis@caribsurf.com

As soon as we have a confirmation on LIAT’s rates, we will email them to you.

NEWS FLASH: We have some more info on next week’s SXM Challenge Kayak Race!

Saturday, March 13^th, will include a compulsory 10KM Grading Race which will help in determining your distance class for the following day. Later on that day a fun 3Km down wind race for all.

Sunday will be the big day with a 46Km ‘Round the Island Race for those who qualify, a 12Km shorter Course for those who don’t qualify and Juniors, and a fun 6Km distance for everyone else who just wants to be a part of this great day. We will send details as to times, registration, etc.. in next week’s email.