In the final quarter of 2008, Curaçao will be completely captivated by the year’s biggest event: the first edition of the Heineken Regatta Curaçao, which will take place on 7, 8 and 9 November. It has been inspired by the world famous St. Maarten Regatta, which has grown into an event where sailing and world-class music both take center stage.
The Heineken Regatta Curaçao will start and finish in historic downtown Willemstad. Spectators will not only witness a large number of water sports in several classes, but can also enjoy countless fun activities, including performances by several local artists in the Regatta Village at Kleine Werf, Handelskade and Brionplein. On Sunday night the first overall winner of the Heineken Regatta Curaçao will be awarded with the prestigious NIBanc Cup and the festival will conclude with a sizzling show by the undisputed Queen of Soca, Alison Hinds.
Heineken Curaçao & Bonaire, along with the Curaçao Sailing Festival Foundation, have taken the initiative to organize the Heineken Regatta Curaçao. The Regatta’s purpose is to increase Curaçao’s popularity in Europe and the United States. It will put Curaçao on the international sailing calendar. In addition, Curaçao will become more interesting as a place to repair and maintain yachts, especially during the hurricane season. Above all, the organization aims to offer two days and nights of top of the line entertainment for visitors and locals to enjoy together.
The Heineken Regatta St. Maarten, which served as the inspiration, has provided an enormous economic impulse and has increased its island’s popularity. With this firmly in mind, the Curaçao Sailing Festival Foundation decided to contact Heineken.
The Heineken Regatta Curaçao uses the slogan ‘Real different!’, which will permeate all aspects of the event. Obviously, the unique location of the start and finish in the historic center of Willemstad is extremely real and different. The Regatta will take place in the Anna Bay and incorporate several water sports in different classes. The event will not only feature the large sailing yachts, but also sunfishes, fishing contests, kite surfing, water skiing and a lightning parade. Especially unique is the fact that spectators will be able to enjoy the various water sports from the historic Handelskade and Kleine Werf.
The Heineken Regatta Curaçao also has plenty to offer to those who will not be participating in any water sports. On Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., everyone will be able to enjoy endless activities and events at the Regatta Village at Kleine Werf and at the Handelskade. UTS will organize a family event at Brionplein, where CTB will host a culture & cuisine experience.
Evening entertainment on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November will take place at the ‘Kleine Werf’ (Regatta Village). The festival will be headlined by the ‘Undisputed Queen of Soca,’ Alison Hinds from Barbados, who will provide a sizzling closing performance on Sunday.
The island is showing broad support for the goals of the Heineken Regatta Curaçao. CPA will make sure that there is plenty of room for the sailing competition by temporarily rerouting commercial shipping traffic. The port authority will further contribute by making the Kleine Werf area available at no charge, and by supplying security.
NIBanc is the proud sponsor of the NIBanc Cup. The NIBanc Cup is the cup for the overall winner of the regatta. The winner of this first Heineken Regatta Curacao will be the first to have its name engraved on the cup. NIBanc will also be hosting the Captain’s Cocktail Party that will take place on Friday November 7th welcoming our international and local participants to the regatta. ENNIA and Banco di Caribe are also partners in the event.
For more information about the Heineken Regatta Curaçao, www.heinekenregattacuracao.com or call Heineken’s Jurriaan van ’t Hoff at 461 7060.
Preview submitted by the Heineken Regatta Curaçao
