“Heineken Regatta Curaçao: Serious Fun” headlines a mid December press release from the newly established Curaçao Sailing Foundation (CSF). “In imitation of St. Maarten, Aruba, BVI, Antigua and Puerto Rico, Curaçao also will organize a real big international Heineken Regatta,” the message opens with. After all, the famous Dutch Beer brand has attached its name to sailing events in the Caribbean for more than 30 years!
These regattas developed into high quality sail- and music events, not only for the sailors but also for non-sailors, tourists and locals. The striking slogan “Serious Fun” has been set up for a good reason.
The new members of the CSF board used the Heineken St Maarten Regatta as a model. 2500 participants from more than 40 countries provide an excellent impulse for the local economy every year. With this in mind CSF aimed for the Heineken sponsorship for their first international Regatta.
Heineken Curaçao manager Jurriaan van ‘t Hof immediately fell in with the idea and officially signed the agreement during the presentation to the local media, which marked the preparations’ kick-off. With almost a year till the date—November 7 through 9, 2008—the five-man board can start working out Gijs Boer’s idea.
As one of the owners of the “Curaçao Marine” boat yard, CSF’s chairman Boer sees his customers leave the Curaçao one after the other once the hurricane season comes to an end. Many yacht owners use this time of the year for repair and maintenance on this island below the hurricane belt. Boer figured out that it would be a great idea to organize a big international event and give the sailors something to look forward to when leaving the island, and attract others to come south.
The sailing part of the new regatta will be organized by the CSF team while Heineken will take care of the entertainment program ashore. Place of the action will be the surroundings of Curaçao’s Anna Bay with the world famous “Handelskade” as a photogenic and colorful backdrop. The historic building of the Maritime Museum is planned to be the Regatta home base.
For more information call Gijs Boer +5999 562 8000
