St. Maarten’s 31st Heineken Regatta

::ENTERTAINMENT NEWS WITH A CANADIAN TWIST::

::ST. MAARTEN HEINEKEN REGATTA::
LE Newsletter - March 24, 2011

St. Maarten’s 31st Heineken Regatta – March 3-6, 2011 - VIDEOS

Toronto in March: grey, damp, cold, wet.

St. Maarten in March: bright, sunny, warm, breezy.

Not a tough choice to accept the assignment of covering the 31^st Heineken Regatta in sunny and friendly St. Maarten.

This edition of the Heineken Regatta was forecasted to be exciting for those competing in the regatta as over a hundred yachts (the “century mark”) competed in a half-dozen different classes. And for the music revellers, like myself, we get excited about musical performances on various beaches around the island. Hosting the series of concerts throughout the week-long events is former New Yorker, now St. Maarten and radio host and a TOTAL all star for even surviving the week long festivities, G Money (pictured). Amongst the many talented artists from various locales, the headliner this year was Haitian-born, activist and world music artist, Wyclef Jean.

The first thing when arriving on the tarmac and deplaning in St. Maarten is the whoosh of warm air that hits your face. You know the one – the air that brings a slow smile to your face. Then, as the reality sets in that you’ve been transplanted to another time zone, you smell the salt air from the Caribbean Sea.

For my first night, I checked into my hotel, the famous Holland House, which is one of my fave hotels during the regatta. Outstanding customer service (ask for Carmella or Vernon!):

I was greeted by good friends of Barbara Chatarpaul Alleyne of Toronto’s Excess Entertainment (http://www.excess-ent.com). I was whisked away by Mike, a promoter on the island, and other friends (78entertainment inc.), who had my back during my stay. We went to Toppers on Simpsons Bay, to hear some ‘interesting but not horrible’ karaoke. Lots of drinks later and I finally felt that I had left my life in Toronto in exchange for life in St. Maarten. I went later in the week and the food was very good.

Coasting on the good feeling of a warm welcome, the next day involved checking in and picking up the media kit from the organizers of the Heineken Regatta, which, by the way, was chock full of sponsored gifts including, of course, a 6 pack of Heineken, Capt. Morgan’s Spiced Rum, perfume and lots of sailor-worthy memorabilia.

Next stop – Ras Bushman’s The Ital Shack restaurant, featuring vegan food exclusively grown on his property. Ras Bushman is famous on the island, not only for his restaurant but also for his live reggae performances around the island. His legendary Foundation Freedom Fighters was established for Rastafarian musical reggae band purposes.

Of note, as well, is Ras Bushman’s son, Jawara Ku-j Joe is getting major radio play for his single, Mr. Customs Officer. See the video here:

As well, one of my first stops is the Get Wet Beach Bar and Grille in Philipsburg, owned by Canadians from Orillia, Ontario. Always available are amazing burgers and Heineken (pilsner, which is not available in North America) which is remarkably cheap during the regatta at 2 for $3! Even cruise ship captains recommend this hot spot for their comfort food fare and cold beverages.

Thursday was spent perusing jewellery stores, namely Grand Jewelers with an American couple who pick up their jewellery there every year – duty free and custom-made should you wish, you can’t go wrong. Not to mention champagne or beer offered to you once you start browsing! Ask for Sunny – he’ll take care of you. We were treated to lunch at Au Petite Café … best wrap I’ve ever had!

Friday night was the famous party on the boardwalk of Philipsburg. One of my favourites as there are three stages over a mile of boardwalk on the beach facing the Salt Pond and the Caribbean Sea. Parallel to the boardwalk is Front and Back Streets featuring vendors and shop after shop each trying to outdo the others offering electronics, alcohol, jewellery, linens, perfume, and more.

If security is your issue, I can vouch for the intensified security, police patrol and staff to ensure everyone safely enjoys the regatta The police were very visible and friendly helping anyone needing assistance.

Bands and talent were plentiful … and REALLY good! Great night … especially at my hotel, Holland House which was the host of the VIP of the regatta. Featured bands that night were Roots Down Below; Full Circle featuring Silver Logan Sharp; XP Band; Remo & Barbwire; Phlox & Showtime Band; Percy Rankin & His Bonfire Band and Peering Pacheco.

Saturday night was a concert in Marigot whose theme was the spirit of Carnival. Bands included Sir Oungku & Red Hot, Cut Creator DJ Outkast and the Explosion Band. Despite the fact that I could not attend due to an early morning press conference with Wyclef, I heard that this concert was fantastic! There was a serious jump up as Sir Oungku drove the crowd into a Soca Frenzy.

Sunday (closing day for the regatta) was an exciting day!

First was the press conference at St. Maarten Yacht Club at 9:00 am (!) where the media got to hear Wyclef speak and get photo ops and interviews with him. I've got to say that it was a thrill to meet him! There was an excitement there (despite the hour!) that I hadn’t quite experienced before at those press conferences. I think that it was a combination of Wyclef’s global recognition, his run for Haitian presidency and the fact that he speaks French, which appealed to many of the French media attending.

Next up was a day at the beach in Grand Case on the French side of the island. We went to a remote part of beach where there are many cute shops offering fashion, food and home décor. There is a certain je ne sais quoi on the French side – a whole different flavour and style than the Dutch side. Picturesque and just beautiful!