IT’S THAT time of year again. During March and April, the Caribbean plays host to some of the finest yachting events in the world. Each year, the top international circuit of sailing comes to the region, and the best events are more than regattas: they are island-wide celebrations of the sea, with a long tradition: Antigua sailing week was started in 1968 and the St Maarten Heineken Regatta is celebrating its 34th year, for example. Here are our favorites for the peak of the 2014 season.

St Maarten Heineken Regatta
Dates: March 6-9

This sets the gold standard for fun destination regattas. It’s more than a regatta, with parties, concerts and festivals. Described as “serious fun” and it lives up to the label.