By the Caribbean Journal staff
While Hurricane Irma caused serious damage on the island of St Maarten, the organizers of the destination’s major Heineken Regatta say they will still hold next year’s regatta as planned.
The 2018 regatta is “still on for 2018,” organizers wrote in a statement.
Next year will be the 38th edition of the St Maarten Heineken Regatta, which last year brought together sailors from more than 35 countries on boats ranging from sailing Maxis to holidaymakers on chartered bareboats.
Although high numbers of yachts have been destroyed in St Maarten, much of the marine infrastructure is still intact.
The St Maarten Yacht Club’s main building remained intact, though docks, decks and other structures were damaged.
The regatta is scheduled to take place March 1-4, 2018.