| Each year at the beginning of the tourism season, | | | | known as the event's most entertaining evening |
| world champion catamarans and their sailors | | | | activities. |
| descend on the island of Aruba. Lured by the | | | | Even before the Heineken Catamaran Regatta |
| incredible weather and perfect sailing conditions, | | | | became an annual event, Aruba was known as a |
| participants in the prestigious Heineken Aruba | | | | premier sailing destination. Nearly all year round, |
| Catamaran Regatta will race this year from | | | | the winds offshore create perfect sailing |
| November 10-16. Though a limited number of | | | | conditions. These gentle Caribbean breezes are |
| boats will be featured in the daily races, this | | | | always consistent enough to fill the sails of world |
| world-class sailing event also features plenty of | | | | champion regattas, yet pleasant enough for |
| activities for tourists. As the races and special | | | | amateurs to enjoy the water. Likewise, the |
| events take place at Palm Beach - home to some | | | | waves are mild and the crystal-clear water allows |
| of Aruba's most popular resorts and tourist | | | | sailors to enjoy the underwater sites while racing. |
| destinations - the Heineken Aruba Catamaran | | | | For tourists, the event falls at the beginning of |
| Regatta will provide a little extra fun for everyone | | | | Aruba's tourism season. Throughout the winter, |
| during one of the most exciting weeks of the | | | | uninterrupted sunshine is the norm while |
| year. | | | | temperatures remain in the high 70s and low 80s. |
| Now in its 17th year, the Aruba Heineken | | | | For all the visitors not participating in the races, |
| Catamaran Regatta will feature 40 European | | | | there will be plenty of activities throughout the |
| sailing teams and five boats local to the island. | | | | week, all focused on Aruba's most famous beach. |
| During the races, all sizes of catamarans will sail | | | | As the boats race close to the shore at Palm |
| side by side. Additionally, world champion sailing | | | | Beach, you can watch the races while relaxing in |
| teams will share the waters with less experienced | | | | the sand. The Heineken Catamaran Regatta will |
| sailors, adding to the event's playful camaraderie. | | | | also provide spectator boats during the races. |
| Over the course of a week, several different | | | | Visitors can hop aboard and sail next to the racing |
| types of races will be held off the coast of Aruba. | | | | sailboats, right in the heart of the action. |
| The short track races (also known as gate | | | | Throughout the week-long event, there will also |
| courses) and triangular races are estimated to | | | | be a number of special dining and entertainment |
| take about one hour each. The most exciting | | | | opportunities open to the public. |
| event, for sailors and spectators alike, is the long | | | | With one of the best sailing events in the world |
| distance race that hugs the island's coastline and | | | | on the island during the exciting start to the |
| finishes up in the harbor surrounding Palm Beach. | | | | tourism season, visitors can enjoy some extra |
| After the races each day, tourists can also sit in | | | | fun outside of their itineraries. As perfect weather |
| on the award ceremonies. Daily prizes are | | | | is almost a guarantee in Aruba, tourists will have a |
| presented to the top three catamarans in each | | | | chance to see - and potentially participate in - an |
| handicapped category. As all sizes of boats start | | | | exclusive sporting event from their own stretch |
| each race together, the results are separated into | | | | of powdery sand on Palm Beach. Most |
| fast and slow heats. With more awards to go | | | | importantly, the conditions that make Aruba so |
| around, the daily award ceremonies and their | | | | popular for sailing can also be enjoyed by you and |
| accompanying happy hours have come to be | | | | your family throughout the year. |