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