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