On March 8, 2017, our CEO Rob Barlow joined fellow British and American crewmembers of the EH01 Performance Yacht Racing team in winning second place in the CSA1 class of the 37th Annual St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. As a mast man, Rob hoisted the sails and worked the jib pole on the bow – a thrilling and active position.
The Regatta offers four days of racing through north-easterly trade winds with an average temperature of 25°C and crystal clear waters. Boats from thirty-seven countries competed in this year’s event. The course was beautiful, taking the team past the breathtaking beaches and rock formations of the island. On shore, they enjoyed the culture, cuisine and music from both the Dutch and French side. It was clear how much planning, effort and energy the hardworking Regatta staff and local community put into the event.
The team definitely appreciated the efforts of the Regatta organizers to strengthen the community through art, environmental protection and sailing. For example, the Regatta Art Competition for primary and high school students promotes awareness of the thriving talent within the community. Additionally, the Regatta participates in the Clean Regatta Program of Sailors for the Sea, a conservation organization. As a result, the event employs a paperless registration process, uses biodegradable products where possible, and offers public transportation to various celebrations in St. Maarten. Among other initiatives, Regatta participants can donate to the St. Maarten Yacht Club Youth Sailing program, which gives lessons to local youth and adults.
This year’s event was dynamic and one of the best-run events the team had the pleasure of attending. Our CEO is proud to support events like this in the Caribbean since the company has been doing business there from its inception. WireIE also has a history of supporting the St. Maarten and wider Caribbean business communities, partnering with them to help build out their infrastructure. For example, WireIE recently donated computers to satisfy the needs of growing technology-aided learning programs in both St Maarten and Grenada.
Thank you to the race committee, which works year-round to organize this, and the entire EH01 racing crew. We are looking forward to seeing Rob participate in the event again next year.
