The 12-Meter Challenge

The America’s Cup is the most prestigious regatta in the world of sailing and the oldest active trophy in international sports. It also holds the longest winning streak ever in sport—from 1851 until 1983, the Americans were undefeated. In 1983 the Australians won the America’s Cup. Beaten skipper Dennis Conner won the Cup back four years later in 1987, with the famous yacht Stars & Stripes.

The St. Maarten 12 Metre Challenge gives you the opportunity to experience the thrill of racing aboard Dennis Conner’s America’s Cup winning yacht and its competitors of the 1987 America’s Cup. In a two-and-a-half-hour regatta, each participant is in the careful hands of the company’s expert sailors and will be individually trained on his or her crew position. Then, it’s off to the racecourse, grind a winch, trim a sail as the excitement builds… the race boats slice through the clear blue waters at speeds most sailors will have never sailed before; and suddenly everyone wants to win! But only one boat can cross the finish line first.

However, after such a uniquely thrilling experience as the St. Maarten 12 Metre Challenge, there can be no losers. Following the race, the fun continues in true Caribbean style with a rum and fruit punch party, celebrating great competition and teamwork. The St. Maarten 12 Metre Challenge is located in Philipsburg, at Bobby’s Marina.

Up to four of the three-hour regattas are held daily, which are popular with both visitors staying on the island and the passengers of the many cruise ships that call in Philipsburg. In fact, the 12-Metre Challenge has been voted the "Best Offshore Excursion in the Caribbean" by Princess Cruise Lines for 9 years.

The company's expert sailors give each regatta participant a short briefing and history of the boats, assign teams to each vessel (done by a coin toss for fairness) and then give each sailor instruction on his or her crew position.

For more information about the 12 Metre Challenge, call 721-542-0045 or visit the website at 12metre.com.

Our Activity Guide will get you acquainted with all the tours, attractions, sports and activities in St. Maarten/St. Martin -- for you and your kids. Contact our activities providers and get full details before you go!