HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR HEINEKEN REGATTA CURACAO ONLY A FEW WEEKS AFTER ITS ANNOUNCEMENT
WILLEMSTAD – Just a few weeks after the announcement of the Heineken Regatta Curaçao, expectations are already soaring for this event that will take place on 7, 8 and 9 November 2008. Participants are registering and preparations are being made for a ‘Real Different’ experience. In addition to all the work that is going into guaranteeing an exciting race on the water, preparations are also being made to transform Brionplein, Handelskade and Kleine Werf into a true festival during the days of the regatta. The presence of the Undisputable Queen of Soca, Alison Hinds, is garnering plenty of attention both locally and internationally. Heineken Curaçao & Bonaire and the Curaçao Sailing Festival Foundation, along with their partners Ports Authority, NIBanc, Banco di Caribe, Ennia, Curaçao Tourism Bureau and UTS, are working hard to make the first Heineken Regatta Curaçao a big success.
Enthusiastic reactions after announcement
The announcement of the event has generated much positive response, both locally and internationally. Many support the motivation of the sponsors to get behind this initiative together. The Heineken Regatta Curaçao is an event for everyone. It offers locals and tourists the opportunity to enjoy a unique spectacle; an event with an international allure that will help increase Curaçao’s name recognition abroad, but which will also offer locals the opportunity to come together and enjoy a ‘Real Different’ activity, on land and on water.
Willemstad transformed into a ‘Real Different’ place
The organization is working hard to transform Willemstad into a ‘Real Different’ experience. The Regatta Village at Kleine Werf provides highly diverse entertainment. The public can already get in the mood on the huge Panoramic Terrace with its spectacular view of the many activities on the water. Or they can enjoy the Premium Market with innovative Heineken bars.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Brionplein will form the backdrop for an authentic Curaçaoan culinary experience presented by the Curaçao Tourism Development Board. Kids are more than welcome too. The local telecommunications provider UTS – which knows how to bring people together like no one else – will supply a Family Boulevard and a Kids Pavilion.
The preparations for the evening program are moving ahead at full speed, and it promises to be nothing less than a spectacle – on land, as well as in the Anna Bay. The highlight will obviously be the performance by Alison Hinds, the Undisputable Queen of Soca, on Sunday night.
This night will also see the presentation of the coveted NIBanc Cup to the winner of the first edition of the Heineken Curaçao Regatta. This trophy is already on its way to the island, which will enable every one to admire it in advance.
Recruitment of participants in full swing
A regatta on this scale and with participation in several disciplines requires intensive preparation. Especially when it’s held in the unique Anna Bay. The Curaçao Sailing Festival Foundation and Curaçao Ports Authority are tirelessly preparing the logistical planning for the Heineken Curaçao Regatta.
Sailors in Aruba, Sint Maarten and Venezuela are being invited to participate, and the organization has also used the Bonaire Regatta to recruit participants for the first edition of the Heineken Curaçao Regatta.
All these preparations should pay off on Saturday 8 November from 10 am, when the sail and other water sports competitions start off, thru the afternoon of Sunday 9 November when the races will be finished.