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Re: Heineken Race Spectator Boat Recommendations
[Re: Whale Tail]
#312924
02/02/2024 10:17 AM
02/02/2024 10:17 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,528 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,528
Ohio
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We have done both the Tango and Lambada, basically identical boats but we always preferred the crew on The Tango. We have done back to back on both also to make for basically a full day on the water. These boats are usually packed to capacity, maybe 60-75 people. No 1 SXM is a great option if you want to be out all day and with a small group. The owners do a great job and the food/snacks are a nice option.
I am not sure what the "official" Heineken cruise is. I see it goes out of Bobby's Marina where the other boats go out of Simpson Bay, which is much more convenient for you.
We have been out with basically no wind and little racing and too much wind with rough seas, broken sails and some sick people.
Personally, I would go with No. 1 SXM as I like the boat and people and my second choice would be getting on The Tango.
Good luck!
J.D.
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Re: Heineken Race Spectator Boat Recommendations
[Re: Whale Tail]
#312925
02/02/2024 10:17 AM
02/02/2024 10:17 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,761 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,761
Central Florida!
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Whale Tail--I have no experience with NO1SXM, so can't speak to it. Others here really love it, although I think it is a sailboat? I wonder if that would present a problem, if the winds are either too strong or nonexistent? I don't know. However, our group always went on TANGO, and it was great. Haresh is a great captain and made sure everyone had a great time. Haresh also seemed to know where to be, to get close to the action. I got some great shots from Tango over the years. Tango would have a lot more people onboard, so that's a factor to some. Regatta is a wonderful experience from the water. Enjoy!!
Carol Hill
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Re: Heineken Race Spectator Boat Recommendations
[Re: Whale Tail]
#312933
02/02/2024 11:05 AM
02/02/2024 11:05 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,761 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,761
Central Florida!
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Whale Tail--basically, the biggest thing is to get close enough to the racing and it's hard not to take good pictures. I know I have some better ones, when the wind was really kicking up, other years, but just picked these at random. I really look forward to seeing yours!! You also need to get to the Yacht Club or Royal Palm to watch the bridge parade. Good stuff!
Carol Hill
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Re: Heineken Race Spectator Boat Recommendations
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#312941
02/02/2024 12:49 PM
02/02/2024 12:49 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,528 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,528
Ohio
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Back in the duct tape name tag days!
J.D.
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Re: Heineken Race Spectator Boat Recommendations
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#312942
02/02/2024 12:58 PM
02/02/2024 12:58 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646
Brookfield, CT.
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Carol, Miriam and Pierre’s original boat was an incredibly beautiful,old sailboat which, sadly, was lost in hurricane Irma. They ultimately replaced it wit a lovely cat but they still provide the ultimate sailing experience. They don’t overcrowd the boat and you can be assured of a great sail. This would be my choice in boats for sure.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Heineken Race Spectator Boat Recommendations
[Re: Whale Tail]
#312957
02/02/2024 02:40 PM
02/02/2024 02:40 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,761 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,761
Central Florida!
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Whale Tail--I'm not sure I'd want to be out there that long either, if the seas are rough. I'm not aware of there being an 'official' spectator boat, but maybe that's new.
Carol Hill
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Re: Heineken Race Spectator Boat Recommendations
[Re: Whale Tail]
#312964
02/02/2024 04:54 PM
02/02/2024 04:54 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,528 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,528
Ohio
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I have no idea for sure but I am wondering if someone paid some $$ to be listed as the "official" spectator boat and to get connected with the Regatta website?
We did an all-day Regatta boat trip the very first time I went to Regatta; it left a lot to be desired but that was due to a lot of circumstances that should not have happened. Really bad beer (Bergen Brau), the boat was oversold (overcrowded), we basically went outside of Marigot and sat the entire day and then got stuck on a sandbar coming back into the lagoon via Sandy Ground. That was a long day but we met some nice people on the boat that day.
I think a day on No 1 SXM would be nice and it would be much more intimate but there is nothing wrong with going on The Tango if you want a shorter day.
As was stated earlier, Pieter and Mirian do a great job. They are already fully booked on Sat. and Fri. is almost full.
Good luck with your decision.
J.D.
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Re: Heineken Race Spectator Boat Recommendations
[Re: Whale Tail]
#312972
02/02/2024 06:29 PM
02/02/2024 06:29 PM
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,687 Newtown, CT
kim
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,687
Newtown, CT
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I’ve done the all day trip for Regatta on NO1SXM and highly recommend it. Pieter actually sails with the racing boats. Not in the regatta - but follows while sailing. Never runs the engine. Hope to do it again this year if my family can decide if they are staying longer!!! But because it’s only 12 people they book fast.
Last edited by kim; 02/02/2024 06:30 PM.
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Re: Heineken Race Spectator Boat Recommendations
[Re: Whale Tail]
#312979
02/02/2024 08:43 PM
02/02/2024 08:43 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 812 Ontario Canada
Whale Tail
OP
Traveler
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 812
Ontario Canada
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After a phone call to the "Official Heineken Spectator Boat", I have found out that it is a charter catamaran called Golden Eagle, operating in SXM, which will have 65-70 passengers, so not much different from Tango and Lambada. Now, No.1SXM is a fast catamaran, which appeals to me and it follows the race from start to finish. We're just not sure if we want to be out there for 7 hours. On the other hand No 1 SXM offers a sunset cruise which sounds wonderful and it picks us up in Simpson Bay, will book this tomorrow. So we are booked on the Tango, which picks us up right at our resort. Should be fun. Thanks to all for your help.
Last edited by Whale Tail; 02/02/2024 08:45 PM.
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Re: Heineken Race Spectator Boat Recommendations
[Re: Whale Tail]
#312989
02/03/2024 05:27 AM
02/03/2024 05:27 AM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,886 Portland, OR
jazzgal
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,886
Portland, OR
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We're staying at Simpson Bay Villas. I believe Aqua Marine operates right there at the resort, so no need for pick up service, just walk the dock. Now, No 1 SXM Sunset Cruise advertises that " we tender you to the boat in Simpson Bay and welcome you aboard ". Sounds within walking distance from our villa.
No1SXM picks up passengers at the dock behind Nowhere Special and takes you to the trimaran via dinghy.
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