About Us

After a 10 year involvement with the Heineken Regatta, where we introduced Dutch Sailors to the idea of chartering a boat the take part in a Caribbean Regatta, I was approached by a Statia well-wisher with the question of why not do the same for Statia. And so, two years later the Golden Rock Regatta was born with 7 Dutch teams crossing the start line in mid November. In 2010 the 6th edition will see some 30 teams competing of which half are from the Netherlands. Of the remainder about half hail from the US, Germany, Belgium & Austria and the rest are teams from St. Maarten/St. Martin and the surrounding islands.

The little island of St. Eustatius, colloquially know as Statia, pop. 3000, played a major role in the American struggle for independence. It was here that on November 16, 1776 a salute of 11 shots was accorded to the colors on the frigate Andrew Doria and ipso facto the Dutch had recognized the independence of the United States. Some years later, after defeating the French at the Battle of the Saints, Admiral Rodney saw his chance to take his revenge and invaded, destroying this lucrative European Entrepot through which nearly all trade to and from the Americas passed. The loss of the trade led to the depopulation of the island.

Some 30 miles to the North lies the prosperous island of Sint Maarten/St. Martin. Some 1.5 mil cruise ship-tourists visit the island and it’s hotels cater for some 300.000 guests annually while Statia’s hotels have to make do with 8 visitors on a daily basis. Time for change!

In november 2005 a start was made with 80 sailors on 7 yachts departing Philipsburg for the first Golden Rock Regatta. Thus a start was made for the annual event held around the Island’s National Holiday. It is our hope that in the next 10 years the event will grow to a fleet of 50 yachts with some 300/400 participants. The auspices are good since on this fifth anniversary we look to reach the halfway mark with 25 entries and 160 participants! With all the media attention our event attracts we will have achieved our goal of bringing the island of St. Eustatius to the attention of the World and thus promote the island as a holiday destination.

Our thanks go to the support of Governor Hyden Gittens and property developer Klaas van Duuren, their support made this regatta possible. Each year following, the list of sponsors and supporters grows as does our appreciation. Our committee also keeps expanding as does the field of competitors. Their success is our success and I owe them all a debt of gratitude.

Juul Hermsen
Chairman – Golden Rock Regatta Foundation