The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority (SLAC) would like to advise motorists in connection with the 37th edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta activities in the Simpson Bay area during the next few days, to avoid passing through the aforementioned area if heading to the Airport/Maho/Beacon Hill/Low Lands, and/or for those heading to Cole Bay/Philipsburg, to use the Causeway Bridge instead. This would help with lessening traffic congestion in the Simpson Bay area.
The first official race is scheduled for Friday, March 3 which is the around the island race. The second race is on Saturday, March 4 which is racing on both sides of the island. The third race is on Sunday, March 5 which is the race on the South coast and North West coast of the island. All races start and finishes in Simpson Bay.
Additional Simpson Bay Bridge openings in connection with the regatta are as follows: Thursday, 8.00AM; Friday, 8.00AM; Friday, 6.00PM; Saturday, 8.00AM; Sunday, 8.00AM, 1.30PM. The regular schedule opening times remain as is.
Secondly, motorists are advised to pay attention to the bridge STOP LIGHTS and BOOMS, and to respect and observe the aforementioned once they have been activated alerting motorists that the bridge will be opening. This is in the interests of the safety of all motorists.
The Port St. Maarten family would like to wish everybody a safe and serious fun 37th edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.