While we were waiting for our instrument display to arrive, from France no less, by ship, the international Heineken regatta was held in St. Martin. Almost 300 boats of all sizes and classes raced from March 6 - 9 in fine weather with crews from France, England, the Netherlands, Brazil, South Africa and the U.S.. Larry volunteered to drive a water taxi for the racers to get to and from shore before and after the races. We both helped deliver these big dinghies, with 30 and 40 horse power outboards, on an ocean run from Philipsburg to Marigot. Larry got very used to that much power in a small boat; our little Portabote with a 3 hp engine was quite a step down after that experience.
We saw some amazing racing machines, some up to 100 feet long, in the racing class. It was quite a busy time in St. Martin with sailing and celebrations, though we missed the really hot parties with such acts as Shaggy, King T-Mo, and White Knuckle Weekend.