Eighth Caribbean Multihull Challenge: 22 Diverse Multihulls Set Sail From St Maarten

Organisers previewed a large and varied fleet for the eighth Caribbean Multihull Challenge, sending 22 racing and cruising multihulls and trimarans out of Simpson Bay and turning Sint Maarten into a hub for multihull sailors and local supporters. The mix of high-performance racers and cruising cats and tris made the event both a competitive regatta and a community rally.

The fleet gathered at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club, 90 Welfare Road, Simpson Bay. The event began on January 28, with a racing lineup that “describes a varied racing lineup, CSA handicap divisions.” That structure keeps close-quarters competition fair across cruising and performance designs while preserving spirited on-water action for owners and visitors alike.

Cruising boats remain an important part of the CMC fabric. The Rally segment has produced surprisingly intense sailing in past editions: “With a building southerly breeze coursing down the alluring east coast of the isle of St. Maarten, aboard Californian Ron Boehm’s Bob Perry-designed Antrim 52, Little Wing, and the island’s own Petro Jonker’s Leopard 47, Seaduction, the action was fast and furious. The two Caribbean Multihull Challenge veteran’s may have been sailing in the event’s supposedly laid-back Rally segment for cruising catamarans and trimarans, but their crews were trimming their kites in a tight jibing duel as if competing for the America’s Cup. Aboard Little Wing, as the breeze rose into the low teens, in a nice puff the speedo topped 8 knots, not bad for a cruising cat.” Those 2024 scenes underscore that rally entries can surprise with speed and tactical intensity when conditions build.

Several boats and skippers were singled out as ones to watch heading into 2026. “Bernard 'Appie' Stoutenbeek is a well-known lover of Dick Newick-designed trimarans, and for 2026 he has a new ride: the 38-footer Ninth Charm.” “All eyes will also be on another cool trimaran, Sam Talbot's Rapido 40, Spike.” The Rapido 40 carries pedigree: “The Rapido 40 is an award-winner, having earned prizes in both Cruising World and Sailing World magazine's annual Boat of the Year contest.”

Organisers continue to push themes beyond speed. The official event messaging has stressed that “Every year, technological advances enable new and older multihulls to become faster, safer and more comfortable in all kinds of winds. As in the previous editions, this highly regarded event will be spirited, competitive, and full of fun surprises.” The site has also highlighted past sustainability work under the banner “Sustainability comes to the 6 th Caribbean Multihull Challenge!” and signalled a promotional partnership: “TradeWinds Experience and the Caribbean Multihull Challenge Race & Rally are joining forces this February on the occasion of the…”

For media, competitors or visitors planning a follow-up, race contacts include Saskia Revelman at +1 721 544 2079 and Volunteer Director of Marketing Stephen Burzon. Photographers captured rally dynamics in previous years; Laurens Morel provided action imagery of the 2024 Rally competitors.

Expect the CMC to continue blending fast multihull racing, cruiser camaraderie and technical evolution. For owners, sailors and local businesses, the event keeps bringing spectators, service work and showroom-worthy sailing to Simpson Bay, and with the TradeWinds tie-in and sustainability focus, the Challenge looks set to broaden its appeal and impact in the months ahead.