Bonaire Regatta 2026 programme announced: a week of sailing, culture and live music
KRALENDIJK – From 10 to 17 October, Bonaire will be dominated by the Bonaire Regatta 2026, which is being held for the 59th time. The theme of this edition is The Sails Are Raising! The programme consists of a week of sailing races and other water activities from Kas di Regatta, a cultural festival in Parke Wilhelmina, four evenings of live music in the town centre and a closing party at Plaza Machi Mimi.
The sailing races are organised by Stichting Aquaspeed Bonaire Windsurfers. From Monday 12 to Friday 16 October, races will be sailed in the bay of Kralendijk, in front of Kas di Regatta on Kaya J.N.E. Craane. Race days start after 9:00 a.m. Each class sails two short races in the morning and one longer race in the afternoon.
At the start line, traditional sailing fishing boats, yachts and smaller classes such as Polyvalk, Sunfish and Optimist will appear. Windsurfers, kitesurfers and wingfoilers will also take part, as will microboats, small model sailing boats. Wednesday 14 October is a rest day for the yachts, the Sunfish and the Optimist. The prize-giving ceremony takes place on Friday 16 October at 8:30 p.m. on the main stage.
Registration still open
Those who wish to take part can register on Sunday 11 October between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at Kas di Regatta. Participation costs $40 per person, and $50 for yachts. That same evening at 6:00 p.m., the sailing regatta will be officially opened at Kas di Regatta.
Swim to Klein Bonaire
On Sunday 11 October, Stichting Jong Bonaire will also organise the annual Swim to Klein Bonaire. Participants swim 800 metres from Eden Beach to Klein Bonaire and can then swim back, a total of 1.6 kilometres. The competitive event starts at 7:30 a.m., followed by the recreational swim at 9:00 a.m. Those who do not swim back can return with one of the organisation’s water taxis.
Participation costs $30, including a T-shirt and start number. Those who do not swim can also buy a T-shirt. The organisation points out that participants must be in good health and condition and recommends sunscreen and water shoes.
Keinta Kaya in Parke Wilhelmina
The festival programme begins with Keinta Kaya, from 11 to 13 October in Parke Wilhelmina. Local artists and musicians will provide a cultural programme there.
Four evenings on the main stage
From 14 to 17 October, local, regional and international artists will perform on the main stage in the town centre. One of the names is Poke, who, according to the organisation, will perform on Bonaire for the first time. Others on the programme include Jeon, Caché Deluxe, Freddy Morreira and ONE Flavaz, complemented by local artists, DJs and cultural acts.
Closing at Plaza Machi Mimi
On Saturday 17 October, the Regatta Boat Party follows at Plaza Machi Mimi. That day will also feature water activities and the closing celebration of the festival.
During the festival week there will be local food stalls, and entrepreneurs, artists and community organisations will be present. The Regatta is organised by Aquaspeed Bonaire and Massive Productions Bonaire B.V., in cooperation with INDEBON, the Public Entity of Bonaire and the Bonaire Tourism Board. The theme of this edition is The Sails Are Raising! The event revolves around the island’s bond with the sea and brings residents and visitors together around sailing, culture and music.
