SIMPSON BAY--A large gathering of members, supporters and sailors came together for the official Dock Opening & Fundraising Event at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club last Saturday.
After months of rebuilding, the Club invited the community of St. Maarten to come and witness the progress that was made at the Club since Hurricane Irma. The event combined a fundraising and sailing event to generate awareness for the youth sailing programme. A total of US $5,800 was raised for the Club’s rebuilding efforts and sailing school.
The day began with a sailing event showcasing 36 competitors in five different classes. High wind conditions made for challenging and tight racing. Caii Banting, being the youngest sailor in his class at age 9, left a memorable impression on the course and won the Optimist Class. Ajani Destin showed great skills and potential in the Laser Class beating some avid and seasoned Laser sailors.
Luc Knol’s first race of the season led to a win in the LSR class. Ben Scarabelli did his first racing in the Dinghy Series since Hurricane Irma and took first place in the Laser Pico class, and Paul ten Boercke and Sahil Khatnani showed great consistency in the RS Vision fleet winning the class by only a point difference.
The final race finished at the SMYC dock where the sailors were cheered as they came in. In anticipation of the dock opening ceremony raffle tickets were being sold and a presentation was given showing the progress of the rebuilding efforts with before and after photos. Live entertainment was provided by Amin and Delphine.
Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs, Jorien Wuitte, represented the St Maarten Government at the official dock opening. In her speech she commended the Sint Maarten Yacht Club on its rebuilding efforts.
“By offering the St Maarten youngsters a distraction by taking them sailing as early as October, that was very admirable as it provided them with a positive experience.”
She continued emphasizing the importance of organisations to the local economy: “To see organisations like yours rebuild and open for business is of great importance to St. Maarten, as we need the tourists and visitors to come to the island and enjoy all it has to offer.”
The dock was officially reopened after hoisting the Sint Maarten and Sint Maarten Yacht Club flags by Minister Wuitte, Alec Scarabelli (one of the top St Maarten youth sailors), Michel Soons (SMYC Commodore), and former Commodore Chris Marshall.
The event concluded with a raffle for which the Club received many donations from restaurants, hotels, businesses and individuals. Enough tickets were sold to raise over US $5,500. The proceeds will go towards the remaining rebuilding efforts and youth sailing programme.
Sint Maarten Yacht Club was established in 1980 with the aim to bring the sailing community on the island together and communally promote the sport of sailing. The Youth Sailing Programme offers our local youth the opportunity to learn a sport that teaches important life skills such as organization, teamwork, perseverance and of course fun for a lifetime. It also includes a sponsor programme for local youth that wouldn’t be able to afford lessons otherwise. For more information visit our website www.smyc.com or if interested in making a donation, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
