SIMPSON BAY—The St. Maarten Yacht Club (SMYC)is joining forces with the Sister Regina Primary School to introduce 12 students to sailing.
The Primary School Sail Program is designed to generate awareness of the benefits of sailing and outdoor sports in general in the local community.
The students will sail once a week for two hours during the entire school year.
“Sailing is a sport of ethics, fair play and sportsmanship. It creates situations which provide opportunities to learn lessons for life about desirable and undesirable conduct, said Sailing Instructor Max van der Pol. “This moral and educational aspect contributes to the positive development of individuals and, in turn, to the development of society. Central to this process are the values of Sportsmanship and Fair Play. These involve much more than just playing within the rules. They are a way of behaving and thinking which incorporate friendship, respect for others on the water, maintaining self-control, dignity and integrity, and always competing in the right spirit.”
The program is sponsored by a number of local businesses, such as Windward Island Bank, ICE, Alite, Atlas Construction, Liccom, Arena Base Café and BZSE Law.
The program does not just focus on sailing. Together with workshops from partners in the marine industry, students will be introduced to the maritime community.
Those who show interest in sailing will potentially be provided with the opportunity to continue in the club’s regular youth sailing program through individual sponsorships. This will result in further development in the sport as youngsters can continue to learn how to race and start competing in local and regional events.
For more information about the program or how you can contribute please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
