The annual Lagoonies Regatta took place on Saturday, June 14, bringing together sailors for a day of exciting competition and camaraderie on Simpson Bay Lagoon. The event kicked off with registration and a skippers’ briefing on Friday, June 13, at 5 pm at Lagoonies Bistro and Bar.
The event was organized in coordination between the Sint Maarten Yacht Club (SMYC) and Lagoonies. In this unique regatta format, teams sail in Sun Fast 20s and rotate among the boats throughout the competition. This year, six Sun Fast 20s were sailed by twelve teams in the event, which consisted of twelve races: six in the morning and six in the afternoon. Each team had the opportunity to sail each boat once, ensuring a fair and exciting competition. Also participating were three teams in RS Quests, who completed all twelve races.
On Saturday morning, competitors gathered at Lagoonies for coffee and sandwiches before heading out to the water. The races began just after 9 am, with six teams sailing the first race while the others watched the action from the rotation boat. The morning weather was great for sailing with slightly overcast skies, splashes of sunshine, and an easterly breeze that shifted in velocity and direction. After each race, teams rotated using a water taxi or by swapping at the rotation boat.
A delicious lunch was served at Lagoonies between 12 and 1 pm, allowing competitors to recharge before the afternoon races. After lunch, the skies cleared and the breeze stayed up, allowing the remaining six races to be successfully completed before 4 pm.
The day concluded with all teams gathering at Lagoonies for music by the Ti Bitin Brass Band and a DJ set by Moodshine & Will D’Mar, drinks and the prize giving. The final results were as follows:
- Team Jolyon
- Team Antoine
- Team Sam
- Team Frits
- Team Maritime School
- Team Brad
- Team Robbie
- Team Pieter
- Team Carly
- Team Family Nel/Cross
- Team Patrick
- Team Lagoonies
Final results for the the RS Quests were:
- Team Massimo and Melina
- Team Kai and Dax Henriquez
- Team Nathan, Oskar and Adilyn
Thank you to all the teams for making this day so enjoyable. A special shout-out goes to Olivia from Lagoonies for her exceptional organization and hospitality. Also, thanks to the volunteers and the entire Lagoonies team for their hard work.
“Thank you to all sailors, volunteers and the Sint Maarten Yacht Club for making this event a great success” Olivia says “Also, thank you to Budget Marine and Mount Gay Rum for the prize giving support.”
We look forward to celebrating the 11th edition of the Lagoonies Regatta next year!
Results can be found on the SMYC website. Photos can be found at the Lagoonies Facebook and the SMYC website.
