Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten – 11/25/2025 – The Sint Maarten Yacht Club (SMYC) is excited to kick off the Sint Maarten Budget Marine Optimist Championship 2025 on Thursday, November 27, running through Sunday, November 30. Sailed on the waters of Simpson Bay, the 20th edition of this regatta is another exciting opportunity for SMYC to welcome competitors from other islands to enjoy racing action and what promises to be tight competition.
Over the past two decades, the Optimist Championship has grown into one of the premier youth sailing events in the Caribbean, consistently attracting talented young sailors from across the region and beyond. Organized annually by SMYC and proudly sponsored by Budget Marine, the regatta provides an exciting platform for youth sailors to compete internationally, sharpen their skills, and build lasting friendships.
The event begins on Thursday with practice racing on Simpson Bay followed by the opening ceremony at SMYC at 5pm and then dinner. Friday and Saturday will be full days of competition with the sailors starting at 9am and finishing in the afternoon. Sunday morning is the final opportunity for the fleets to put it all on the line—-followed by prize giving and the closing ceremony at 2pm in the SMYC Restaurant & Bar.
“This year is especially exciting as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Championship,” said Sam Peeks, SMYC Representative. “There are 34 competitors signed up from Antigua, Curaçao, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, Saint Barths, and St Kitts & Nevis, so it will be a very fun four days of racing. We can’t wait to welcome the sailors, coaches, and families to Sint Maarten for this milestone edition.”
As in previous years, the 2025 regatta will feature multiple fleets for Optimist sailors, including the competitive Championship Fleet as well as fleets designed to encourage beginners and developing sailors. Beyond the racing, participants and families will enjoy a vibrant social program, hospitality at SMYC, and the warm welcome that Sint Maarten is known for.
Full event details can be found at www.smyc.com/optimist-championship.
