Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten – 11/28/2025 – Competitors in the 2025 Sint Maarten Budget Marine Optimist Championship were treated to near-perfect conditions for the first day of scored racing on Friday. The blustery winds from the day prior gave way to a 12-15 knot easterly breeze that was less gusty and more forgiving. Seriously, if we had a magic power to order wind for Optimist racing, this was it.
The Caribbean sun was out in full force, too, making sunscreen and fresh water hot commodities for racers, volunteers, and coaches alike. The racing action got rolling just after 9:30 a.m. and Simpson Bay was absolutely sparkling when the Championship, Benjamin, and Green fleets started their first race. From the beginning it was evident that Thursday’s practice races were well worth it, with tight action on the start line in what seemed like a committee boat favored breeze.
Throughout the day, the Championship and Benjamin fleets made quick work of course OX2, which gave them two upwind legs to battle on, while the Green fleet did a hot lap on course OX1. (Want to know what those courses look like? Have a read through the very exciting Sailing Instructions and find your way down to page 10.)
After race one, it seemed like the competitors were eager to outduel each other on the start line and several over-earlies and general recalls ensued. When clean starts were in order, it was truly fun to watch all the kids battle on the upwind, downwind, and reaching legs. By the finish of race three, hungry stomachs were heard rumbling across the race course and a pause in the action was called to deliver sandwiches from ZeeBest for a much appreciated break.
With appetites quenched and fresh sunscreen applied (hopefully), the afternoon breeze picked up ever so slightly and the Championship and Benjamin fleets got two solid races in to make it five on the day. The Green fleet completed their maximum of four races before heading for the dock. (Why only four? You probably caught that on page three of the aforementioned Sailing Instructions.)
Enough about the Sailing Instructions, this is what you’re really here for — RESULTS! The results from day one were: In the Optimist Championship Fleet, Nathan Sheppard from Sint Maarten Yacht Club (SMYC) took third place, Tao Carmona Bouvrais from St. Barth Yacht Club (SBYC) got second, and Lourenço Couto Jorge from SBYC grabbed the top spot on the podium.
In the Optimist Benjamin Fleet, Ethan Blanchet from SBYC came in third, Léo Favreau from SBYC got second, and Stanley Haes from SBYC came in first place.
Rounding out the Green Fleet, Emijah Maynard from St. Kitt & Nevis Sailing Association (SKNSA) got third, Magnus Cross from SMYC took second, and Clijae Christmas-Mulley from SKNSA came in first place.
A great job goes out to all the sailors on a fantastic day one of racing. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for day two on Saturday!
The Sint Maarten Yacht Club would also like to take this opportunity to thank Budget Marine as the Optimist Championship sponsor. Without their support and that of our dedicated volunteers, this quality event for our young sailors would not be possible.
Full event details and results can be found at www.smyc.com/optimist-championship.
By Andy Cross
Photo credit to Laurens Morel (www.saltycolours.com)
