The much-anticipated start of the 2025-2026 racing season at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club (SMYC) kicked off on a beautiful morning in Simpson Bay Lagoon. Under the guidance of race officer Joris Zweers and race coach Sam Peeks, the event saw perfect sailing conditions, making for an exciting and action-packed opening day.
“Perfect sailing conditions and thrilling races characterized the day. With a steady breeze and plenty of sunshine, competitors showcased their skills across various fleets, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead,” Peeks remarked after a successful day of racing.
A strong turnout of 20 boats competed across three fleets: 8 Lasers, 11 Optimists, and 1 Quest, all vying for top honors in their respective categories. The racing was tight, with sailors pushing themselves and their boats to the limit.
In the Laser fleet, standout performances were on display and Massimo Lapierre took the top spot. In the Optimist fleet, Nathan Sheppard emerged as a frontrunner, while in the Optimist Green fleet, J’amari de Groote made a strong showing.
Sam expressed his excitement about the start of the new season. “It’s fantastic to be back on the water and competing again. The energy and enthusiasm from everyone is amazing, and kicking off the season with Bart’s Bash makes it even more special. I’m looking forward to the regattas ahead and the challenges they’ll bring.”
Bart’s Bash is an annual worldwide event (63 Countries, 23,536 Boats and 1,106 Venues) celebrated globally in memory of Andrew “Bart” Simpson, a sailor and Olympic gold medalist. The event aims to raise awareness for sailing and maritime causes, bringing together sailors of all ages and skill levels.
SMYC’s next dinghy race will be the Soons Dinghy Regatta on October 18, which will kick off the Dinghy Season Championship series.
For pictures and results you can visit the SMYC website at smyc.com/dinghy-season-championship.