The Sint Maarten National Dinghy Championship, proudly sponsored by Island Water World, was a spectacular event held on May 10 and 11th. With 25 boats competing, this annual championship, organized by the Sint Maarten Yacht Club (SMYC) and the Sint Maarten Sailing Federation (SIMSAF), showcased impressive sailing skills and sportsmanship.
In its third year as a standalone event, the championship welcomed sailors from the Sint Maarten Yacht Club and Saint Martin Voile Pour Tous (SMVT). Race Officer Sam Peeks was happy with how the event turned out, “It was a great two days of racing. The competitors were challenged with a fair amount of breeze and handled it well. We got eleven races completed and it was fun to see the level of competition and sportsmanship.”
In the ILCA class, ten competitors participated. Clement Le Normand from SMVT claimed first place, with Massimo Lapierre and Melina De Vries from SMYC coming in second and third place. The National Champions were also awarded: Rio Stomp is the official National Dinghy Champion in the ILCA 6 class, Frits Bus in the ILCA 7 class, and Massimo Lapierre in the ILCA 4 class.
In the Optimist class, nine kids competed, with Nathan Sheppard taking first, Oskar Jarrett Versteegden in second, and Adam Gumbs in third. The National Dinghy Champion title for the Optimist class will be awarded during the Optimist Championship in November.
This year’s Championship also included two Sun Fast 20s and four RS Zests. In the RS Zest class, Adilyn Treadwell and Ashni Mahes captured the top spot, Hunter Radican and Nick Meekhof grabbed second, and Harrison Radican and Robert Gumbs finished in third. In the Sun Fast 20s, Green Mamba and Iain Mobbs finished in first place and Lagoon Marina sailed by Paul Stoutenbeek and team got second.
Trophies were presented on the SMYC dock during the prize-giving ceremony by Sam Peeks.
Gaby Eman, Managing Director of Island Water World, was also present during the Championship: “It’s great to see so many young sailors out there in the open ocean.
Having learned how to sail in an Optimist myself several decades ago I know what it’s like and what it can do for young kids. On the water you are all alone with your boat, making decisions on your own, reacting to competing boats, wind shifts and weather changes. This is a great way to create independence and a sense of responsibility in young kids. A great skill set for their future. That’s why Island Water World is proud to be able to sponsor events like this. We hope to see many more contestants in the coming season!”
Island Water World’s sponsorship was crucial to the event’s success, and they also captured stunning photos of the races, which are available on the SMYC website. Also, special thanks to Zee Best for providing delicious pastries and lunch. The Sint Maarten National Dinghy Championship was made possible by the dedicated efforts of volunteers.
