November 24, 2025 – Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten — The Sint Maarten Yacht Club (SMYC) has started its 2025-2026 Keelboat Season Championship, which is once again sponsored by Grant Thornton. The racing action began on Simpson Bay on Sunday, November 23, with three fleets competing — CSA 1, Diam 24, and Sun Fast 20s.
The first race day of the series took place in ideal weather conditions and featured impressive performances and exciting competition. SMYC race officer Joris Zweers got four races completed under sunny skies and a shifting easterly breeze in the bay.
Taking third in CSA 1 was Ian Hope Ross on the J/105 More Zessin’, second place went to Erwan le Normand on the Melges 24 Caraibes Diesel, and the top spot was claimed by Frits Bus on the Melges 24 Team Island Water World. In the Diam 24 class, Miha Krumpak came in second place on Merlin, and Jolyon Ferron took first place aboard Anomaly. Rounding out the competition were four boats in the Sun Fast 20 with the podium finishers being Pieter Soons on Ms. Lily in third, Garth Steyn on Green Mamba in second, and Sam Peeks in first skippering SMYC’s Sun Fast 20.
“This was a great way to kick off the racing season,” Zweers said. “Keeping the course square was a bit of a challenge in the shifting wind, but I’m happy with how it turned out for all the racers. We look forward to having everyone back for Race Day 2.”
Next up on the Keelboat Championship Series calendar is Keelboat Race Day 2 on January 11, 2026.
The Sint Maarten Yacht Club would like to thank Grant Thornton for sponsoring this exciting keelboat season.
For results, visit www.smyc.com.