On June 3 and 4, 2023, Simpson Bay will be filled with dinghy sailors, competing for the title of Sint Maarten National Dinghy Champion. Hosted by the Sint Maarten Yacht Club on behalf of the Sint Maarten Sailing Foundation, this event was part of the Dinghy Season Championship in the past 2 years. The decision was made to turn it into a two-day – standalone event, sponsored by Budget Marine.
Registrations are coming in from St. Maarten, Saint Martin and St. Barts, making for strong competitive classes. Prizes are awarded in seven classes: Optimist, RS Quest, RS Zest, ILCA 4, ILCA 6, ILCA 7 and Sun Fast 20s. The title of St. Maarten Dinghy National Champion can only be won by a St. Maarten resident.
“Budget Marine hopes that promoting and ensuring that local sailing events are run will help develop and expose local sailors. We are lucky enough to have year-round ideal conditions for these sorts of competitions that help our local athletes grow. We are happy to see our neighboring islands also able to compete with Sint Maarten as we can all help each other raise the standard of sailing in the Caribbean.” Stated Jolyon Ferron, Sales Manager Budget Marine St. Maarten.
In 2022 Emma Lennox, Justin Pieterse and Frits Bus became the St. Maarten National Dinghy Champions in respectively the Laser 4.7, Radial and Standard Class. The race committee is expecting Lennox and Bus to be back on the starting line next weekend to defend their title.
Joris van den Eynde won the title in the RS Quest last year, sailing with his son Axel. Van den Eynde is now registered to sail with his daughter Louisa in the RS Quest. Axel has made great progress this past season racing in an Optimist and will compete in the Optimist class.
Three boats are expected to participate in the Sun Fast 20 Class, where Robbie Ferron took home the win last year.
The St. Maarten National Dinghy Champion in the Optimist class will be decided during the St. Maarten Optimist Championship, hosted by the SMYC in October 2023. This does not stop the Optimists from registering for this event and the Race Committee is expecting to see great competition in this class.
“The racing season is almost coming to an end, but we are looking forward to close off the dinghy racing season with a bang, said Sam Peeks, racing coach at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club. The St. Maarten Yacht Club sailors have shown great progress throughout the year, training and racing in Sint Maarten, as well as in Antigua, Curacao and Saint Barths. What better way to end the season then to decide who will be called ‘St. Maarten’s National Dinghy Champion’!”