Last Saturday 23 kids from the New Start for Children Foundation enjoyed a day of sailing and beach games with the Sint Maarten Yacht Club (SMYC) at Kim Sha Beach. Through the 2018 St Maarten Heineken Regatta funds were raised that were allocated to introduce local youngsters to the sport of sailing, making this fun event for the New Start for Children Foundation possible.

Sailing assistant Summer Robertson

The Sint Maarten Yacht Club has a sailing school that just finished its summer camp and while preparing for a new season of sailing lessons, invited a number of Foundations that work with local youngsters for an introduction into sailing. “The mission of the Sint Maarten Yacht Club is to promote sailing, this is done through sailing lessons and events year-round. However our focus is also on supporting and giving back to the local community of St Maarten and to generate more awareness about the sport of sailing and the opportunities it offers.” Explained Michele Korteweg, General Manager of the Sint Maarten Yacht Club.

The Regatta raised funds that are put towards scholarship programs, allowing local youngsters to learn how to sail, but it also allowed the SMYC Sailing School to invite local Foundations that work with kids to offer these youngsters a fun day on the water, while introducing them to a new sport. “We want to get as many kids out on the water and have them experience how much fun sailing is. If they are keen and motivated, we could even enroll them in a scholarship program. Besides, seeing 23 kids having a blast on the water is just wonderful and so worth it!” says Reinier Calkhoven, Sailing Instructor at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club Sailing School.

The Sint Maarten Yacht Club teamed up with Buccaneer Beach Bar who provided chairs, umbrellas and pizzas for the kids.

The SMYC Sailing School will start sailing lessons as of September 3. Please contact the office at youthsailing@smyc.com for more information. Or go to our website: https://www.smyc.com/youth-sailing

© Caribbean Sailing Association 2018