Excitement Builds as the St. Maarten Budget Marine Optimist Championship Kicks Off

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - Today the St. Maarten Budget Marine Optimist Championship kicked off with registration and practice day at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club. Young sailors aged 8 - 14 from across the region came together to participate in this exciting event. Teams completed their registration at the club, where they received their sailing shirts, goody bags, and all essential race documents.

The day was action-packed as teams prepared their boats and practiced on the water, to get ready for the upcoming three days of sailing competition. The highlight of the afternoon was the official practice race, which started at 3:30 PM. All fleets shared the same start line, offering an incredible view as 35 Optimist boats lined up together.

Only one official practice race was planned, providing a chance for all sailors to test their skills. The Green Fleet, designed for beginner sailors, sailed a shorter course, with the first sailor completing the race in just 23 minutes.

Conditions in Simpson Bay were great, but there were some challenging big waves and swells which tested the sailors’ skills, but all competitors successfully crossed the finish line, a promising warm-up for the days to come.

Sailors from Curaçao, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Barth, Sint Maarten, Saint Martin, and participated in the practice race, while teams from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Antigua arrived later in the day.

After the practice race, the sailors returned to the SMYC through the 5 PM bridge opening. All teams were cheered on and encouraged by spectators gathered at the SMYC Bar and Restaurant. To wrap up the day, the young competitors enjoyed a delicious welcome buffet provided by the SMYC Bar and Restaurant, setting the tone for a friendly and competitive weekend.

The sailors are now headed to rest in preparation for tomorrow’s first official race day. It’s the day to showcase skills, camaraderie, and determination—let’s see who can claim the top spot!

44 boats are expected on the start line tomorrow morning. Good luck to all the competitors and their coaches! Here’s to a fun and fair championship filled with great sportsmanship and unforgettable moments on the water.

Let the races begin!