Sint Maarten Yacht Club Is Ready to Host the 2024 Caribbean Dinghy Championships
Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten – Get ready for a thrilling weekend of racing as the Sint Maarten Yacht Club (SMYC) gears up to host the highly anticipated 2024 Caribbean Dinghy Championships (CDC) from October 25-27! This is more than just a regatta – it’s an all-out showdown of skill, speed, and team spirit, with 46 dinghy sailors from eight different countries battling it out on the waters of Simpson Bay. Sponsored by Motorworld and organized in partnership with the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA), this year’s CDC promises to be one for the books.
Teams from Antigua, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Saint Martin, and of course, Sint Maarten, will be competing in six boat classes – Optimist, RS Quest, RS Zest, ILCA 4, 6, and 7 – and the competition will be fierce! Teams will be racing not just for class victories, but for the ultimate bragging rights: Best Overall Team. Will Antigua defend their crown, or will a new champion rise from the waves?
It all kicks off with a practice day on Thursday, October 24, followed by a welcome dinner to allow for the participants to connect as they are all passionate about dinghy sailing, for some it will be the ultimate opportunity to seize up the competition! Then the real action starts on Friday with the first round of racing. Expect exciting starts, tight finishes, and plenty of emotions as competitors push their limits over three days of fierce competition. The final races will be held on Sunday, with the grand prize-giving ceremony scheduled for early afternoon, when the champions will hoist their trophies high. Daily prize-giving events will keep competitors on their toes throughout the weekend and adds to the overall excitement.
Expect wind, speed, and smiles on Simpson Bay as the dinghies take to the water! Paul Henriquez, no stranger to Sint Maarten’s sailing scene, will serve as the Race Officer, ensuring fair and exciting races. Meanwhile, the jury consists of Steven Kern from Barbados (joining digitally) and Ian Hope Ross, ready to weigh in on any racing calls.
Food is covered by Zeebest, who will fuel the racers with delicious lunches each day, and Captain D’s Ribshack who will be serving up flavorful dinners to keep energy levels high.
One of the weekend’s most exciting stories is the arrival of St. Vincent, sending sailors to race in Sint Maarten for the very first time. They’re beyond thrilled to make their debut, and we can’t wait to see what they bring to the racecourse! And of course, the home team, Sint Maarten, will be competing in full force, hoping to take home top honors in every class. They have hosted the CDC before and should be able to showcase top performance on home turf.
“The wind, the waves, and the energy of the sailors – it’s going to be an unforgettable weekend,” says Sam Peeks, racing coach at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club. “With a mix of seasoned competitors and fresh talent, the excitement levels are through the roof. It’s not just about winning; it’s about celebrating the spirit of Caribbean sailing.”
Whether you’re a die-hard sailing fan or just someone who loves watching a good competition, this year’s Caribbean Dinghy Championships is an event you won’t want to miss!
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