At the Sea Festival presentation were, from left: Alexina Paya (Métimer coordinator), Chantal Vernusse (Calypso Events) and Olivier Portal (Calypso Events Logistics assistant). (Robert Luckock photo)
MARIGOT--French-side marine trades association Métimer will be collaborating with Calypso Events to organise a three-day Sea Festival on the weekend of July 10 to 12. Calypso, well known from Tuesday Nights in Grand Case, will be taking care of logistics.
The festival consists of three open days located in four separate locations: Friar’s Bay, Orient Bay, Le Galion and Baie Nettle. Each location will have music and entertainment, demonstrations, sailing or kitesurf lessons, and food and beverage outlets or restaurants available. Hours are from 10:00am to 6:00pm each day.
“We created this event at the beginning of lockdown when we realised that we were not going to be able to hold our regular events such as Fête de la Mer and the Marine Trades Forum,” explained Métimer coordinator Alexina Paya. “The objective of the festival is to give the activity and water-sport operators a boost and to encourage the population to get back into the sea and have fun during the summer holiday. We also hope to have some tourists from Guadeloupe, Martinique and St. Barths.”
The July dates were approved by the Préfecture as earlier than that would not have been possible, as COVID-19 restrictions were still high, she added. The St. Martin Tourist Office is also involved with its “Staycation” initiative to promote the local economy. People will be able to redeem vouchers for some water-sport activities at the operator’s discretion.
Friday, July 10, will be at Orient Bay where jet-skis, paddle boarding, parasailing, windsurfing, beach tennis, beach volleyball and sailing will be offered. On the same day, the festival will also be held at Le Galion for surfing, wind surfing and paddle-yoga. The idea is to have a shuttle boat to transport people between the two beaches.
On Saturday, July 11, the festival moves to Friar’s Bay at Antoine’s sailing club location for sailing Lasers and Optimists, kayaking, paddle boarding, jet-skiing and day-charter excursions. Kali’s Beach Bar will also be preparing a special menu for this day.
Sunday, July 12, is on the beach at Hommage Hotel (formerly Mercure Hotel) in Baie Nettle. Here scuba diving, kitesurfing, jet-skis, Donut rides and day-charter excursions will be available. The beach on the other side of the road can also be used for some activities.
