SIMPSON BAY - The St. Maarten Yacht Club (SMYC) re-started youth sailing lessons for the intermediate and advanced groups at limited capacity (only groups of 5 allowed) using a COVID-19 protocol adhering to the proper guidelines set by government.
“We have decided to focus on advanced and intermediate groups only for now as beginner groups require more assistance with rigging/derigging increasing the interaction between student and coach. We also take the safety aspect into consideration, as again we need to keep any contact both on and off shore to a minimum,” said Michele Korteweg, General Manager at the SMYC.
Lessons are currently only for those kids who were already enrolled in the program as there are only 2 more weeks of lessons left.
As per today the group size can increase, but proper distance will need to be kept while rigging. With the Saturdays now being movement days, more lessons can be scheduled on Saturday morning from 9am - 11am and Wednesday afternoon from 1pm - 3pm to restart beginner Opti lessons.
“We are thrilled to see the kids out on the water again, their smiling faces make it so worthwhile! Of course we are also thinking about our adult sailors and have a first informal race scheduled for Saturday June 6.
In addition, members can take out a boat at their own leisure. We actually see quite an interest in temporary memberships among some crew, interns and others who are waiting to leave in July/August when flights possibly resume. Of course they are keen to enjoy all that beautiful St. Maarten has to offer, and being on the water sailing is a perfect way to do that!” continues Korteweg.
A plan for summer camp is in the making starting June 22. Summer camp will be open to all children from 7 – 15 years old, no previous experience required. The program consists out of a combination of sailing, games, watersports, informational workshops by EPIC and is great fun for all ages.
For more information about lessons, the summer camp, memberships or the race on June 6, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
