~ Caribbean Sail Training aboard the superyacht Sherakhan ~
Last Saturday, 20 local youngsters, ages 14-17, were lucky enough to enjoy the experience of a true millionaire aboard the superyacht Sherakhan. The crew went above and beyond to spoil the teenagers with a luxurious adventure as they rode wave runners and received virgin piña coladas on a silver platter for Caribbean Sail Training’s most legendary Maritime Experience Day on a motor yacht yet.
Caribbean Sail Training Association is a local non-profit association that aims to help provide education and sail training to the Caribbean youth during day-, week- or several week-sailing trips. They mostly receive funds from businesses, private sponsors, and donors to provide youngsters with trainee opportunities, as many youths and their families are unable to come up with the necessary funds themselves. CST not only sponsors the adventures on board but also, if necessary, hotel accommodation, airline tickets and more.
It was the first time that this day excursion was held on a yacht of such great proportions – making it an unforgettable experience for all involved. According to Caribbean Sail Training President Jan Roosens, “I have known the ship and its owner for many years. Of course, that good relation helped, but it was still unbelievable when he immediately agreed to giving us his ship and crew for a day. It is not every day that a super yacht owner does something like this and offers more than 20 crew members such a luxurious experience out of the goodness of his heart.”
Built as a training vessel by well-known luxury yacht builders A. Vuijk & Zonen in 1965 in the Netherlands, the Sherakhan was later transformed into a superyacht by its owner, ships wharf Bijlsma, and Dick Hoogendoorn. The ship has undergone many refits since then and can now comfortably entertain 24 guests for approximately $500,000 per week plus costs.
The Maritime Experience Day began at 8:15am as the selected teenagers and some accompanying adults gathered at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club before boarding the limousine tender to the Sherakhan anchored in Simpson Bay. Everyone was welcomed aboard with a sparkling drink and some homemade snacks, after which we received a safety briefing and an extensive tour including a look in the engine rooms, chic cabins, and the Captain’s wheel house.
Then it was time for a wonderful breakfast as we set sail towards Tintamarre Island, for a day filled with fun on the water as the youngsters braved the waves on the wave runners, super mattress, or sea bob. In addition, the teenagers snorkelled in the sea, jumped off the different decks, enjoyed the huge Jacuzzi, and played chess and piano in the saloon.
The luxurious day ended with a rich barbecue and made-to-order virgin cocktails on the upper deck. During lunch, The Daily Herald asked the youngsters what their favourite part of the excursion was. The answers ranged from “All of it” to “Everything” – naturally, they all enjoyed their day as millionaires on an exclusive superyacht. Some of them even claimed they wanted to pursue a maritime career and become Sherakhan’s new captain.
Caribbean Sailing Training is a non-profit association that depends on donations to help hundreds of youths. Members pay $100 per year and receive a CST T-shirt for their support. Check out www.caribbeansailtraining.com for more information.
