Update Rebuilding Efforts

A large gathering of members, supporters and sailors came together for the official Dock Opening & Fundraising Event at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club last Saturday. After months of rebuilding, the Club invited the community of St Maarten to come and witness the progress that was made at the Club since hurricane Irma. The event combined a fundraising and sailing event to generate awareness for the youth sailing program and a total of $5800 was raised for the Club’s rebuilding efforts and sailing school.

The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs, Jorien Wuitte, represented the St Maarten Government at the official dock opening and in her speech commended the Sint Maarten Yacht Club on its rebuilding efforts. “By offering the St Maarten youngsters a distraction by taking them sailing as early as October, it is very admirable as it provided them with a positive experience.” She continued emphasizing the importance of organizations to the local economy: “To see organizations like yours rebuild and open for business is of great importance to St Maarten, as we need the tourists and visitors to come to the island and enjoy all it has to offer.” The dock was officially reopened after hoisting the Sint Maarten and Sint Maarten Yacht Club flags by Minister Wuitte, Alec Scarabelli (one of the top St Maarten youth sailors), Michel Soons (the SMYC Commodore), and former Commodore Chris Marshall.

The event concluded with a raffle for which the Club received many donations from restaurants, hotels, businesses and individuals. Enough tickets were sold to raise over $5,500. The proceeds will go towards the remaining rebuilding efforts and youth sailing program.

A big thank you goes to all who generously donated to the raffle!