This Easter weekend ten Jeanneau 20's from Lagoon Sailboat Rental, raced in the Quantum Easter Boat Hop along with a group of four youngsters from the SMYC Youth Sailing program racing in the clubs Laser Radials.

In the Jeanneau class, the winner was Andrea Scarabelli with his family team of his young son Alec and his sister and her boyfriend who are visiting from Italy. Second place went to Robbie Ferron with crew Huub Lambooy and Warren Miller, third place to Garth Steyn also sailing with his young daughter Kristi in her first ever race. Fourth place was Chip Rapp who every year flies in from the states just in time for this regatta as he says it is a great start to his holiday here on St.Maarten. Chip’s team beat out "Team Saskia" which was crewed by Saskia Looser and helmed alternately by Bernard Sillem and Ernst Looser.

In the Laser class Kevin van den Berg took first place over Stephen Looser (with sister Johanna crewing). Jolyon Ferron placed third followed by Harry Antrobus in fourth position. Points were very close with positions changing regularly in this class which made for some very exciting racing. The Laser sailors were supported by SMYC coach Maarten Ruijtenberg, who is doing an internship at the SMYC for his sailing teaching qualification course in Friesland, Holland.

Most of the sailing took place in the western end of the lagoon which provides clearly the best sailing conditions. Winds were still shifty but not as extreme as in the Cole Bay area. Winds were between 15 and 20 knots providing spirited but manageable conditions. Prize giving took place on Saturday evening at the club followed by a fabulous barbeque.

The next Sint Maarten Yacht Club event will be the Multi Class Regatta held on April 12th which will be open to Optimists, Lasers and the Jeanneau 20's. This will be a one-day event aimed at stimulating participation in small boat racing and youth development. For information contact Cary Byerley, director@bigboatseries.com

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