The Sint Maarten Yacht Club’s 2025-2026 Grant Thornton Keelboat Season Championship came to a close on June 7 after four race days spread across the season, bringing together competitors from the CSA 1, Diam 24, and Sun Fast 20 fleets for another year of spirited racing on Simpson Bay.
The championship opened in November and continued through January, March, and June, providing sailors with a variety of conditions ranging from light-air tactical contests to breezy days that showcased the fleet at its best. Throughout the season, competition remained close, particularly in the CSA 1 class, where several teams traded podium positions across the series.
When the final scores were tallied, Team Island Water World claimed the overall CSA 1 championship, finishing ahead of Caribes Diesel and More Zessin’. In the Diam 24 fleet, Merlin secured first place overall, followed by Anomaly and Buzz Race Team. The Sun Fast 20 championship was won by IGY Marina Racing Team, with Miss Lilly second and Team Spellbound third.
The season concluded in a fresh easterly breeze on Simpson Bay, providing a fitting finale to a successful series sponsored by Grant Thornton. Organizers thanked the sailors, volunteers, race committee, and sponsors who helped make the championship possible and are already looking ahead to the start of the next keelboat season later this year.
Photo caption suggestion: Racing during the final day of the Sint Maarten Yacht Club’s 2025-2026 Grant Thornton Keelboat Season Championship on Simpson Bay. Photo courtesy SMYC.
