Dear Compass:
When we bought our Catalina 36 in 2008/09, our intention was for her to become part of a sailing school (Kidz at Sea) and day-charter business. At the time, this was a niche that was still largely open in St. Maarten. Little did we know that this sweet Catalina 36 would go on to become a familiar — and perhaps somewhat understated — icon of the St. Maarten sailing community.
From the very beginning, Moondance was more than a boat. She became the pivot around which a much bigger vision developed: introducing young people to the sea, teaching them to sail, building confidence and responsibility, and showing them the opportunities that a life around the water could provide.
Over the years, many people and organizations supported that vision. A heartfelt thank you goes to Simpson Bay Resort, Essilor, Island Water World, Samewerkende Fondse, Orange Fonds, and the many other sponsors and supporters who stood behind the Kidz at Sea Foundation and its programs.
One of the true pillars of both Moondance and the maritime school, however, has always been IGY Marinas. From the earliest days right through to today, IGY has consistently supported the school and the foundation. That support was not limited to financial assistance. Whenever physical or practical help was needed, IGY was there as well. Their continued commitment to the school, the foundation, and the development of young people in the maritime environment has been an important part of this journey.
Through the foundation and the programs built around Moondance, somewhere between 250 and 300 young people sailed aboard her. For many, she was their first real introduction to sailing. They learned how to handle lines, steer, trim sails, work together as a crew, and, most importantly, develop a respect for the ocean.
But Moondance wasn’t only a classroom. She was also a racer. For more than six consecutive years, Moondance won the Non-Spinnaker Class, along with numerous other regatta victories over the years. One of her most memorable achievements came at the 2024 Heineken Regatta, where she won the Lottery Class.
The story behind that victory is almost as memorable as the result itself. With IGY Marinas as the primary sponsor, and with the owner of the sailing school aboard, Moondance went racing with a crew of six Englishmen who had never sailed before in their lives. Yet somehow, this little Catalina 36 went out and won.
It was another reminder of what Moondance had always been capable of doing. She could take people who had never sailed before, put them together as a crew, teach them the fundamentals, and give them an experience they would never forget.
As the years passed, however, the sailing school and maritime programs continued to grow. Moondance eventually outgrew what she was capable of providing. It was a bittersweet realization. The boat that had been at the centre of so many adventures, lessons, races, and memories could no longer keep pace with the vision she had helped create.
Saying goodbye to her was therefore a deeply bittersweet moment.
Moondance had become part of the family. She had carried hundreds of kids, taught countless sailors, won races, survived the Caribbean, and helped build something much bigger than the boat herself.
But there is comfort in knowing that she has not gone far. Moondance remains in our waters, now with a dynamic young lady who is a dive instructor and wants to sail her around the islands, explore new places, and introduce new sailors and divers to the ocean.
And perhaps that is the perfect ending — or perhaps the perfect beginning — to her next chapter. Because Moondance’s destiny was never simply to be a boat. Her destiny was to teach people about the sea. To teach them how to sail. To teach them how to work together. To teach them how to explore. And above all, to teach them to respect the sea.
The ownership may have changed, but the mission continues.
Fair winds, Moondance. You have earned them.
Regards,
Garth Steyn
Kidz at Sea
