The Build Your Future Project, a joint initiative of the St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA) and the St. Maarten Sailing School, focuses on the building of a vessel known as the Skerry by high school aged students. The Skerry is a small Norwegian style boat that weighs only 90lbs and arrives as a jigsaw puzzle. Between 5 and 25 students per school will participate to build the boats under the guidance of a teacher dedicated to the project and a qualified mentor with knowledge of the marine industry and marine carpentry. The project is under the Direction of Garth Steyn, SMMTA Youth Sailing Director and head of the St. Maarten Sailing School.
We have had an overwhelming response from the high schools wanting to get involved, and at this time we would like to announce that the following schools will be participating: CIA, St Dominics Academy, Milton Peters College, St Maarten Academy (Vocational) and SBO. The goal is to have all five vessels completed in time to have a first competition as part of the events leading up to the Heineken Regatta. In conjunction with the Regatta organizers an artwork competition will also be held and the winners will get to decorate a sail.
We would also like to announce that the SMMTA's BUILD YOUR FUTURE has gained the following sponsors: Island Water World, Budget Marine, FKG Marine Rigging and Fabrication, St. Maarten Sails and Canvas, the Harbour Group of Companies and Safe Cargo Services. We welcome all sponsors to our team! If you are interested in supporting this exciting and dynamic initiative please contact us via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Stay up-to-date on the progress of the Build Your Future Vessels and with the other youth sailing initiative by reading The Kids Herald.
