PHILIPSBURG:--- "I am very pleased that the Heineken Regatta organizers and stakeholders have added a new dimension to the 33rd Annual Heineken Regatta with the participation of 10 young people who will participate in the race.
"Our youths need to be stimulated and involved in various sports be it on land or on the water. Our country has much to offer and I am happy to see that our youth will partake in this event which is considered the premiere sailing event in this part of the Caribbean," President of Parliament Hon. Rodolphe Samuel said on Wednesday.
The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, IGY Marinas, and St. Maarten Sailing School, joined in partnership to sponsor this programme whereby 10 youths will crew two boats and be at the start line of the regatta race.
The 33rd Heineken Regatta kicks off on February 28 and runs through March 3.
The 10 youth sailors, ages 16-19, are students at Milton Peters College, and will be sailing on a Catalina 36 named "Moondance," and a Beneteau 30 called "Vanille."
The young sailors have received training and are enrolled in a community service programme at St. Maarten Yacht Club.
"I would like to wish the 10 young people who have been given this opportunity much success in the yacht race next week.
"I also would like to use this opportunity to appeal to other young people out there to make use of this opportunity that is offered by the St. Maarten Sailing School with respect to learning how to sail among other related aspects," President Samuel concluded.
