SIMPSON BAY: A sea of pink took over Simpson Bay on Saturday, October 3, as more than 300 participants boarded four full boats for Aqua Mania Adventures’ annual Pink Sunset Sail, coming together for an evening of fun, community, and, most importantly, support for breast cancer awareness on St. Maarten. Aqua Mania’s boats Lambada and Tango are supported by Out Island Charters, who generously made two of their catamarans available, significantly increasing the size of the event.
The popular fundraising event once again brought together longtime supporters and many new faces, all dressed in the event's signature pink t-shirts, ready to support an important cause. The evening began with a lively pre-sail mixer, where guests enjoyed food and drinks sponsored by La Patrona and Sutter Home wines, connected with old friends and made new ones before heading out on the water for the sunset sail.
Among the familiar faces were members of the Torborg family, who have participated in the Pink Sunset Sail since its very first edition. For the family, the cause hits particularly close to home. In their hometown, Long Island, New York, breast cancer affects approximately one in nine women, and their own family has been personally impacted by the disease, with one family member being a breast cancer survivor.
To commemorate their years of participation and support, the Torborg family presented Aqua Mania Adventures with a very special gift: a beautifully handmade quilt created from T-shirts collected from previous editions of the Pink Sunset Sail. The quilt serves as a touching visual representation of the event’s history and of the community that has grown around it over the years.
The Pink Sunset Sail would not be possible without the tremendous support of St. Maarten’s business community. Close to 100 local businesses donated more than 240 raffle prizes, ranging from restaurant and retail vouchers to hotel stays, experiences, and an assortment of fun and useful items.
Throughout the sail, participants purchased raffle tickets for the opportunity to win the donated prizes, adding another important fundraising element to the evening. Even businesses that couldn't contribute a raffle prize found other ways to support the cause, with several purchasing Pink Sunset Sail tickets for their employees to participate.
The proceeds benefit the Elektralyets Foundation and Positive Foundation, supporting their continued work in breast cancer awareness, education, and early detection on St. Maarten.
Positive Foundation President Shelly Alphonso delivered an especially emotional message during the event. Alphonso was unable to attend last year’s Pink Sunset Sail following her own breast cancer diagnosis and is still undergoing treatment. Returning this year, she shared her personal experience and emphasized the message at the heart of the Pink Sunset Sail: early detection saves lives.
Her words served as a powerful reminder that behind the pink shirts, prizes and celebration is a cause that affects families throughout the St. Maarten community.
With the combined support of participants, sponsors, raffle donors, volunteers, and the wider community, the 2026 Pink Sunset Sail raised over $11,000 for the Elektralyets Foundation and Positive Foundation.
The funds will help the foundations continue their breast cancer awareness initiatives, including providing 100 free mammograms and encouraging women and men throughout the community to prioritize screening and early detection.
For Aqua Mania Adventures, seeing four boats filled with more than 300 people from supporters who return year after year to those experiencing their first Pink Sunset Sail once again demonstrated what can happen when the community comes together behind a cause.
Aqua Mania Adventures extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who purchased a ticket, donated a raffle prize, sponsored or supported the event, volunteered their time, or simply showed up wearing pink.
What started as a sunset sail has grown into an annual community tradition: one that celebrates survivors, remembers those lost, supports those currently undergoing treatment and, above all, continues to spread the message that early detection can save lives.
About Aqua Mania Adventures:
Aqua Mania Adventures is a premier boat excursion and adventure company in St. Maarten, offering a wide range of excursions and activities for tourists and locals alike. With a strong commitment to safety, quality, and community, Aqua Mania Adventures creates unforgettable experiences on the beautiful waters of the Caribbean.
