Simpson Bay, St Maarten -– The Kidz At Sea Foundation is proud to announce the support of two local businesses: FKG Marine Rigging and Fabricating and St Maarten Sails & Canvas. Both companies have supported the sailing and boat building programs from the start, but now have increased their support with regards to the new boat, the DIDI 26. This boat is being built by 9 students of the Milton Peters College as part of the curriculum.
FKG Marine Rigging and Fabricating is sponsoring the rigging for this new boat, which is a great support as this is not only a very valuable part of the boat, but also extremely technical. Owners Gordon Robb, Shag Morton and Kevin Gavin, avid sailors themselves, have always been very supportive of youth sailing initiatives.
St Maarten Sails & Canvas is donating the sails for the boat. Owner Rob Gilders worked in the marine industry on St Maarten himself for many decades, so he fully understands the importance of teaching the local youth the skills needed in the Marine industry, making them more hirable.
Many other individuals and local businesses have already offered their support for building the DIDI 26, making this project successful and motivating the 9 students to finalize the boat before the 2016 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. “We couldn’t be more grateful for the support we are receiving. Materials, knowledge and manpower, we are receiving it all” said founder Garth Steyn. “The youngsters involved are part of something enormous that has never been done on St. Maarten, they can be very proud of themselves because building a boat takes a lot more skills than building a piece of furniture. They had to step so far out of their comfort zone, as it is no longer just carpentry, but they are doing an amazing job! Added Steyn.”
The Kidz At Sea Foundation was started in 2013 with the goal to introduce St. Maarten youth to all prospects of the marine industry by means of boat building and sailing. Furthermore the two programs will teach the students specific industry related skills and encourage personal development, giving them an advantage when applying for a job
