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By Staff Writer
The St. Kitts and Nevis Sailing Association (SKNSA) is making a decisive push toward international competition, building on years of regional success and sustained grassroots development.
That progress is now on display as three national sailors from the Nevis Aquatic and Sailing Center compete in a training clinic and regatta in Nassau, Bahamas.
The team departed on April 2 to participate in the Bahamas ILCA Open Nationals 2026 and a pre-event High Performance Sailing Clinic. Representing St. Kitts and Nevis are Abhijith Srinivasan (ILCA 6), Melroy Henry (ILCA 7), and Amadi Byron-Hendrickson (ILCA 7).
From April 4–10, the sailors are engaged in an intensive programme led by internationally recognised coach Eduardo Marques, focused on refining technical skills, improving race strategy, and gaining experience against regional competitors. The campaign will culminate with the Bahamas ILCA Open Nationals from April 11–12, featuring competition across ILCA 7, ILCA 6, and ILCA 4 classes.
According to SKNSA President Nicholas Dupré, the Federation operates through a dual-island structure, uniting the St. Kitts Yacht Club and the Nevis Aquatic and Sailing Center.
“We operate independently on a day-to-day basis, but come together throughout the year for competition and coach training,” Dupré said.
While this marks a step onto the international stage, SKN sailors are already seasoned regional competitors, with consistent participation in regattas across Antigua, St. Martin, and St. Barths.
“It’s not our first time competing regionally,” Dupré noted. “We can gain excellent experience just by going to the next island.”
Events such as the Optimist Dinghy Championship and Caribbean Dinghy Championship have enabled the Association to expand exposure while managing costs, allowing more sailors to compete.
“We’re able to expose more sailors rather than just taking one or two further afield,” he explained.
That approach has strengthened the programme and positioned it for its next milestone, with SKNSA awarded a universality spot at the Central American and Caribbean Games—its highest level of competition to date.
Mr. Dupré highlighted that the current group reflects progression across different stages of the pathway.
“Melroy Henry is targeting qualification for the CAC Games, while Amadi Byron-Hendrickson serves in a dual role as athlete and coach, helping to translate his experience within the programme. Abhijith Srinivasan is focused on the World Sailing Emerging Nations Programme, while younger sailors, including Greyson Burrell, are being developed through smaller classes with an eye toward future events such as the Optimist World Championship,” he said.
In preparation, the Federation is prioritising international exposure, recognising the importance of competing in shared conditions.
“You can’t compare times like in track or swimming,” Dupré said. “You have to compete in the same conditions to truly measure performance.”
The Bahamas trip was specifically selected to provide both elite coaching and high-level competition.
“It’s very important to compete outside of St. Kitts and Nevis,” he added. “The clinic is especially valuable for development.”
The SKNSA programme is further strengthened through regional collaboration with Andrew Lewis and his team, aimed at elevating sailing standards across small island nations.
At its core, SKNSA’s strategy remains rooted in grassroots development through summer programmes and weekly training sessions.
“The goal is to get more boats on the water, increase local competition, and build a sailing culture,” Dupré said.
That long-term investment is now producing results, with athletes progressing through a structured pathway from grassroots development to regional competition and now international exposure.
“It has taken over 10 years to build this programme,” Dupré noted. “We are now seeing the benefits.”
He added that the current group reflects both growth and sustainability within the programme.
“There’s a strong sense of community, with sailors training together, and it has taken time to build this group culture that has helped them reach their current level.”
Beyond competition, the programme is also opening pathways into coaching and maritime careers, with several former students transitioning into professional roles.
Dupré pointed to success stories including a former student now working on a mega yacht and another serving as captain of a vessel based at Christophe Harbour, St. Kitts.
With participation on the horizon in the Central American and Caribbean Games, the Optimist World Championship, and the World Sailing Emerging Nations Programme, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for SKN sailing.
“We are on the right track,” Dupré said. “Doors are opening for us.
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