THE FACES OF 12 METRE RACING

Country of Birth: South Africa

 

Background:

Sam grew up as an avid sailor in South Africa and competed in races at the national level. She holds a 200T RYA Yacht Masters as well as an engineering certification. After moving to Sint Maarten in 2008 and predominantly captaining catamarans, she transitioned and became an integral piece of the 12 Metre team.

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Favorite 12 Metre Boat: Canada II

Country of Birth: USA

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Background:

David began sailing as a child in Missouri and moved to Sint Maarten in 2013. He began his career in Sint Maarten as a teacher, but soon rediscovered his love for the sea and became a member of the 12 Metre team. Following Hurricane Irma, David left 12 Metre Racing to captain a catamaran, but returned shortly afterwards. 

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Favorite 12 Metre Boat: Canada II

Country of Birth: Austria (Grew up in South Africa)

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Background:

Ernie developed his love for sailing in South Africa as he ventured along the Durban Coast. In 1991, he sailed across the Atlantic to Sint Maarten where he then joined the 12 Metre team. Ernie holds the world record for miles sailed on a 12 metre vessel (over 250,000) and is highly sought after for his knowledge and expertise regarding the sport.

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Favorite 12 Metre Boat: True North IV

Country of Birth: Jamaica

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Background:

Captain Morgan began sailing at a young age whilst living in Jamaica, and rediscovered his love for the sport as a young adult upon moving to Sint Maarten. He joined the 12 Metre team 20 years ago and worked his way up from Crew Member to Senior Captain.

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Favorite 12 Metre Boat: Stars & Stripes

Country of Birth: Sint Maarten

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Growing up on Sint Maarten, Rasheed was a member of the Kids at Sea Sailing Program as a child. It was through this organisation that he developed his love for sailing and the ocean. He Joined the 12 Metre team in 2012 as a Crew Member and was quickly promoted to First Mate. He recently became qualified as Boatmaster 1 and will debut as Captain this season.

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Favorite 12 Metre Boat: True North IV

Country of Birth: Sint Maarten

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Henrick was born and raised on Sint Maarten and worked in the marine industry for many years as a Maintenance Specialist and Builder. He then joined the 12 Metre team in an effort to spend more time on the water. He quickly progressed from Committee Boat Driver to Tender Captain and takes pleasure in interacting with guests on their way out to our historic boats.

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Favorite 12 Metre Boat: Caribbean Spirit

Country of Birth: Sint Maarten

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Growing up on Sint Maarten, Edrickson developed his love for the sport through the Kids at Sea Sailing Program. He joined the 12 Metre team in an effort to satisfy his love for the ocean and will take over as First Mate this upcoming season.

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Favorite 12 Metre Boat: Stars & Stripes

Country of Birth: Sint Maarten

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Akyl discovered the 12 Metre team through Rasheed, a close friend of his and a fellow fan of the sea. Akyl became seasick on his first sail with the crew, but as since become an integral member of the team and thrives on the thrill of the race.

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Favorite 12 Metre Boat: Canada II

Country of Birth: Colombia

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Although Julio was born in Colombia, he grew up on Sint Maarten and developed his love for the ocean through the Kids at Sea Sailing Program. He then joined the 12 Metre team following the reopening in 2018 due to Hurricane Irma. Julio is widely considered the cool, calm and collected member of the team and can always be relied upon in a pickle. 

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Favorite 12 Metre Boat: Canada II

Country of Birth: Sint Maarten

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Raphael was born and raised on Sint Maarten and is the youngest member of the 12 Metre team. He is unable to sit still and and is constantly eager to spring into action either on the water or on the pier. His introduction to sailing came through 12 Metre racing and he has since developed a knowledge and passion for the sport that is rivaled by few others.

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Favorite 12 Metre Boat: True North IV