Award: Youth Sailor Excellence Award

Biographies of Nominees

Kai Marks-Dasent

At just 14 years old, Kai Marks-Dasent has become one of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ brightest young sailing talents. He began sailing at the age of six and quickly rose to prominence, winning the SVG Optimist National Championship in 2022 and placing 2nd overall at the Antigua Optimist Open. His international breakthrough came at the O’pen Skiff North American Championships, where he finished 3rd out of 81 sailors and 2nd in the Under-15 category.

In 2024, Kai transitioned to the ILCA class, winning the SVG ILCA 4 National Championship, earning the Sylvester Simmons Youth Sailor of the Year Award, and proudly representing his country at the Caribbean Dinghy Championships in Saint Maarten.

This year, he continued his winning streak with 1st place at the Antigua National Championships, strong finishes at Barbados Sailing Week, and multiple local victories. Beyond competition, Kai is a certified Junior Assistant Instructor who coaches young sailors and uses his platform @island_sailor to promote the sport. Through his fundraising sails to Bequia and Union Island, he’s proven himself not just a champion on the water, but a leader and role model off it.

Joshua Weinhardt

Thirteen-year-old Joshua Weinhardt has charted an extraordinary course in sailing, turning a childhood curiosity into a remarkable pursuit of excellence. Drawn to the sea from the age of eight, Joshua’s time on the water quickly evolved from simple fun to a deep passion that continues to shape his life.

By age 13, Joshua had already mastered three boat classes, capturing National Championship titles in the Optimist, Bic, and ILCA 4 categories in consecutive years. Each achievement speaks to his talent, focus, and unwavering commitment to growth both as an athlete and as a young leader in the sport.

In 2024, Joshua proudly represented St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the O’pen Skiff North American Championship in Augusta, gaining valuable international experience and refining the tactical precision that defines his sailing style. A dedicated student of St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua, Joshua devotes much of his free time to training and mentoring younger sailors, admired for his humility, teamwork, and positive energy. Later this year, he will proudly represent his country at the Caribbean Dinghy Championships in Antigua, another exciting step in a journey that continues to inspire all who know him.

Keyron Harris

At just 15 years old, Keyron Harris has already made waves in the world of youth sailing. This summer, Keyron returned home triumphant from the SVG National Youth Sailing Championships held in Calliaqua Bay, St. Vincent where he dominated the Optimist Class to become SVG’s National Champion.

Throughout the 12-race series, Keyron’s determination and skill shone through as he consistently placed among the top three finishers, capturing multiple race victories and proving his mastery on the water. His success is the result of a season of steady growth, dedication, and focus culminating on a performance that earned him not only a first-place trophy, but also the respect of his peers and coaches.

Beyond his achievements on the racecourse, Keyron exemplified sportsmanship and teamwork, assisting fellow sailors, forging friendships across islands, and expressing gratitude to organizers and officials. His blend of talent, humility, and leadership makes him a shining ambassador for Bequia’s sailing community and a promising young athlete with a bright future ahead.

Scarlett Hadley

The year 2025 has been a defining one for Scarlett Hadley, marking tremendous growth both on and off the water. Beginning the season at Barbados Sailing Week and the ILCA Open in Antigua, Scarlett gained valuable regional experience that sharpened her racing skills and confidence.

A standout achievement came with earning a wildcard entry to the Junior Pan American Games, a milestone made possible through her hard work and determination after personally securing sponsorship to attend the qualifier at Midwinter’s East Regatta. Competing internationally was a life-changing experience, offering the chance to train under a world-class coach, race alongside top Caribbean sailors, and build lasting friendships.

At home, Scarlett has continued to give back to the sport by coaching and mentoring young sailors, helping prepare them for the SVG Nationals, and inspiring them to chase their own sailing dreams.

This year has tested Scarlett’s resilience and dedication, transforming her into not only a skilled athlete, but also a role model and ambassador for Caribbean sailing.

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