Robin’s story is here!

Sheila’s story is here

SNOEK was named by Annelise, one of the Nevis Aquatic and Sailing Center's dedicated swim instructors and a familiar face in our Learn to Swim program, Bring It Swim Team, summer camps, and sailing activities.

The name comes from the snoek, a fast and powerful fish found in the waters of South Africa, making it a fitting name for a racing dinghy. Snoek also happens to be the nickname of one of Annelise's cats, combining a bit of her adventurous spirit with a touch of home.

A lifelong lover of the water, Annelise has enjoyed sailing and racing in destinations throughout the Caribbean and beyond, including Antigua, St. Maarten, Tortola, and the Irish Sea. Whether teaching children to swim, supporting club events, or joining in a sailing session, she is always eager to share her enthusiasm for the water with others.

When she's not at the pool or on the sea, Annelise enjoys spending time at the beach with her dog IsaBella, baking bread and cupcakes, and even racing cars. Her passion for adventure, both on land and at sea, makes SNOEK a perfect reflection of her energetic personality and love of trying new things.

Through SNOEK, Annelise hopes to encourage young sailors to be confident, curious, and willing to embrace new challenges, both on the water and in life.

JOLLE was named by the Denne family, long-time supporters of sailing and youth development in Nevis. The name reflects the family's Swedish heritage through Camilla, who is originally from Sweden, and their shared love of life on the water.

In Swedish, jolle means "dinghy," but to the Denne family it represents much more: freedom, adventure, and the simple joy of sailing. An Optimist is the perfect jolle, small but mighty, steady yet playful, and always ready to catch the wind and explore new horizons.

The Denne family has played an important role in the development of sailing in Nevis. Miles, founder of Nevis Yacht Charters, helped establish the original Nevis Yacht Club, which evolved into today's Nevis Aquatic and Sailing Center. His years of dedication helped lay the foundation for the programs that continue to introduce young people to the water today.

Together, Miles and Camilla have been steadfast supporters of the Center, while their daughters, Edith and Filippa, are enthusiastic participants in our programs and members of the Bring It Swim Team. Through JOLLE, the family hopes to inspire confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of the sea in every young sailor who steps aboard.

CATBIRD SEAT was named by the Beale family, who lived on Nevis from 2018 to 2020 and quickly fell in love with the island, its people, and its way of life. Although they no longer live here full-time, Nevis remains a special place to them, and they return regularly to visit. Throughout the years, the Beale family has been a valued supporter of the Nevis Aquatic and Sailing Center and its mission to introduce young people to the water.

The name Catbird Seat holds special meaning for the family. The phrase traditionally refers to being in an enviable or fortunate position, and for the Beales, it perfectly captures how they feel about Nevis.

As they describe it, "The Catbird Seat was named for the idea that if you're lucky enough to be on Nevis, you're lucky enough!"

We think that sentiment beautifully reflects the joy of sailing and the appreciation we all share for this remarkable island. Through CATBIRD SEAT, the Beale family hopes to inspire young sailors to enjoy every adventure, embrace the opportunities before them, and remember just how fortunate they are to experience life on the water in Nevis.

Their story is coming!!!