The Sylvester Simmons Foundation has announced that Kai Marks-Dasent has been awarded the 2025 Sylvester Simmons Young Sailor of the Year, marking his second time receiving this distinguished honour.
The award highlights an exceptional year defined by athletic excellence, service and leadership — qualities that lie at the heart of the foundation’s mission.
Throughout 2025, Marks-Dasent represented St. Vincent and the Grenadines at major regional and international regattas, including Barbados Youth Sailing Week, the Antigua ILCA Open, the UK ILCA Nationals and the Caribbean Dinghy Championships in Antigua.
His performances displayed discipline, perseverance and pride in representing his nation on the international stage.
What really caught the judges’ eye was when Marks-Dasent raised funds to cover the full cost of CSEC exam fees for 15 students at the Union Island Secondary School, still recovering from Hurricane Beryl, by sailing the 42 miles from St. Vincent to Union Island, solo in his 12 ft ILCA dinghy.
In July 2025, when the King’s Baton Relay arrived in St. Vincent, Marks-Dasent was selected to represent the national youth sailing community as a baton bearer, highlighting his growing role as an ambassador for young people in sport.
In October 2025, Marks-Dasent received further national recognition when he was awarded the Prime Ministerial Youth Sailor of the Year Award. This accolade acknowledged his outstanding achievements, leadership and continued commitment to excellence both on and off the water.
“Kai’s achievements over the past year are truly inspirational,” said Kingsley Simmons of the Sylvester Simmons Foundation.
“He embodies the values of service, courage, and community leadership that defined Sylvester ‘Pepe’ Simmons and we are proud to honour him as a two-time recipient of this award.”
The Sylvester Simmons Foundation (SSF) was established to continue the legacy of Sylvester “Pepe” Simmons of Lower Bay, Bequia — a man remembered for his kindness, generosity and lifelong dedication to supporting young people across the Grenadines.
Through initiatives like the Young Sailor of the Year Award, SSF celebrates youth who excel not only in their fields but also in their commitment to helping others. The Foundation’s work reflects Simmons’ enduring belief in opportunity, fairness, courage and service to others, ensuring that his spirit continues to shape future generations.
This year’s Young Sailor of the Year Award ceremony was held at De Reef, Bequia, on Saturday, with members of the Simmons family, the Bequia sailing community and supporters from across the Grenadines in attendance.
Congratulations to Kai and all those involved in raising and training such a fine young man and sailor. It’s always a pleasure to have him here on Mayreau, setting a great example for our Mayreau Junior Sailors and others.
This isn’t just a sports news item; it’s a blueprint for holistic youth development. It highlights how passion, when coupled with compassion and civic responsibility, can create extraordinary role models. Congratulations to Kai Marks-Dasent on this phenomenal recognition, and kudos to the Sylvester Simmons Foundation for championing these invaluable qualities.
Exactly!