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Despite a last-ditch dive on the sand to try to return a fierce smash, victory was all but assured for Team Ekam. Like the women’s duo “No Rush” (Mélanie Lédée and Aude Vermillard) from Saint Barthélemy a few dozen minutes earlier, it was after a high-quality final that the men’s duo from Saint Kitts won the first edition of the Caribbean Cup.
Organized by Ouanalao Beach Volley, the tournament brought together 21 teams from Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, Saint Kitts, and Saint Barth on the courts of the Saint-Jean sports complex on March 21 and 22. The event took place in a festive and friendly atmosphere, yet with determination during the many matches held over the two days. Much to the satisfaction of the Ouanalao Beach Volley board members, who were delighted to see the success of the event, which they hope to expand and make a permanent fixture.
After an awards ceremony, with her feet in the sand and a smile on her face, club president Rossella Grimaldi said: “It was a great show and a high level of play! We also had some young girls from Saint Martin who came to compete in their first major tournament. Even though the level was too high for them, it was a tremendous experience for them. Our goal for next year will be to bring in teams from Guadeloupe and Martinique, with whom we’ve already made contact. It’s been a great success. We also organized things well so we could hold the awards ceremony with all the teams. Sometimes, with everyone leaving early, that’s not possible. This time, it was perfectly timed!”
So the date is set for the 2027 edition, with—if everything goes as the members of Ouanalao Beach Volley hope—an even stronger field of competitors.
The board members of Ouanalao Beach Volley, the competition’s organizer: Mélina Scordia (Vice Secretary), Ryan Peter (Vice President), Salomé Gautier (Secretary), Lisa Bernier (Treasurer), and Rossella Grimaldi (President).
Standings
Women
1 - No Rush (Mélanie Lédée and Aude Vermillard, St. Barth)
2 - Take A Seat (SBVA, Sint Maarten)
3 - Team Shaylee (SKAVA, St. Kitts)
Men
1 - Team Ekam (SKAVA, St. Kitts)
2 - Team Codville (SKAVA, St. Kitts)
3 - Cappuccino (David Aubin and Leonardo Gianola, Saint Barth)
